Increase Physical Activity

Zhu and colleagues conducted a literature review and report on how the design of the physical work environment, at three different scales, can boost physical activity (PA) among employees.

Li and colleagues studied how streetscapes influence walking in Boston.

Portegijs and colleagues studied how neighborhood features influence the (self-reported) physical activity/mobility of older (79-94 year old) residents of a Finnish community. 

Pae and Akar determined that the purpose of a walk influences how we walk and our perceptions of that walk’s implications.

Andersen and colleagues studied how playground design influences how children (grades 4 to 9) play.

Walking is as good for our minds as our waistlines. Neuroscience research makes it clear that, whether we’re inside or outdoors, walking can help us think more clearly, creatively, and productively, for example, all while we burn calories.  Studies have also determined how design can encourage people to walk through their worlds.
 

Gotz and colleagues link area walkability and human personality. 

Besser and team studied the responses of several older user groups to neighborhood design.

Stappers and colleagues investigated how user perceptions of neighborhood walkability influence movement by different groups. 

Recently completed research indicates that potential users of bike sharing services are not willing to walk much to pick up that shared bike.