Examining how city funding for safe routes to school affects children's physical activity
Evaluating the Effects of Municipal Funding of Safe Routes to School Infrastructure on Child Physical Activity: A Natural Experiment
This study is looking at whether building better sidewalks and bike paths near schools helps kids be more active on their way to school, and it's for families in Austin and San Antonio who want to see if these changes make a difference in how much their children move around.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10443736 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of municipal funding for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure on children's physical activity levels. By analyzing changes in the built environment, such as the addition of bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, the study aims to determine if these improvements lead to increased active commuting among students. The research will utilize a controlled, prospective study design to objectively measure physical activity levels in children before and after the implementation of these infrastructure changes. The study compares outcomes in Austin, TX, with a similar city, San Antonio, to assess the effectiveness of the SRTS initiative.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who live in areas where Safe Routes to School infrastructure is being implemented.
Not a fit: Children who do not reside in cities with SRTS infrastructure improvements or who are outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced physical activity levels in children, contributing to better health outcomes and reduced obesity rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous evaluations of Safe Routes to School initiatives have shown positive effects on physical activity, suggesting that this approach has been successful in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoelscher, Deanna Marie — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Hoelscher, Deanna Marie
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 below.