Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Lessons Learned: Three Years of Monitoring Physical Activity and Economic Patterns in a Kentucky Trail Town
Session Abstract or Summary
Introduction: Berea earned Kentucky Trail Town certification in 2016, and since that time, researchers have been monitoring both multi-use and forested hiking trails. Over the last three years, researchers have quantified a key number of health and economic findings. These findings include annual use, demographics, physical activity patterns, and the impact of health on residents. The purpose of the presentation is to discuss how the physical activity patterns of cyclists and walkers have changed as the city expanded the trails, and how the economic impact has developed over time. Methods. Intercept surveys, observational hand counts, and infrared sensors were used to estimate the number and type of users. Data was collected for 12 hours in June 2017 and 2018. Results. In 2018, walkers were on the trail an average five days per week for 47 minutes, with an addition 21 minutes of physical activity was used to access the trail. Seventy one percent of users stated that in the summer the trail was accessed more than three times per week, which helped those meet 62% of their total exercise. In the winter, 31% frequented the trail 2-3 times or more per week. Health status of the users was ‘very good” as reported by 39% to excellent 29%. Our challenge as trail and health advocates would be to reach out to the 3% and 29% of people who reported being fair to good condition. Future research will demonstrate changes in cycling and running behaviors, as the trail connects and expands.
Presentation #1 Title
Lessons Learned: Three Years of Monitoring Physical Activity and Economic Patterns in a Kentucky Trail Town
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Introduction: Berea earned Kentucky Trail Town certification in 2016, and since that time, researchers have been monitoring both multi-use and forested hiking trails. Over the last three years, researchers have quantified a key number of health and economic findings. These findings include annual use, demographics, physical activity patterns, and the impact of health on residents. The purpose of the presentation is to discuss how the physical activity patterns of cyclists and walkers have changed as the city expanded the trails, and how the economic impact has developed over time. Methods. Intercept surveys, observational hand counts, and infrared sensors were used to estimate the number and type of users. Data was collected for 12 hours in June 2017 and 2018. Results. In 2018, walkers were on the trail an average five days per week for 47 minutes, with an addition 21 minutes of physical activity was used to access the trail. Seventy one percent of users stated that in the summer the trail was accessed more than three times per week, which helped those meet 62% of their total exercise. In the winter, 31% frequented the trail 2-3 times or more per week. Health status of the users was ‘very good” as reported by 39% to excellent 29%. Our challenge as trail and health advocates would be to reach out to the 3% and 29% of people who reported being fair to good condition. Future research will demonstrate changes in cycling and running behaviors, as the trail connects and expands.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Louisa Summers is a Professor in Department of Health and Human Performance. Dr. Summers has been researching field of physical activity patterns of trail users, and persons with chronic disease for the last 15 years.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Dr. Peter Hackbert is a Professor at Berea College.
Lessons Learned: Three Years of Monitoring Physical Activity and Economic Patterns in a Kentucky Trail Town
Introduction: Berea earned Kentucky Trail Town certification in 2016, and since that time, researchers have been monitoring both multi-use and forested hiking trails. Over the last three years, researchers have quantified a key number of health and economic findings. These findings include annual use, demographics, physical activity patterns, and the impact of health on residents. The purpose of the presentation is to discuss how the physical activity patterns of cyclists and walkers have changed as the city expanded the trails, and how the economic impact has developed over time. Methods. Intercept surveys, observational hand counts, and infrared sensors were used to estimate the number and type of users. Data was collected for 12 hours in June 2017 and 2018. Results. In 2018, walkers were on the trail an average five days per week for 47 minutes, with an addition 21 minutes of physical activity was used to access the trail. Seventy one percent of users stated that in the summer the trail was accessed more than three times per week, which helped those meet 62% of their total exercise. In the winter, 31% frequented the trail 2-3 times or more per week. Health status of the users was ‘very good” as reported by 39% to excellent 29%. Our challenge as trail and health advocates would be to reach out to the 3% and 29% of people who reported being fair to good condition. Future research will demonstrate changes in cycling and running behaviors, as the trail connects and expands.
