TY - JOUR PY - 2022// TI - Which transport policies increase physical activity of the whole of society? A systematic review JO - Journal of transport and health A1 - Żukowska, Joanna A1 - Gobis, Anna A1 - Krajewski, Piotr A1 - Morawiak, Agnieszka A1 - Okraszewska, Romanika A1 - Woods, Catherine B. A1 - Volf, Kevin A1 - Kelly, Liam A1 - Gelius, Peter A1 - Messing, Sven A1 - Forberger, Sarah A1 - Lakerveld, Jeroen A1 - Braver, Nicole den A1 - Bengoechea, Enrique García SP - e101488 EP - e101488 VL - 27 IS - N2 - PURPOSE There is strong evidence of the links between car-dependence and the physical inactivity pandemic. Physical inactivity accounts for 6-10% of major non-communicable diseases. Research consistently shows that unlike passive transport, active transport is associated with higher total daily physical activity (PA). While there are public policies that support PA in transport and, as a result, overall PA levels, the specific quantitative effect of such policies on PA behaviour has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the level and type of evidence for policies in the area of transport that contribute to higher PA levels of the whole of society. Methods Six databases (MEDLINE (Ebsco), SportDiscus, Cinahl, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched for key concepts of policy, transport, evaluation and PA.

METHODological quality was assessed using standardized tools. The strength of the evidence of policy impact was described based on pre-determined categories of positive, negative, inconclusive or untested. Results 17 of 2549 studies were included in the data synthesis. The authors identified three main transport policy areas with 51 individual policy actions that had a direct or indirect effect on PA. These were: convenient transport infrastructure development, active travel promotion, and shift of transport mode. More than half of the policy actions identified had a positive effect on PA. Study quality ratings were moderate to good. Conclusions PA levels can be increased by implementing policies that provide convenient, safe, and connected walking and cycling infrastructures, promote active travel and give strong support to public transport. There is also clear evidence that active travel policies work best when implemented in a comprehensive way. This may include infrastructure and facility improvements as well as educational programmes to achieve substantial shifts towards active modes of travel.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 2214-1405 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101488 ID - ref1 ER -