Physical inactivity is a known risk factor for obesity and related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Substantial variations exist in physical activity and obesity by various factors such as socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Recent research has clarified the multiple domains of physical activity (discretionary, household, transport-related and occupational) as well as the role that the built environment can play in supporting or impeding physical activity. It is now clear that transport-related physical activity, i.e. activity undertaken to get to a destination, can help play a major role in achieving recommended levels of physical activity. Public transit is a natural candidate for study in this regard because use of transit almost invariably requires some degree of activity to travel to and from the stops, such as walking or biking. The purpose of the proposed time-sensitive project is to evaluate, in the context of a natural experiment, the short and long-term effect of a new light rail transit (LRT) system on adult's physical activity in Houston, Texas. We are particularly interested in understanding this effect in the low-income, ethnically diverse adul population residing along the LRT line. This study is possible because of an ongoing expansion of the city's LRT system. To accomplish this goal, we propose the following three specific aims in 1,400 residents living within a half-mile of the new rails lines and 500 living beyond walking distance of the lines: (1) Evaluate the short-term (<12 months) and long-term (24 & 36 months) impact of accessibility to a new LRT line on LRT and overall transit use; (2) Evaluate the short- and long-term impact of LRT use on transit-related and overall physical activity levels; and (3) Using travel choice modeling techniques, examine the factors (such as demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors) influencing individuals' LRT mode choice decision, as well as the relation between individuals' LRT mode choice and active-travel behavior choices. We will assess typical travel patterns and transit use with travel diaries; self-reported physical activity; measure resident perceptions of the neighborhood environment; conduct on-the-ground neighborhood audits; and develop GIS-based profiles of the built environment of study neighborhoods. A subgroup of 1000 participants (500 each in intervention and control areas) will wear accelerometers for one week to provide a direct measure of physical activity. Baseline data will be collected prior to the lines' opening in late December 2013, with follow-up occurring once a year for three years. This proposed project improves substantially upon related prior studies. First, with a follow-up of three years post-LRT opening, we will be able to determine sustainability of changes to physical activity. Second, our target population is primarily minority and lower income, a collectively understudied group regarding physical activity. The population is also representative of demographic changes projected to occur in the rest of the Unites States. Third, we have a strong interdisciplinary team of consisting of specialists in epidemiology and public health, biostatistics, behavioral science and transportation engineering.

Public Health Relevance

It is increasingly recognized that transportation infrastructure has a significant effect on physical activity and obesity. This study will be the most comprehensive evaluation of the effect of a new light rail transit system on changes in physical activity and travel behavior to date. Our results will provide a detailed evidence base for policy makers wishing to incorporate health considerations into the planning and construction of large-scale investments of transportation funding.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
4R01DK101593-04
Application #
9104152
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDK1)
Program Officer
Kuczmarski, Robert J
Project Start
2013-09-12
Project End
2018-06-30
Budget Start
2016-07-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
800771594
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77225
Knell, Gregory; Durand, Casey P; Shuval, Kerem et al. (2018) Transit use and physical activity: Findings from the Houston travel-related activity in neighborhoods (TRAIN) study. Prev Med Rep 9:55-61
Knell, Gregory; Durand, Casey P; Shuval, Kerem et al. (2018) If You Build It, Will They Come? A Quasi-experiment of Sidewalk Improvements and Physical Activity. Transl J Am Coll Sports Med 3:66-71
Durand, Casey P; Zhang, Kai; Salvo, Deborah (2017) Weather is not significantly correlated with destination-specific transport-related physical activity among adults: A large-scale temporally matched analysis. Prev Med 101:133-136
Salvo, Deborah; Banda, Jorge A; Sheats, Jylana L et al. (2017) Impacts of a Temporary Urban Pop-Up Park on Physical Activity and Other Individual- and Community-Level Outcomes. J Urban Health 94:470-481
Salvo, Deborah; Sarmiento, Olga L; Reis, Rodrigo S et al. (2017) Where Latin Americans are physically active, and why does it matter? Findings from the IPEN-adult study in Bogota, Colombia; Cuernavaca, Mexico; and Curitiba, Brazil. Prev Med 103S:S27-S33
Durand, Casey P; Pettee Gabriel, Kelley K; Hoelscher, Deanna M et al. (2016) Transit Use by Children and Adolescents: An Overlooked Source of and Opportunity for Physical Activity? J Phys Act Health 13:861-6
Durand, Casey P; Oluyomi, Abiodun O; Gabriel, Kelley Pettee et al. (2016) The Effect of Light Rail Transit on Physical Activity: Design and Methods of the Travel-Related Activity in Neighborhoods Study. Front Public Health 4:103
Sener, Ipek N; Lee, Richard J; Elgart, Zachary (2016) Potential Health Implications and Health Cost Reductions of Transit-Induced Physical Activity. J Transp Health 3:133-140
Lee, Richard J; Sener, Ipek N (2016) Transportation Planning and Quality of Life: Where Do They Intersect? Transp Policy (Oxf) 48:146-155
Durand, Casey P; Tang, Xiaohui; Gabriel, Kelley P et al. (2016) The Association of Trip Distance With Walking To Reach Public Transit: Data from the California Household Travel Survey. J Transp Health 3:154-160

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