Urban environments and objectively-assessed physical activity and sedentary time in older Belgian and Chinese community dwellers: potential pathways of influence and the moderating role of physical function

• DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-00979-8
• Publication Date: 2020-06-09T13:20:04Z
• Authors: Ester Cerin; Delfien Van Dyck; Casper J. P. Zhang; Jelle Van Cauwenberg; Poh-chin Lai; Anthony Barnett
• Keywords: Walkability; Neighbourhood (mathematics); Level design; Cross-sectional study; Clinical nutrition

Many studies have examined neighbourhood environmental correlates of older adults' physical activity (PA) but only a few focused on sedentary time (ST). Only small proportion these used objective measures PA/ST, such as accelerometer-assessed and couple employed accelerometer cut-points appropriate for adults. Furthermore, although adults experience declines in function they age, there is dearth information the impact environment PA/ST individuals with different levels function.We data from two extant cross-sectional conducted Hong Kong (China) Ghent (Belgium) (N = 829). Participants were recruited pre-selected administrative units stratified by socio-economic status walkability. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) ST assessed 7 days using accelerometers developed Objective attributes within 400 m 1 km buffers surrounding participants' homes quantified Geographic Information Systems data. Lower extremity was objectively assessed. Socio-demographic collected via interviews. Total, direct indirect (mediated) effects MVPA estimated generalised additive mixed models joint-significant test.Commercial/civic destination density number parks home showed positive total MVPA, public transport negative ST, which consistent across cities levels. The residential depended function, those differed city. A complex network potential inconsistent pathways linking all to whole sample or subgroups participants revealed.Access commercial/civic destinations appear support geographical cultural contexts irrespective their level. By supporting characteristics also contribute reduction ST. transport, recreational facilities are less straightforward point at that may depend context level function.