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Location of schools is one of the most important factors for encouraging active school transportation. The study identifies a gap that children lose a considerable amount of time in their school trips. The reason behind this is also identified: the ignorance of the population's preferences while planning for this infrastructure. Location of schools in Kharagpur city is evaluated in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Global Moran's I test and hot spot cluster analysis provided the existing spatial distribution of schools. Desire line maps are prepared to note the distances children are traveling for schools. Parents' preference patterns are comprehended in the SERVQUAL framework. Cluster analysis is performed to identify the different categories of parents with respect to their preference patterns. These categories are profiled with their demographic characteristics using logit model. Next, multinomial logit model is used to ascertain the type of schools selected by the parents of each identified category. The framework developed to assess the expectations and perceptions of parents from schools will help the school providers understand the satisfaction level of their users. Schools of different categories will be able to customize their serviceability. If preference is included in the location planning of schools, it will encourage children for active school transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between objectively assessed neighborhood walkability, walking difficulties, and participation in leisure activities among older people. Methods: Self-reported 2 km walking difficulty (intact, modifications, difficulties) at baseline and participating in organized group, outdoor recreation and cultural activities at baseline and follow-up were studied in community-dwelling persons (N = 848) aged 75–90. A walkability index, calculated using a geographic information system, was categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, highest). Results: Residence in the highest walkability areas was associated with higher participation in cultural activities and lower participation in outdoor recreation, while the latter was most frequently reported by residents in the lowest walkability areas. Those reporting no difficulties were more likely than those reporting difficulties to participate in all studied activities. Residence in the middle or highest walkability areas predicted higher participation in cultural activities at follow-up. Discussion: Older persons activity profiles associate with neighborhood walkability and walking difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with mobility disabilities are less likely to meet physical activity standards and are at greater risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases at earlier ages. Public parks are an essential resource for participation in physical activity. However, environmental factors may limit the participation of wheelchair users. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the Path Environment Audit Tool (PEAT) and to explore the wheelchair accessibility of five public parks in Saudi Arabia through descriptive analysis. Methods: A descriptive study design was implemented to evaluate wheelchair accessibility features of five public parks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and process, resource, and management assessments were conducted. Phone GPS-App Strava was used to track the segments and measure their distances. Results: Audits in multiple parks using PEAT were time-consuming despite being user-friendly. The descriptive analysis of paths and trails across the five parks showed some positive features, such as adequate bollard/gate clearance, but the path slope and condition of the path surfaces were more variable. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine wheelchair accessibility in public parks in Saudi Arabia. Preliminary audits of paths/trials in five public parks revealed the strengths and weaknesses of accessibility and features that promote physical activity participation for wheelchair users. These findings can guide future use of PEAT in large-scale studies and inform environmental modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Weekly and consistent physical activity can help minimize the risk of preventable disease and improve mental health and cognitive function among adults. Despite these benefits, adults with visual impairments tend to not meet physical activity recommendations. The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine how neighbourhood walk score (walkability) is associated with weekly walking minutes in adults with visual impairments. Participants were recruited from two visual impairment–related listservs in the United States. A total of 88 participants (aged 22–85 years; 78% female) were included. Participants completed an online survey including demographic, walking duration, and zip code questions. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine whether there were significant associations between walkability and weekly walking minutes. Walkability scores were not significantly related to walking minutes per week (p =.84), but age was negatively associated with walking minutes per week (β = −.16), holding other factors constant. Neighbourhood walkability was not significantly associated with walking minutes per week among adults with visual impairments in this study. As these adults age, the amount of walking decreased. Future research in this line of inquiry should expand to include other variables that may influence the relationship between walkability and walking minutes per week and examine the barriers to physical activity among individuals with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]