A tool that predicts health impacts based on the pedestrian environment
Official title: PED-PHAM: An Automated and Scalable Spatial Tool That Predicts and Monetizes Health Impacts of the Built, Natural, and Social Environment
Funded at Urban Design 4 Health, INC. · NIH-10761396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a smart tool that looks at things like sidewalks and crosswalks in our neighborhoods to help city planners and health experts understand how our surroundings can affect our health and encourage us to be more active, especially in fighting obesity and chronic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Urban Design 4 Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $275,660 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL169137-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in urban areas who may be affected by the design of their environment on their physical activity levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in rural areas or those who are not affected by urban design factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops the PEDestrian Public Health Assessment Model (PED-PHAM), which utilizes advanced Artificial Intelligence to analyze features of pedestrian environments, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, from digital images. By integrating these features into existing health prediction models, the tool aims to help public planners and health professionals understand how urban design influences physical activity and health outcomes. The project focuses on creating indices that quantify the impact of the built environment on health, particularly in relation to obesity and chronic diseases. Ultimately, it seeks to promote healthier urban spaces that encourage physical activity among adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved urban designs that enhance physical activity and reduce obesity-related health issues in communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using AI to analyze environmental factors affecting health, making this approach both innovative and grounded in existing evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Urban Design 4 Health, INC.
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chapman, James — Urban Design 4 Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Chapman, James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Blueprints and footprints for healthier urban environments
A new AI-powered tool helps urban planners and developers predict how pedestrian-friendly design features can reduce diabetes and heart disease while boosting health and local economy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.