Using AI to improve walking environments in rural areas to prevent cancer
Official title: Developing AI-measures of Pedestrian Environment Features for Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention in Rural Communities
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11104485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how smart technology can help make walking areas in small towns better, so people can be more active and healthier, especially to help lower cancer risks related to not getting enough exercise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,710 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA293976-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older living in rural areas with limited access to physical activity resources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in urban areas or those under 65 years of age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how artificial intelligence can assess and improve pedestrian environments in rural communities to encourage physical activity. By focusing on smaller, manageable features like sidewalks and crosswalks, the study aims to identify what changes can be made to promote healthier lifestyles. The project will utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze these features and their impact on physical activity levels, particularly in areas where resources are limited. The goal is to create actionable insights that can help reduce cancer rates linked to low physical activity in these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier living environments that encourage physical activity and ultimately reduce cancer incidence in rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using AI to assess urban environments, but this approach in rural settings is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Marc a — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Adams, Marc a
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.