Background:This study examines the relationships between the availability and use of recreational... more Background:This study examines the relationships between the availability and use of recreational destinations and physical activity.Methods:Analysis included n = 1355 respondents. Associations between the density of free and pay-for-use recreational destinations, demographics, and use of free and pay-for-use recreational destinations within the neighborhood were examined, followed by associations with sufficient moderate and vigorous physical activity using generalized estimating equations.Results:The likelihood of using a local pay recreational destination increased for each additional local pay facility (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.73) and was lower for those with motor vehicle access (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.99). The likelihood of using a local free destination increased for each additional local free facility (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20) and was higher among women (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.44). Destination use was associated with both moderate and vigorous-intensity physical...
Abstract Health promotion views collaborations between local governments and citizens as key to i... more Abstract Health promotion views collaborations between local governments and citizens as key to improving health and lessening inequities in urban areas. Public parks, which are typically managed by local governments, are key settings for promoting physical activity, positive social interactions and overall well-being. Yet research on civic participation in park management is essentially absent from the health promotion literature. When the City of Calgary began to implement a new policy on off-leash dogs in parks, we had an opportunity to study civic participation in decision-making. We did so by examining policy documents, participating in meetings and conducting interviews. Off-leash parks have particular relevance for health promotion because they may support physical activity and networking for some, but may escalate conflict and deter park use amongst others. In this case study, the local government engaged citizens in developing an overarching off-leash policy for the city as a whole and in implementing the new policy at the level of neighbourhoods. Of the first three parks to be considered under the new policy, an off-leash area was ultimately designated in just one: a park located in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. By exploring this unexpected outcome, our case study suggests that public engagement, as practiced by local policymakers, may differ from community participation, as endorsed in health promotion. Further reflection on the meaning of ‘public’ is warranted in public health.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2008
Background: This secondary analysis investigated the extent and pattern of one-year tracking of p... more Background: This secondary analysis investigated the extent and pattern of one-year tracking of pedometerdetermined physical activity in people who relocated within the same metropolitan area (T1: baseline and T2: post-relocation). Specifically, data were derived from the RESIDential Environment Project (RESIDE), a natural experiment of people moving into new housing developments. Methods: 1,175 participants (491 males, age = 42.6 ± 12.7 years, BMI = 27.2 ± 9.9 kg/m 2 ; 684 females, age = 41.2 ± 11.3 years, BMI = 25.4 ± 5.2 kg/m 2) wore a Yamax pedometer (SW-200-024) for seven days during the same season at both time points. Pearson's product-moment and Spearman's rank order correlations were used to evaluate the extent of tracking of mean steps/day. Age categories were set as youngest-29.9 (19 was the youngest in males, 20 in females), 30-39.9, 40-49.9, 50-59.9, and 60-oldest (78 was the oldest in males, 71 in females). Change in steps/day was also described categorically as: 1) stably inactive < 7,500 steps/day; 2) decreased activity (moved from ≥ 7,500 to < 7,500 steps/day between T1 and T2); 3) increased activity (moved from < 7,500 to ≥ 7,500 steps/day between T1 and T2); and, 4) stably active ≥ 7,500 steps/day at both time points. Stratified analyses were used to illuminate patterns by sex, age, and BMI-defined weight categories. Results: Overall, there was a small (non-significant) decrease in steps/day between T1 and T2 (mean ± SD is-81 ± 3,090 with 95%CI-259 to 97). With few exceptions (i.e., older women), both Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were moderate (r = 0.30-0.59) to moderately high (r = 0.60-0.70). The relative change/stability in steps/day (cut at 7,500 steps/day) was not significant across age groups in males (χ 2 = 17.35, p = .137) but was in females (χ 2 = 50.00, p < .0001). In both males and females the differences across BMI categories was significant (χ 2 = 22.28, p = .001 and χ 2 = 15.70, p = .015, respectively). For both sexes, those in the obese category were more stably inactive (and less stably active) between assessment points compared with those who were categorized as normal weight. Conclusion: Despite relocation, Western Australian adults held their rank position to a moderate to moderately high extent over one year. Categorized and expressed as relative stability/change over time, sex, age, and BMI patterns were evident.
