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From Paper and Pencil to Tablet and Stylus: Automating the Sneakers and Spokes Environmental Audit
Author(s) -
Koenings M,
Horacek T,
Marxen L,
Farnsworth D,
ByrdBredbenner C
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.740.7
Subject(s) - audit , computer science , smartphone app , inter rater reliability , data collection , reliability (semiconductor) , stylus , formative assessment , mobile apps , human–computer interaction , statistics , mathematics , world wide web , computer vision , accounting , power (physics) , rating scale , physics , quantum mechanics , business
Walkability and bikeability of communities affects fitness and health. The paper/pencil Sneakers & Spokes Audit (SSA) evaluates the safety, quality, and comfort of walking and biking paths. Scores range 0‐100, with scores 蠅85 indicating Excellent, 70 to <85 Satisfactory, and <70 Unsatisfactory support of biking and walking. This study determined the feasibility of automating the SSA via an interactive website (app) platform, conducted formative beta testing at 2 universities, and refined the SSA. Researchers and key community members at each university collaboratively selected the most commonly used paths to be audited. A quarter of identified paths were assessed at night and a subset (n=6 paths, 4 day, 2 night) were assessed by all evaluators independently to determine interrater reliability via IntraClass Correlations (ICC). Paths were drawn using OpenStreetMap/Leaflet app; audits were performed using tablets and mobile phones. Audit results were downloaded in csv/Excel format. Paths may be downloaded as GIS data files. ICC ranged from 88% to 99%. At university #1 (U#1) 23% of paths had Excellent support, compared to 7% at university #2 (U#2). However, 35% U#2 paths received Satisfactory scores and 58% Unsatisfactory scores, while 38% and 39% of U#1 paths received Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory scores. The interactive map performed best with tablets. The password‐protected app can be accessed securely via computers and tablets. This automated, interactive, user‐friendly audit app is a feasible method for real‐time data collection and comparison of findings across data sites. The SSA can help create environments that encourage physical activity.