Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA): protocol for a multi-centre, longitudinal study Energy balance-related behaviours

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Evi Dons - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)
  • Thomas Götschi - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Mark Nieuwenhuijsen - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Audrey De Nazelle - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Esther Anaya - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Ione Avila-Palencia - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Christian Brand - , University of Oxford (Author)
  • Tom Cole-Hunter - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Mailin Gaupp-Berghausen - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Sonja Kahlmeier - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Michelle Laeremans - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)
  • Natalie Mueller - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Juan Pablo Orjuela - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Elisabeth Raser - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • David Rojas-Rueda - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Arnout Standaert - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research (Author)
  • Erik Stigell - , Trivector AB (Author)
  • Tina Uhlmann - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Regine Gerike - , Chair of Mobility System Planning, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Luc Int Panis - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases, yet many are not sufficiently active. The Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA) study aims to better understand active mobility (walking and cycling for transport solely or in combination with public transport) as an innovative approach to integrate physical activity into individuals' everyday lives. The PASTA study will collect data of multiple cities in a longitudinal cohort design to study correlates of active mobility, its effect on overall physical activity, crash risk and exposure to traffic-related air pollution. Methods/Design: A set of online questionnaires incorporating gold standard approaches from the physical activity and transport fields have been developed, piloted and are now being deployed in a longitudinal study in seven European cities (Antwerp, Barcelona, London, Oerebro, Rome, Vienna, Zurich). In total, 14000 adults are being recruited (2000 in each city). A first questionnaire collects baseline information; follow-up questionnaires sent every 13 days collect prospective data on travel behaviour, levels of physical activity and traffic safety incidents. Self-reported data will be validated with objective data in subsamples using conventional and novel methods. Accelerometers, GPS and tracking apps record routes and activity. Air pollution and physical activity are measured to study their combined effects on health biomarkers. Exposure-adjusted crash risks will be calculated for active modes, and crash location audits are performed to study the role of the built environment. Ethics committees in all seven cities have given independent approval for the study. Discussion: The PASTA study collects a wealth of subjective and objective data on active mobility and physical activity. This will allow the investigation of numerous correlates of active mobility and physical activity using a data set that advances previous efforts in its richness, geographical coverage and comprehensiveness. Results will inform new health impact assessment models and support efforts to promote and facilitate active mobility in cities.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number1126
JournalBMC Public Health
Volume15
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 14 Nov 2015
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 26577129

Keywords

Keywords

  • Air pollution, Cycling, Longitudinal, Physical activity, Study protocol, Traffic safety, Travel behaviour, Walking