Associations between access to local destinations and children’s independent mobility (IM) were e... more Associations between access to local destinations and children’s independent mobility (IM) were examined. In 2007, 10- to 12-year-olds ( n = 1,480) and their parents ( n = 1,314) completed a survey. Children marked on a map the destinations they walked or cycled to ( n = 1,132), and the availability of local destinations was assessed using Geographic Information Systems. More independently mobile children traveled to local destinations than other children. The odds of IM more than halved in both boys and girls whose parents reported living on a busy road (boys, OR = 0.48; girls, OR = 0.36) and in boys who lived near shopping centers (OR = 0.18) or community services (OR = 0.25). Conversely, the odds of IM more than doubled in girls living in neighborhoods with well-connected low-traffic streets (OR = 2.32) and increased in boys with access to local recreational (OR = 1.67) and retail (OR = 1.42) destinations. Creating safe and accessible places and routes may facilitate children’s I...
To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state governm... more To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state government 'Liveable Neighborhoods' subdivision code engage in more walking than people who move to other types of developments. Methods: A natural experiment of 1813 people building homes in 73 new housing developments in Perth, Western Australia were surveyed before, then 12 and 36 months after moving. Selfreport walking was measured using the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire. Perceptions of the environment and self-selection factors were collected. Objective measures of the built environment were calculated using GIS. Results: After relocation, participants in Liveable compared with Conventional developments had greater street connectivity, residential density, land use mix and access to destinations and more positive perceptions of their neighborhood (all p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in walking over time by type of development (p>0.05). Conclusions: Implementation of the 'Liveable Neighborhoods' code produced more supportive environments, however the level of intervention was insufficient to encourage more walking. Evaluations of new urban planning policies need to incorporate longer term follow-up to allow time for new neighborhoods to develop.
Older adults requiring home care service have a high risk of depression. Instruments for detectin... more Older adults requiring home care service have a high risk of depression. Instruments for detecting depression among older adults, however, are often too long and detailed for easy administration by nontrained staff in large service-based settings.This study examined the measurement properties (test—retest reliability, concurrent validity, and cross-modality correspondence) of a single-item screener for depressive symptoms among older adults receiving home
, TJ (2004). An update of recent evidence of the relationship between objective and seK-report me... more , TJ (2004). An update of recent evidence of the relationship between objective and seK-report measures of the physical environment and physical activity behaviours.
Given that recent literature reviews on physical activity in urban parks deliberately excluded qu... more Given that recent literature reviews on physical activity in urban parks deliberately excluded qualitative findings, we reviewed qualitative research on this topic informed by a published classification scheme based on quantitative research. Twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies relied mainly on semi-structured interviews with individuals or in focus groups; only five studies involved in situ observation. Our synthesis aligns with previous quantitative research showing that attributes including safety, aesthetics, amenities, maintenance, and proximity are important for encouraging park use. Furthermore, our synthesis of qualitative research suggests that perceptions of the social environment entwine inextricably with perceptions of the physical environment. If so, physical attributes of parks as well as perceptions of these attributes (formed in relation to broader social contexts) may influence physical activity patterns. Both qualitative and quantitative methods provide useful information for interpreting such patterns, and in particular, when designing and assessing interventions intended to improve the amount and intensity of physical activity.
Background:The influence of participating in vigorous-intensity physical activity and associated ... more Background:The influence of participating in vigorous-intensity physical activity and associated compensatory declines in other types of physical activity in the general population has not been studied well; hence, it is unknown if participation in recommended levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity influence the likelihood of participating in recommended levels of moderate-intensity physical activity.Methods:Face-to-face interviews were conducted on healthy adults (n = 1803), 18 to 59 years of age, recruited from the top and lower quintiles of socioeconomic status within Perth, Western Australia. Data on television watching, vigorous-intensity activity, moderate-intensity activity, and walking for recreation and transport were used in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine whether participation in recommended levels of vigorous-intensity activity predicted participation in recommended levels of other types of physical activity and television watching.Results...
Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention o... more Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention of many chronic diseases and conditions or a reduction in their adverse effects. Intervention studies suggest that promoting dog walking among dog owners who do not routinely walk their dogs may be an effective strategy for increasing and maintaining regular physical activity. Strategies that emphasize the value of dog walking for both dogs and people, promote the context-dependent repetition of dog walking, enhance the social-interaction benefits, encourage family dog walking, and ensure availability of public space for dog walking may encourage increased dog walking. Research also supports organizing buddy systems via “loaner” dogs to facilitate informal walking by dog owners and non–dog owners. Given the number of homes that have dogs, strategies that promote dog walking could be effective at increasing physical activity levels among a significant proportion of the population. Maximizi...
Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals, 2006
The 10,000 steps per day message has become popular, yet few studies have examined correlates ass... more The 10,000 steps per day message has become popular, yet few studies have examined correlates associated with achieving this behaviour target. This paper examines demographic and individual factors associated with adults achieving 10,000 steps/day. Participants in a state-wide, cross-sectional physical activity survey were invited to take part in a pedometer study (n=603, 45% response rate). A pedometer was worn for one week and daily steps recorded in a diary. Participants providing four or more days of pedometer data (n=428) were dichotomised based on achievement of > or =10,000 steps/day. Men performed significantly more daily steps than women on average (10,079+/-3,848 and 9,169+/-3,800, p=0.01). In males, those less likely to achieve > or =10,000 steps/day were > or =60 years of age (OR=0.21) and overweight (i.e. body mass index > or =25kgm2) (OR=0.40), while men who regularly walked in the workplace (OR=1.44), who did vigorous activity at work (OR= 3.75), or who we...
Background and Objectives Methods Results Implications Owning a pet may help support the health o... more Background and Objectives Methods Results Implications Owning a pet may help support the health of older adults, and dogownership is of particular interest for promoting dog-walking. Older dog-walkers appear positioned to maintain high levels of physical activity and social engagement via dog-walking. * All models are adjusted for self-reported health, tenure in the neighbourhood, dwelling type, age, gender, marital status, annual gross household income, education, and season survey was completed.
Bicycling, a popular form of recreation and transportation is associated with positive physical a... more Bicycling, a popular form of recreation and transportation is associated with positive physical and mental health benefits. While bicycle injuries are common, limited evidence regarding environmental risk factors for bicycling injury exists. This study examined whether characteristics of the natural and built environment (e.g., traffic, land use, path and aesthetic features) were associated with bicycle motorvehicle collisions and severe bicyclist injury. Information on injury circumstances was collected from bicyclists in the emergency department, and environmental audits were conducted at injury locations. We visited 274 locations, including 42 motor-vehicle and 34 severe injury sites. Traffic volume, intersections, path obstructions, and commercial land use significantly increased the odds of motor-vehicle events. Path type, road condition, streetlights, and surveillance were related to severe injury. Separating bicyclists from motor-vehicles is of primary importance if collisions are to be reduced. Our findings will inform recommendations to city planners and community leaders to improve bicycling safety and accessibility. iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Brent Hagel for his continued support and encouragement; his expertise and guidance through this process were invaluable. Dr. Hagel inspired me to pursue my studies at the graduate level, and continues to be an inspiration as I move forward. I would also like to recognize the contributions of my committee members, Dr. Brian Rowe, Dr. Gavin McCormack, and Dr. Alberto Nettel-Aguirre. Without the endless supply of candy from my friend Dr. Nettel-Aguirre, the thesis writing process would not have been the same. A special appreciation is directed to Tania Embree for her help, friendship and consideration when the demands of the project took over my time. I would like to acknowledge the time and effort put into this project by Amy Couperthwaite, the project coordinator in Edmonton, as well as all the summer students who helped with data collection. I would like to thank my friends and family for their relentless support. A very special recognition is due to my loving fiancé Brett Romanow. I can attribute my success to his patience, understanding, and ongoing motivation. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.
To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state governm... more To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state government 'Liveable Neighborhoods' sub-division code engage in more walking than people who move to other types of developments.
