Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology & Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Coupland 1 Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2021 Jan 27;18(1):19. doi: 10.1186/s12966-021-01088-w.
There are few robust natural experimental studies of improving urban green spaces on physical activity and wellbeing. The aim of this controlled natural experimental study was to examine the impact of green space improvements along an urban canal on canal usage, physical activity and two other wellbeing behaviours (social interactions and taking notice of the environment) among adults in Greater Manchester, UK. The intervention included resurfaced footpaths, removal of encroaching vegetation, improved entrances, new benches and signage.
Two comparison sites were matched to the intervention site using a systematic five-step process, based on eight correlates of physical activity at the neighbourhood (e.g. population density) and site (e.g. lighting) levels. Outcomes were assessed using systematic observations at baseline, and 7, 12 and 24 months post-baseline. The primary outcome was the change in the number of people using the canal path from baseline to 12 months. Other outcomes were changes in physical activity levels (Sedentary, Walking, Vigorous), Connect and Take Notice behaviours. Data were analysed using multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression models, comparing outcomes in the intervention group with the matched comparison group, controlling for day, time of day and precipitation. A process evaluation assessed potential displacement of activity from a separate existing canal path using intercept surveys and observations.
The total number of people observed using the canal path at the intervention site increased more than the comparison group at 12 months post-baseline (IRR 2.10, 95% CI 1.79-2.48); there were similar observed increases at 7 and 24 months post-baseline. There was some evidence that the intervention brought about increases in walking and vigorous physical activity, social interactions, and people taking notice of the environment. The process evaluation suggested that there was some displacement of activity, but the intervention also encouraged existing users to use the canal more often.
Urban canals are promising settings for interventions to encourage green space usage and potentially increase physical activity and other wellbeing behaviours. Interventions that improve access to green corridors along canals and provide separate routes for different types of physical activities may be particularly effective and warrant further research.
Study protocol published in Open Science Framework in July 2018 before the first follow-up data collection finished ( https://osf.io/zcm7v ). Date of registration: 28 June 2018.
关于改善城市绿地对身体活动和健康的影响，几乎没有强有力的自然实验研究。本对照自然实验研究的目的是检验在英国大曼彻斯特运河沿线改善绿地对成年人使用运河、身体活动以及另外两项健康行为（社会互动和关注环境）的影响。干预措施包括重新铺设人行道、清除侵入性植被、改善入口、新增长椅和标识。
采用系统的五步过程，根据邻里（如人口密度）和场地（如照明）层面的八项身体活动相关因素，将两个对照地点与干预地点相匹配。使用系统观测法在基线和基线后 7、12 和 24 个月评估结果。主要结果是从基线到 12 个月，使用运河路径的人数变化。其他结果是身体活动水平（久坐、散步、剧烈）、连接和注意行为的变化。使用多水平混合效应负二项式回归模型分析数据，控制日、时间和降水后，比较干预组和匹配的对照组的结果。通过拦截调查和观察，对从单独的现有运河路径转移活动的潜在情况进行了过程评估。
干预地点观察到的使用运河路径的总人数在基线后 12 个月增加的比对照组多（IRR2.10，95%CI1.79-2.48）；在基线后 7 和 24 个月也有类似的观察到的增加。有证据表明，干预措施带来了步行和剧烈身体活动、社会互动以及人们关注环境的增加。过程评估表明存在一些活动转移，但干预措施也鼓励现有使用者更频繁地使用运河。
城市运河是鼓励使用绿地并可能增加身体活动和其他健康行为的有前景的干预场所。改善运河沿线绿色走廊的可达性并为不同类型的身体活动提供单独路线的干预措施可能特别有效，值得进一步研究。
研究方案于 2018 年 7 月在第一个随访数据收集完成前在开放科学框架中发布（https://osf.io/zcm7v）。注册日期：2018 年 6 月 28 日。
