Matthew P Buman1, Sandra J Winter2, Jylana L Sheats2, Eric B Hekler3, Jennifer J Otten2, Lauren A Grieco2, Abby C King4. 1. Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona. Electronic address: mbuman@asu.edu. 2. Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. 3. Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona. 4. Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The built environment can influence physical activity, particularly among older populations with impaired mobility. Existing tools to assess environmental features associated with walkability are often cumbersome, require extensive training, and are not readily available for use by community residents. PURPOSE: This project aimed to develop and evaluate the utility of a computerized, tablet-based participatory tool designed to engage older residents in identifying neighborhood elements that affect active living opportunities. METHODS: Following formative testing, the tool was used by older adults (aged ≥65 years, in 2011) to record common walking routes (tracked using built-in GPS) and geocoded audio narratives and photographs of the local neighborhood environment. Residents (N=27; 73% women; 77% with some college education; 42% used assistive devices) from three low-income communal senior housing sites used the tool while navigating their usual walking route in their neighborhood. Data were analyzed in 2012. RESULTS: Elements (from 464 audio narratives and photographs) identified as affecting active living were commensurate with the existing literature (e.g., sidewalk features, aesthetics, parks/playgrounds, crosswalks). However, within each housing site, the profile of environmental elements identified was distinct, reflecting the importance of granular-level information collected by the tool. Additionally, consensus among residents was reached regarding which elements affected active living opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: This tool serves to complement other assessments and assist decision makers in consensus-building processes for environmental change.
BACKGROUND: The built environment can influence physical activity, particularly among older populations with impaired mobility. Existing tools to assess environmental features associated with walkability are often cumbersome, require extensive training, and are not readily available for use by community residents. PURPOSE: This project aimed to develop and evaluate the utility of a computerized, tablet-based participatory tool designed to engage older residents in identifying neighborhood elements that affect active living opportunities. METHODS: Following formative testing, the tool was used by older adults (aged ≥65 years, in 2011) to record common walking routes (tracked using built-in GPS) and geocoded audio narratives and photographs of the local neighborhood environment. Residents (N=27; 73% women; 77% with some college education; 42% used assistive devices) from three low-income communal senior housing sites used the tool while navigating their usual walking route in their neighborhood. Data were analyzed in 2012. RESULTS: Elements (from 464 audio narratives and photographs) identified as affecting active living were commensurate with the existing literature (e.g., sidewalk features, aesthetics, parks/playgrounds, crosswalks). However, within each housing site, the profile of environmental elements identified was distinct, reflecting the importance of granular-level information collected by the tool. Additionally, consensus among residents was reached regarding which elements affected active living opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: This tool serves to complement other assessments and assist decision makers in consensus-building processes for environmental change.
Authors: Matthew P Buman; Sandra J Winter; Cathleen Baker; Eric B Hekler; Jennifer J Otten; Abby C King Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2012-06 Impact factor: 3.046
Authors: Richard P Troiano; David Berrigan; Kevin W Dodd; Louise C Mâsse; Timothy Tilert; Margaret McDowell Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 5.411
Authors: Matthew P Buman; Farryl Bertmann; Eric B Hekler; Sandra J Winter; Jylana L Sheats; Abby C King; Christopher M Wharton Journal: Public Health Nutr Date: 2014-06-23 Impact factor: 4.022
Authors: Lisa G Rosas; Deborah Salvo; Sandra J Winter; David Cortes; Juan Rivera; Nicole M Rodriguez; Abby C King Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2016-12 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Susan G Zieff; Elaine A Musselman; Olga L Sarmiento; Silvia A Gonzalez; Nicolas Aguilar-Farias; Sandra J Winter; J Aaron Hipp; Karoll Quijano; Abby C King Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2018-12 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Matthew P Buman; Dana R Epstein; Monica Gutierrez; Christine Herb; Kevin Hollingshead; Jennifer L Huberty; Eric B Hekler; Sonia Vega-López; Punam Ohri-Vachaspati; Andrea C Hekler; Carol M Baldwin Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2016-09 Impact factor: 3.046
Authors: Sandra J Winter; Lisa Goldman Rosas; Priscilla Padilla Romero; Jylana L Sheats; Matthew P Buman; Cathleen Baker; Abby C King Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2016-10
Authors: Abby C King; Sandra J Winter; Jylana L Sheats; Lisa G Rosas; Matthew P Buman; Deborah Salvo; Nicole M Rodriguez; Rebecca A Seguin; Mika Moran; Randi Garber; Bonnie Broderick; Susan G Zieff; Olga Lucia Sarmiento; Silvia A Gonzalez; Ann Banchoff; Juan Rivera Dommarco Journal: Transl J Am Coll Sports Med Date: 2016-05-15