Objective: Due to rising rates of obesity globally, the present study aimed to examine difference... more Objective: Due to rising rates of obesity globally, the present study aimed to examine differences in overweight and underweight prevalence in Western Australian schoolchildren in 2008 compared with 2003. Design: Cross-sectional study at two time points; using two-stage stratified sampling, primary and secondary schools in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan Western Australia; sample selected was representative of the State's population figures. Settings: Seventeen primary and thirteen secondary (2008) and nineteen primary and seventeen secondary (2003) schools. Government and non-government funded schools in metropolitan and non-metropolitan (regional/rural) Western Australia were recruited. Subjects: Height and weight were measured for 1708 (961 primary and 747 secondary) students in 2008 and 1694 (876 primary and 817 secondary) students in 2003. Results: Overweight and obesity prevalence in primary students was similar in 2008 (22?9 %) to 2003 (23?2 %; P . 0?05). In secondary girls overweight and obesity prevalence dropped from 23?1 % (2003) to 15?9 % (2008; P 5 0?002). Secondary boys showed a slight decrease in overweight and obesity prevalence; however, this was not statistically significant (P 5 0?102). Higher proportions of underweight in primary girls were observed in 2008 (9?9 %) compared with 2003 (4?2 %; P , 0?001) and in secondary girls in 2008 (9?4 %) compared with 2003 (5?5 %; P , 0?001). Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Western Australian primary students was stable; however, it declined in secondary students. Both primary and secondary girls showed an increase in underweight prevalence. Public health interventions are needed for the high percentage of youth still overweight, whereas the observed increase in underweight girls warrants attention and further investigation.
This study investigated whether being driven to school was associated with lower weekday and week... more This study investigated whether being driven to school was associated with lower weekday and weekend step counts, less active out-of-school leisure pursuits, and more sedentary behavior. Boys aged 10-13 years (n = 384) and girls aged 9-13 years (n = 500) attending 25 Australian primary schools wore a pedometer and completed a travel diary for one week. Parents and children completed surveys capturing leisure activity, screen time, and sociodemographics. Commute distance was objectively measured. Car travel was the most frequent mode of school transportation (boys: 51%, girls: 58%). After adjustment (sociodemographics, commute distance, and school clustering) children who were driven recorded fewer weekday steps than those who walked (girls: -1,393 steps p < .001, boys: -1,569 steps, p = .009) and participated in fewer active leisure activities (girls only: p = .043). There were no differences in weekend steps or screen time. Being driven to and from school is associated with less...
Background:This study examines the relationships between the availability and use of recreational... more Background:This study examines the relationships between the availability and use of recreational destinations and physical activity.Methods:Analysis included n = 1355 respondents. Associations between the density of free and pay-for-use recreational destinations, demographics, and use of free and pay-for-use recreational destinations within the neighborhood were examined, followed by associations with sufficient moderate and vigorous physical activity using generalized estimating equations.Results:The likelihood of using a local pay recreational destination increased for each additional local pay facility (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.73) and was lower for those with motor vehicle access (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.99). The likelihood of using a local free destination increased for each additional local free facility (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20) and was higher among women (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.44). Destination use was associated with both moderate and vigorous-intensity physical...
Abstract Health promotion views collaborations between local governments and citizens as key to i... more Abstract Health promotion views collaborations between local governments and citizens as key to improving health and lessening inequities in urban areas. Public parks, which are typically managed by local governments, are key settings for promoting physical activity, positive social interactions and overall well-being. Yet research on civic participation in park management is essentially absent from the health promotion literature. When the City of Calgary began to implement a new policy on off-leash dogs in parks, we had an opportunity to study civic participation in decision-making. We did so by examining policy documents, participating in meetings and conducting interviews. Off-leash parks have particular relevance for health promotion because they may support physical activity and networking for some, but may escalate conflict and deter park use amongst others. In this case study, the local government engaged citizens in developing an overarching off-leash policy for the city as a whole and in implementing the new policy at the level of neighbourhoods. Of the first three parks to be considered under the new policy, an off-leash area was ultimately designated in just one: a park located in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. By exploring this unexpected outcome, our case study suggests that public engagement, as practiced by local policymakers, may differ from community participation, as endorsed in health promotion. Further reflection on the meaning of ‘public’ is warranted in public health.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2008
