Cross-continental comparison of the association between the physical environment and active transportation in children: a systematic review

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Review

Erica Hinckson¹  Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij²  Griet Vanwolleghem²  Greet Cardon²  Sara D’Haese³  Delfien Van Dyck³  Benedicte Deforche⁴ 

[1] Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand;Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium;Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium;Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Egmontstraat 5, 1000, Brussels, Belgium;Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium;Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Department of Human Biomechanics and Biometry, Vrije Unversiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussel, Belgium;

关键词: Walkability;    Walk/cycle facilities;    Aesthetics;    Safety;    Recreation facilities;    Active travel;    Walking;    Cycling;    Children;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12966-015-0308-z

 received in 2015-04-23, accepted in 2015-11-19,  发布年份 2015

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe purpose of this systematic review was to determine the relationship between a wide range of physical environmental characteristics and different contexts of active transportation in 6- to 12-year-old children across different continents.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in six databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Cinahl, SportDiscus, TRIS and Cochrane) resulting in 65 papers, eligible for inclusion. The investigated physical environmental variables were grouped into six categories: walkability, accessibility, walk/cycle facilities, aesthetics, safety, recreation facilities.ResultsThe majority of the studies were conducted in North America (n = 35), Europe (n = 17) and Australia (n = 11). Active transportation to school (walking or cycling) was positively associated with walkability. Walking to school was positively associated with walkability, density and accessibility. Evidence for a possible association was found for traffic safety and all forms of active transportation to school. No convincing evidence was found for associations between the physical environment and active transportation during leisure.General safety and traffic safety were associated with active transportation to school in North America and Australia but not associated with active transportation to school in Europe.ConclusionsThe physical environment was mainly associated with active transportation to school. Continent specific associations were found, indicating that safety measures were most important in relation to active commuting to school in North America and Australia. There is a need for longitudinal studies and studies conducted in Asia, Africa and South-America and studies focusing specifically on active transportation during leisure.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© D’Haese et al. 2015