Neighbourhood walkability associated with initiation of, and adherence to, a pedometer-based physical activity intervention among inactive Canadian adults

Consistent evidence suggests that the built environment can influence physical activity. However, the extent to which the neighbourhood built environment constrains or amplifies the effectiveness of physical activity interventions is understudied. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the role of the neighbourhood built environment in constraining or facilitating the effectiveness of a 12-week internet-facilitated pedometer-based physical activity intervention (UWALK) among inactive adults. Specifically, this thesis examined the effects of the objectively-measured neighbourhood built environment (i.e., walkability estimated via Walk Score®) and the self-reported (perceived) neighbourhood built environment on adoption of, adherence to the UWALK intervention, and levels of pedometer-measured physical activity. A quasi-experiment was undertaken in Calgary between May 2016 and August 2017 which included 573 inactive adults. Self-reported walkability was positively associated with pedometer-measured physical activity. Walk Score® was not significantly associated with pedometer-measured physical activity. Neither objectively-measured walkability or perceived walkability were significantly associated with UWALK adoption or adherence outcomes. Strategies for targeting neighbourhood perceptions may improve the effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Medicine – Community Health Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Cumming School of Medicine

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Consoli, Anna

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• McCormack, Gavin R.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Nettel-Aguirre, Alberto
• Spence, John R.
• Yang, Lin

• pedometer; intervention; built environment; physical activity; walkability

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/36809

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/110718