Background: This secondary analysis investigated the extent and pattern of one-year tracking of p... more Background: This secondary analysis investigated the extent and pattern of one-year tracking of pedometerdetermined physical activity in people who relocated within the same metropolitan area (T1: baseline and T2: post-relocation). Specifically, data were derived from the RESIDential Environment Project (RESIDE), a natural experiment of people moving into new housing developments. Methods: 1,175 participants (491 males, age = 42.6 ± 12.7 years, BMI = 27.2 ± 9.9 kg/m 2 ; 684 females, age = 41.2 ± 11.3 years, BMI = 25.4 ± 5.2 kg/m 2) wore a Yamax pedometer (SW-200-024) for seven days during the same season at both time points. Pearson's product-moment and Spearman's rank order correlations were used to evaluate the extent of tracking of mean steps/day. Age categories were set as youngest-29.9 (19 was the youngest in males, 20 in females), 30-39.9, 40-49.9, 50-59.9, and 60-oldest (78 was the oldest in males, 71 in females). Change in steps/day was also described categorically as: 1) stably inactive < 7,500 steps/day; 2) decreased activity (moved from ≥ 7,500 to < 7,500 steps/day between T1 and T2); 3) increased activity (moved from < 7,500 to ≥ 7,500 steps/day between T1 and T2); and, 4) stably active ≥ 7,500 steps/day at both time points. Stratified analyses were used to illuminate patterns by sex, age, and BMI-defined weight categories. Results: Overall, there was a small (non-significant) decrease in steps/day between T1 and T2 (mean ± SD is-81 ± 3,090 with 95%CI-259 to 97). With few exceptions (i.e., older women), both Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were moderate (r = 0.30-0.59) to moderately high (r = 0.60-0.70). The relative change/stability in steps/day (cut at 7,500 steps/day) was not significant across age groups in males (χ 2 = 17.35, p = .137) but was in females (χ 2 = 50.00, p < .0001). In both males and females the differences across BMI categories was significant (χ 2 = 22.28, p = .001 and χ 2 = 15.70, p = .015, respectively). For both sexes, those in the obese category were more stably inactive (and less stably active) between assessment points compared with those who were categorized as normal weight. Conclusion: Despite relocation, Western Australian adults held their rank position to a moderate to moderately high extent over one year. Categorized and expressed as relative stability/change over time, sex, age, and BMI patterns were evident.
Associations between access to local destinations and children’s independent mobility (IM) were e... more Associations between access to local destinations and children’s independent mobility (IM) were examined. In 2007, 10- to 12-year-olds ( n = 1,480) and their parents ( n = 1,314) completed a survey. Children marked on a map the destinations they walked or cycled to ( n = 1,132), and the availability of local destinations was assessed using Geographic Information Systems. More independently mobile children traveled to local destinations than other children. The odds of IM more than halved in both boys and girls whose parents reported living on a busy road (boys, OR = 0.48; girls, OR = 0.36) and in boys who lived near shopping centers (OR = 0.18) or community services (OR = 0.25). Conversely, the odds of IM more than doubled in girls living in neighborhoods with well-connected low-traffic streets (OR = 2.32) and increased in boys with access to local recreational (OR = 1.67) and retail (OR = 1.42) destinations. Creating safe and accessible places and routes may facilitate children’s I...
To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state governm... more To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state government 'Liveable Neighborhoods' subdivision code engage in more walking than people who move to other types of developments. Methods: A natural experiment of 1813 people building homes in 73 new housing developments in Perth, Western Australia were surveyed before, then 12 and 36 months after moving. Selfreport walking was measured using the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire. Perceptions of the environment and self-selection factors were collected. Objective measures of the built environment were calculated using GIS. Results: After relocation, participants in Liveable compared with Conventional developments had greater street connectivity, residential density, land use mix and access to destinations and more positive perceptions of their neighborhood (all p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in walking over time by type of development (p>0.05). Conclusions: Implementation of the 'Liveable Neighborhoods' code produced more supportive environments, however the level of intervention was insufficient to encourage more walking. Evaluations of new urban planning policies need to incorporate longer term follow-up to allow time for new neighborhoods to develop.
Older adults requiring home care service have a high risk of depression. Instruments for detectin... more Older adults requiring home care service have a high risk of depression. Instruments for detecting depression among older adults, however, are often too long and detailed for easy administration by nontrained staff in large service-based settings.This study examined the measurement properties (test—retest reliability, concurrent validity, and cross-modality correspondence) of a single-item screener for depressive symptoms among older adults receiving home
, TJ (2004). An update of recent evidence of the relationship between objective and seK-report me... more , TJ (2004). An update of recent evidence of the relationship between objective and seK-report measures of the physical environment and physical activity behaviours.
Given that recent literature reviews on physical activity in urban parks deliberately excluded qu... more Given that recent literature reviews on physical activity in urban parks deliberately excluded qualitative findings, we reviewed qualitative research on this topic informed by a published classification scheme based on quantitative research. Twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies relied mainly on semi-structured interviews with individuals or in focus groups; only five studies involved in situ observation. Our synthesis aligns with previous quantitative research showing that attributes including safety, aesthetics, amenities, maintenance, and proximity are important for encouraging park use. Furthermore, our synthesis of qualitative research suggests that perceptions of the social environment entwine inextricably with perceptions of the physical environment. If so, physical attributes of parks as well as perceptions of these attributes (formed in relation to broader social contexts) may influence physical activity patterns. Both qualitative and quantitative methods provide useful information for interpreting such patterns, and in particular, when designing and assessing interventions intended to improve the amount and intensity of physical activity.
Background:The influence of participating in vigorous-intensity physical activity and associated ... more Background:The influence of participating in vigorous-intensity physical activity and associated compensatory declines in other types of physical activity in the general population has not been studied well; hence, it is unknown if participation in recommended levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity influence the likelihood of participating in recommended levels of moderate-intensity physical activity.Methods:Face-to-face interviews were conducted on healthy adults (n = 1803), 18 to 59 years of age, recruited from the top and lower quintiles of socioeconomic status within Perth, Western Australia. Data on television watching, vigorous-intensity activity, moderate-intensity activity, and walking for recreation and transport were used in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine whether participation in recommended levels of vigorous-intensity activity predicted participation in recommended levels of other types of physical activity and television watching.Results...
Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention o... more Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention of many chronic diseases and conditions or a reduction in their adverse effects. Intervention studies suggest that promoting dog walking among dog owners who do not routinely walk their dogs may be an effective strategy for increasing and maintaining regular physical activity. Strategies that emphasize the value of dog walking for both dogs and people, promote the context-dependent repetition of dog walking, enhance the social-interaction benefits, encourage family dog walking, and ensure availability of public space for dog walking may encourage increased dog walking. Research also supports organizing buddy systems via “loaner” dogs to facilitate informal walking by dog owners and non–dog owners. Given the number of homes that have dogs, strategies that promote dog walking could be effective at increasing physical activity levels among a significant proportion of the population. Maximizi...
Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals, 2006
The 10,000 steps per day message has become popular, yet few studies have examined correlates ass... more The 10,000 steps per day message has become popular, yet few studies have examined correlates associated with achieving this behaviour target. This paper examines demographic and individual factors associated with adults achieving 10,000 steps/day. Participants in a state-wide, cross-sectional physical activity survey were invited to take part in a pedometer study (n=603, 45% response rate). A pedometer was worn for one week and daily steps recorded in a diary. Participants providing four or more days of pedometer data (n=428) were dichotomised based on achievement of > or =10,000 steps/day. Men performed significantly more daily steps than women on average (10,079+/-3,848 and 9,169+/-3,800, p=0.01). In males, those less likely to achieve > or =10,000 steps/day were > or =60 years of age (OR=0.21) and overweight (i.e. body mass index > or =25kgm2) (OR=0.40), while men who regularly walked in the workplace (OR=1.44), who did vigorous activity at work (OR= 3.75), or who we...
Background and Objectives Methods Results Implications Owning a pet may help support the health o... more Background and Objectives Methods Results Implications Owning a pet may help support the health of older adults, and dogownership is of particular interest for promoting dog-walking. Older dog-walkers appear positioned to maintain high levels of physical activity and social engagement via dog-walking. * All models are adjusted for self-reported health, tenure in the neighbourhood, dwelling type, age, gender, marital status, annual gross household income, education, and season survey was completed.
