Does public transport use prevent declines in walking speed among older adults living in England? A prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although there is some evidence that public transport use confers public health benefits, the evidence is limited by cross-sectional study designs and health-related confounding factors. This study examines the effect of public transport use on changes in walking speed among older adults living in England, comparing frequent users of public transport to their peers who did not use public transport because of structural barriers (poor public transport infrastructure) or through choice.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

England, UK.

Participants

Older adults aged ≥60 years eligible for the walking speed test. 6246 individuals at wave 2 (2004-2005); 5909 individuals at wave 3 (2006-2007); 7321 individuals at wave 4 (2008-2009); 7535 individuals a

SUBMITTER: Rouxel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5652510 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature