A scoping review of simulation modeling in built environment and physical activity research: Current status, gaps, and future directions for improving translation. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frerichs, Leah; Smith, Natalie R.; Lich, Kristen Hassmiller; BenDor, Todd K.; Evenson, Kelly R.
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 57(2019:May)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Environment design -- Transportation -- Decision making -- Simulation; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Existing reviews have suggested that simulation studies of physical activity and environments are an emerging area, but none have explored findings in this area systematically. We used a scoping review framework to assess the use of simulation modeling to inform decision-making about built environment influences on physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted in multiple databases in January 2018. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies evaluated interventions and features that were related to neighborhood safety (crime or traffic), active transportation, land use design, and walking and biking infrastructure. All of the studies focused on urban areas and most considered heterogeneity of outcomes based on local context. The majority of studies (70%) did not appear to have engaged or been used by practitioners or policy-makers to inform real-world decisions. There has been a growth of simulation modeling studies, but there remain gaps. The studies evaluated built environment interventions that have been recommended by expert panels, but more were of interventions related to active transportation; few considered recommended interventions to support recreational activity. Furthermore, studies have all focused on urban settings and there is a need to consider non-urban settings and how heterogeneity could reduce or exacerbate health disparities. More work to involve and evaluate practices for engaging stakeholders in model development and interpretation is also needed to overcome the translation of simulation research to practice gap, and realize its potential impact on the built environment and physical activity. Highlights: 16 simulation research studies were identified, seven were real-world practical applications and nine were conceptual Physical activity was most often (n = 11) incorporated into the models as a variable related to modes of transportation. Studies most commonly evaluated neighborhood safety and active transportation; less considered recreational activity None of the studies focused on rural or non-urban areas and few considered issues of health disparities. The majority of studies (n=11) did not appear to have engaged stakeholders or been used to inform real-world decisions