Bicycling, a popular form of recreation and transportation is associated with positive physical a... more Bicycling, a popular form of recreation and transportation is associated with positive physical and mental health benefits. While bicycle injuries are common, limited evidence regarding environmental risk factors for bicycling injury exists. This study examined whether characteristics of the natural and built environment (e.g., traffic, land use, path and aesthetic features) were associated with bicycle motorvehicle collisions and severe bicyclist injury. Information on injury circumstances was collected from bicyclists in the emergency department, and environmental audits were conducted at injury locations. We visited 274 locations, including 42 motor-vehicle and 34 severe injury sites. Traffic volume, intersections, path obstructions, and commercial land use significantly increased the odds of motor-vehicle events. Path type, road condition, streetlights, and surveillance were related to severe injury. Separating bicyclists from motor-vehicles is of primary importance if collisions are to be reduced. Our findings will inform recommendations to city planners and community leaders to improve bicycling safety and accessibility. iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Brent Hagel for his continued support and encouragement; his expertise and guidance through this process were invaluable. Dr. Hagel inspired me to pursue my studies at the graduate level, and continues to be an inspiration as I move forward. I would also like to recognize the contributions of my committee members, Dr. Brian Rowe, Dr. Gavin McCormack, and Dr. Alberto Nettel-Aguirre. Without the endless supply of candy from my friend Dr. Nettel-Aguirre, the thesis writing process would not have been the same. A special appreciation is directed to Tania Embree for her help, friendship and consideration when the demands of the project took over my time. I would like to acknowledge the time and effort put into this project by Amy Couperthwaite, the project coordinator in Edmonton, as well as all the summer students who helped with data collection. I would like to thank my friends and family for their relentless support. A very special recognition is due to my loving fiancé Brett Romanow. I can attribute my success to his patience, understanding, and ongoing motivation. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.
To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state governm... more To examine whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state government 'Liveable Neighborhoods' sub-division code engage in more walking than people who move to other types of developments.
Objective: Due to rising rates of obesity globally, the present study aimed to examine difference... more Objective: Due to rising rates of obesity globally, the present study aimed to examine differences in overweight and underweight prevalence in Western Australian schoolchildren in 2008 compared with 2003. Design: Cross-sectional study at two time points; using two-stage stratified sampling, primary and secondary schools in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan Western Australia; sample selected was representative of the State's population figures. Settings: Seventeen primary and thirteen secondary (2008) and nineteen primary and seventeen secondary (2003) schools. Government and non-government funded schools in metropolitan and non-metropolitan (regional/rural) Western Australia were recruited. Subjects: Height and weight were measured for 1708 (961 primary and 747 secondary) students in 2008 and 1694 (876 primary and 817 secondary) students in 2003. Results: Overweight and obesity prevalence in primary students was similar in 2008 (22?9 %) to 2003 (23?2 %; P . 0?05). In secondary girls overweight and obesity prevalence dropped from 23?1 % (2003) to 15?9 % (2008; P 5 0?002). Secondary boys showed a slight decrease in overweight and obesity prevalence; however, this was not statistically significant (P 5 0?102). Higher proportions of underweight in primary girls were observed in 2008 (9?9 %) compared with 2003 (4?2 %; P , 0?001) and in secondary girls in 2008 (9?4 %) compared with 2003 (5?5 %; P , 0?001). Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Western Australian primary students was stable; however, it declined in secondary students. Both primary and secondary girls showed an increase in underweight prevalence. Public health interventions are needed for the high percentage of youth still overweight, whereas the observed increase in underweight girls warrants attention and further investigation.
This study investigated whether being driven to school was associated with lower weekday and week... more This study investigated whether being driven to school was associated with lower weekday and weekend step counts, less active out-of-school leisure pursuits, and more sedentary behavior. Boys aged 10-13 years (n = 384) and girls aged 9-13 years (n = 500) attending 25 Australian primary schools wore a pedometer and completed a travel diary for one week. Parents and children completed surveys capturing leisure activity, screen time, and sociodemographics. Commute distance was objectively measured. Car travel was the most frequent mode of school transportation (boys: 51%, girls: 58%). After adjustment (sociodemographics, commute distance, and school clustering) children who were driven recorded fewer weekday steps than those who walked (girls: -1,393 steps p < .001, boys: -1,569 steps, p = .009) and participated in fewer active leisure activities (girls only: p = .043). There were no differences in weekend steps or screen time. Being driven to and from school is associated with less...
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Papers by G. McCormack