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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

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

Authors: Evi Dons, Thomas Götschi, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Audrey de Nazelle, Esther Anaya, Ione Avila-Palencia, Christian Brand, Tom Cole-Hunter, Mailin Gaupp-Berghausen, Sonja Kahlmeier, Michelle Laeremans, Natalie Mueller, Juan Pablo Orjuela, Elisabeth Raser, David Rojas-Rueda, Arnout Standaert, Erik Stigell, Tina Uhlmann, Regine Gerike, Luc Int Panis

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

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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.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA): protocol for a multi-centre, longitudinal study
Authors
Evi Dons
Thomas Götschi
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
Audrey de Nazelle
Esther Anaya
Ione Avila-Palencia
Christian Brand
Tom Cole-Hunter
Mailin Gaupp-Berghausen
Sonja Kahlmeier
Michelle Laeremans
Natalie Mueller
Juan Pablo Orjuela
Elisabeth Raser
David Rojas-Rueda
Arnout Standaert
Erik Stigell
Tina Uhlmann
Regine Gerike
Luc Int Panis
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2453-3

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