Effects of the built environment on physical activity: a systematic review of longitudinal studies taking sex/gender into account

Abstract

Background Individual health behavior is related to environmental and social structures. To promote physical activity (PA) effectively, it is necessary to consider structural influences. Previous research has shown the relevance of the built environment. However, sex/gender differences have yet not been considered. The aim of this systematic review was to identify built environmental determinants of PA by taking sex/gender into account. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out using six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Knowledge) to identify studies analyzing the effect of changes in the built environment on PA, taking sex/gender into account. To be included, studies had to be based on quantitative data and a longitudinal study design. Changes in the built environment had to be objectively assessed. The methodological quality of the studies was examined using the QualSyst tool for examining risk of bias. Results In total, 36 studies published since 2000 were included in this review. The data synthesis revealed that the majority of reviewed studies found the built environment to be a determinant of PA behavior for both, males and females, in a similar way. Creating a new infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transportation showed a positive effect on PA behavior. Findings were most consistent for the availability of public transport, which was positively associated with overall PA and walking. The improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure had no effect on the overall level of PA, but it attracted more users and had a positive effect on active transportation. In women, the availability of public transport, safe cycling lanes, housing density, and the distance to daily destinations proved to be more relevant with regard to their PA behavior. In men, street network characteristics and road environment, such as intersection connectivity, local road density, and the presence of dead-end roads, were more important determinants of PA. Conclusion This review sheds light on the relevance of the built environment on PA. By focusing on sex/gender differences, a new aspect was addressed that should be further analyzed in future research and considered by urban planners and other practitioners.

Locations of Physical Activity: Where Are Children, Adolescents, and Adults Physically Active? A Systematic Review

“…While many studies focused on environmental features promoting or hindering PA [11][12][13], it is also necessary to know where PA occurs. In their systematic review, Tcymbal et al [14] highlight the effects of built environment features on PA and suggest that physical infrastructure improvements, e.g., the creation or renovation of parks, may be promising tools to promote PA. However, insights into the locations that are actually used (or have the potential to be used) for PA are needed to develop more effective strategies to support active living.…”

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour among the Chilean Population: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

“…A study conducted in Santiago city concluded that lower-income areas have less access to public transport and urban quality walking environment [78] and fewer green areas [79] compared to higher-income areas. The PA built environment determinants are also gender-patterned [80], including a higher perceived insecurity around walking environments among middle-income women from Santiago city, when compared to men [81]. In Chile and Latin America, PA interventions have focused mostly on improving physical fitness at school level but have been inconclusive for body weight reduction [82,83].…”

Physical activity in Sahara Moroccan hemodialysis patients

“…This can be explained by the lack of adherence to recommended physical activity which is significantly more frequent in women as found by Hornick and al [ 18 ]. The built environment also has a positive effect on physical activity in women more than men like movability index calculated based on residential density, land use mix, street connectivity, availability of public transport, and public open spaces) [ 19 – 21 ]. These conditions are not yet very available in such context of Sahara.…”