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This study examined associations between changes in neighbourhood walkability and body mass index (BMI) among 1041 residents who relocated within Brisbane, Australia between 2007 and 2016 over five waves of the HABITAT study. Measures included spatially-derived neighbourhood walkability (dwelling density, street connectivity, and land use mix) and self-reported height and weight. No associations were found between any neighbourhood walkability characteristics and BMI. Examining these associations over the life course, and the impact of residential relocation in the younger years, remains a priority for future research. • We examined associations between changes in neighbourhood walkability and BMI. • Participants were 1041 relocated residents in Brisbane, Australia over 9 years. • No associations were found between neighbourhood walkability BMI. • Examining these associations over the life course is a future research priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking for transport is a potential solution to increasing physical activity in mid to older aged adults however neighbourhood crime may be a barrier. Using data from the How Areas in Brisbane Influence HealTh and AcTivity (HABITAT) study 2007–2016, this study examined associations between changes in crime (perceived crime and objectively measured crime) and changes in transport walking, and whether this association differed by gender. Fixed effects regression modelled associations between changes in crime and changes in transport walking, with interaction terms examining effect modification by gender. Positive associations were found between crimes against person and walking for transport. There was no evidence of effect modification by gender. Understanding the relationship between crime and walking for transport can inform policies aimed at promoting transport walking. • Fixed effects models analysed neighbourhood crime and transport walking. • Focus on mid to older aged adults. • Positive association found for crimes against person and transport walking. • The findings can inform policies aimed at promoting transport walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is evidence that neighbourhood walkability and greenery are associated with walking, but less is known about their joint associations. We investigated this using data from the AusDiab3 study (2011/12) with 3032 adults (mean age 60 years). Two-level logistic regression models were used with binary walking outcomes. There was an inverse relationship (r = −0.5) between walkability (a composite measure of residential, destinations and intersections densities) and greenery (the size of densely vegetated areas). However, both walkability and greenery were independently positively associated with odds of walking. Regarding joint associations, in low-walkability neighbourhoods, greenery was positively associated with walking. In high-walkability neighbourhoods, greenery was not associated with walking. • Associations with walkability and greenery with walking were examined. • High- and low-walkability neighbourhoods had less and more greenery, respectively. • Walkability and greenery were independently beneficially associated with walking. • In low-walkability neighbourhoods, greenery was beneficially associated with walking. • In high-walkability neighbourhoods, greenery was not associated with walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most adolescents do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. The before-school segment has been identified as one promising opportunity for intervention; however, there is a need for contextual understanding of PA in this segment. This study aimed to examine: a) adolescents' PA levels across various locations before school (6:00am – school start), b) contributions of before-school PA to daily PA and PA guidelines, and c) correlates of location-specific before-school PA. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using adolescents' (n = 148, mean age 14.7) accelerometer and GPS data. Adolescents averaged 9.7 min in before-school moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), representing substantial contributions to daily activity. Most MVPA occurred away from home and school. Significant correlates included segment duration, age, socio-economic status, and PA self-efficacy. Future work should consider these patterns and correlates to support adolescents' PA through targeted interventions. • Adolescents spent an average of 9.7 min in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the before-school segment. • Most before-school MVPA took place in locations away from the home and school settings. • Boys were significantly more active than girls at school during this segment, but no gender differences were identified in other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]