An Examination of Active Commuting by Race/Ethnicity, Income and Location

Introduction Active commuting (AC; walking and biking to work) is associated with a number of positive health outcomes, low participation remains low in the USA. Our objective was to examine the multi-level influences on AC considering social determinants of health: race/ethnicity, income level and location. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey examining correlates of AC in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The sample consisted of 1,310 adults over the age of 18 who were employed part- or full-time outside of the home and physically able to walk and bike. One-way ANOVAs, t-tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were run to examine the relationship between AC and influences based on the Social Ecological Model for each of the different groups (non/metro, higher/lower-income, white/black/other). Results There was not a significant difference in active commuting for higher income participants compared to lower income participants. Among both low and high income individuals, males were more likely to AC than females. Metro participants reported significantly more AC trips compared to non-metro participants. Blacks were least likely to AC, followed by whites, with all other racial/ethnic groups having the highest rates of AC. Variables from multiple levels were significant influencers on AC in each population. Conclusion The findings from this study provide insight into the multi-level influences of AC in a variety of diverse population that are often at higher risk for diseases associated with physical inactivity and obesity. This information is useful in providing a foundation for future multi-level approaches targeting AC identifying populations with which to implement AC

Measurement of Body Density using the Bod Pod® versus Underwater Weighing - A Validation Study in Adult Black Women

This study examined the validity of the Bod Pod®, using underwater weighing (UWW) as the criterion, for the determination of body density (Db) and estimation of percent body fat (%BF). Thirty-six healthy Black women (25.2 ± 5.3) completed one UWW measurement period and one Bod Pod® measurement period to determine Db. Percent body fat was estimated from Db using the general Siri formula and the race/ethnicity-specific Ortiz formula. Results showed no significant differences between Db (g/cm3) as measured by the Bod Pod® and UWW in adult Black women (p = 0.715). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between the Siri and Ortiz %BF estimations, with Ortiz estimating %BF to be approximately 1.0% greater than Siri. These results suggest that while the Bod Pod® is valid in determining Db in adult Black women, the use of race/ethnicity-specific equations are necessary when determining %BF in this population.Master of Art

The Relationship of Living Environment with Behavioral and Fitness Outcomes by Sex: an Exploratory Study in College-aged Students

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(3): 330-339, 2017. Although physical activity (PA) is associated with several health benefits, there is a marked decline during college years, which is an influential period for the development of health behaviors. This study examined the relationship of neighborhood and living environment with behavioral (PA and sedentary behavior) and fitness outcomes by sex. Participants were college students that participated in a fitness assessment, followed by a survey that measured self-reported exercise and perception of one’s environment (sidewalks, crime, traffic, access to PA resources in their neighborhood and/or apartment complex). Pearson correlations examined the relationship between behavioral (moderate and vigorous PA, sedentary behavior, active travel) and fitness outcomes (VO2max, percent body fat, body mass index, push-ups, curl-ups, blood lipids and glucose) with environmental measures separately by sex. Among participants (n=444; female=211, male n=234) environment was significantly related to PA and fitness, with noted differences by sex. For males, seeing others exercising in the neighborhood and in their apartment complex, using neighborhood bike lanes, crime and the number of PA resources at their apartment complex were associated with behavioral and fitness outcomes. Among females, sidewalks in the neighborhood, seeing others exercising, using neighborhood bike lanes and number of PA apartment complex resources were significantly correlated with fitness and behavioral outcomes. These findings suggest a possible relationship between students’ objectively measured fitness and their environment for PA. Future implications include the development of policies to create student housing that supports physical activity and expansion of campus wellness initiatives to off-campus locations

Examining Capacity and Functioning of Bicycle Coalitions: A Descriptive Study

BackgroundBicycle coalitions represent a strong partner in creating bike-friendly communities through advocacy for physical infrastructure, encouragement for biking, or education about safety. Despite their versatility, little is known about their functioning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine capacity, strengths, and weaknesses of these organizations.MethodsBicycle coalitions/advocacy groups from English-speaking countries were recruited to take part in an online survey via email invitation. The survey addressed basic information about the coalition (community demographics, location), leadership, communication strategies, coalition priorities, barriers to programming/activities, and partners.ResultsCoalitions (n = 56) from four countries completed the survey. Most coalitions operated as a non-profit (n = 44, 95.7%), 45% (n = 21) have paid staff as leaders, while 37% (n = 17) have volunteers as leaders. The following skills were represented in coalitions’ leadership: fundraising (n = 31, 53.4%), event planning (n = 31, 53.4%), urban planning (n = 26, 44%), and policy/legislation expertise (n = 26, 44.8%). Education (n = 26, 63.4%) and encouragement (n = 25, 61.6%) were viewed as top priorities and the safety of bicyclists (n = 21, 46.7%) and advocacy for infrastructure and policy (n = 22, 48.9%) is the focus of most activities. A lack of financial resources (n = 36, 81.8%) and capable personnel (n = 25, 56.8%) were significant barriers to offering programming in the community and that the availability of grants to address issues (n = 38, 86.4%) would be the top motivator for improvements.ConclusionBike coalitions represent a critical partner in creating activity-friendly environments and understanding their capacity allows for creating skill/capacity building intervention programs, development of effective toolkits and fostering strong collaborations to address physical inactivity