Active Transportation and Planetary Health: Difference between revisions
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== What is Planetary Health? == | == What is Planetary Health? == | ||
Human health depends on flourishing natural systems on Earth. Any disruption to these systems can negatively affect our health. By protecting these systems, we also ensure that humans continue to thrive.<ref name=":0">Toner A. Active Transportation and Planetary Health Course. Physioplus, 2021.</ref> Planetary health focuses on | Human health depends on flourishing natural systems on Earth. Any disruption to these systems can negatively affect our health. By protecting these systems, we also ensure that humans continue to thrive.<ref name=":0">Toner A. Active Transportation and Planetary Health Course. Physioplus, 2021.</ref> Planetary health focuses on the interaction between human health and the health of our planet. However, we are currently experiencing "unprecedented environmental crises",<ref name=":1">Maric F, Nicholls D. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09593985.2019.1632006?src=recsys A call for a new environmental physiotherapy-An editorial.] Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. An International Journal of Physical Therapy. 2019;35(10):905-7.</ref> including climate change, the melting of polar ice caps, ocean pollution etc.<ref name=":1" /> Environmental crises, such as global warming and pollution, and other challenges such as social injustice, inequity and population health all influence each other.<ref>Maric F, Chance-Larsen K, Chevan J, Jameson S, Nicholls D, Opsommer E, Perveen W, Richter R, Stanhope J, Stone O, Strimpakos N. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21679169.2021.1932981 A progress report on planetary health, environmental and sustainability education in physiotherapy–Editorial]. European Journal of Physiotherapy. 2021;23(4):201-2.</ref> In this context, planetary health is seen as a growing and increasingly important part of population health. As will be discussed in this page, physiotherapists are stakeholders in population health and can also play a role in planetary health and well-being.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
== What is Active Transportation? == | == What is Active Transportation? == | ||
Active transportation is defined as using active methods (i.e. walking, cycling, scooting, or any [[Physical Activity|physical activity]]) to get to or from work / school. Walking or biking to a public | Active transportation is defined as using active methods (i.e. walking, cycling, scooting, or any other [[Physical Activity|physical activity]]) to get to or from work / school. Walking or biking etc to a public bus stop or train station is also considered active transportation. Active transportation can have many health benefits as it encourages increased physical activity, but it is also considered a [[An Introduction to Environmental Physiotherapy|planetary health intervention]].<ref>Toner A, Lewis JS, Stanhope J, Maric F. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10833196.2021.1876598 Prescribing active transport as a planetary health intervention–benefits, challenges and recommendations]. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2021 Jan 19:1-9.</ref> | ||
=== Interactions in Active Transportation === | === Interactions in Active Transportation === | ||
As shown in Figure 1, there are six key interactions between physiotherapists, active | As shown in Figure 1, there are six key interactions between physiotherapists, active transportation, human health and the environment (labelled a-f). These are discussed in more detail below. [[File:Interactions Diagram.jpg|center|650x650px|alt=|thumb|Table representing the interaction between the physiotherapist, active transportation, human health and the environment ]] | ||
=== a) | ==== a) Interaction Between the Physiotherapist and Human Health ==== | ||
An individual who has a health problem such as an injury may seek care from a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist can have a positive impact on the patient's health through the treatment offered (i.e. education, manual treatments, prescribing an exercise programme, encouraging [[Benefits of Physical Activity|physical activity]]).<ref name=":0" /> | |||
=== b) | ==== b) Interaction Between the Physiotherapist and Active Transportation ==== | ||
Active transportation might | Active transportation might increase access to physiotherapy services for patients. In addition, physiotherapists can use active transportation to increase a patient's physical activity levels.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
=== c) | ==== c) Interaction Between the Physiotherapist and the Environment ==== | ||
This refers to more the [[Physical Activity and the Built Environment|built environment]], and not the natural environment. | This refers to more the [[Physical Activity and the Built Environment|built environment]], and not the natural environment. Physiotherapists can advocate for changes in the built environment in order to improve access to physiotherapy services or other facilities that are important to the patient.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
=== d) | ==== d) Interaction Between Active Transportation and Human Health ==== | ||
In theory, increasing a patient's physical activity will have a positive impact on their health. However, poor health might be a barrier to engaging in active transportation.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
=== e) | ==== e) Interaction Between Active transport and the Environment ==== | ||
This refers to both the built and the natural environment. As mentioned above, active transportation can increase physical activity, which has health benefits, but it can also have a positive impact on the environment by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through less private car use.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Mizdrak A, Blakely T, Cleghorn CL, Cobiac LJ. [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0219316 Potential of active transport to improve health, reduce healthcare costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions: A modelling study.] PloS one. 2019 Jul 17;14(7):e0219316.</ref> However, the environment itself does matter. It can either encourage or discourage people from exercising and using active transportation as a measure to increase their physical activity. A recent study found that environmental features such as proximity of destinations and safety from crime had an association with walking for transport in older adults in Nigeria.<ref>Oyeyemi AL, Kolo SM, Oyeyemi AY, Omotara BA. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09593985.2018.1443187 Neighborhood environmental factors are related to health-enhancing physical activity and walking among community dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Physiotherapy theory and practice.] 2019 Mar 4;35(3):288-97.</ref> | |||
=== f) | ==== f) Interaction Between Human Health and the Environment ==== | ||
There is a clear link between the environment, a loss of biodiversity and human health<ref name=":0" /> - the current pandemic highlights this point. As SARS-cov-2 is a zoonotic disease, so "it cannot be considered in full without considering human-animal relations and the biodiversity crisis in general".<ref>Maric F, Nicholls DA. Paradigm shifts are hard to come by: [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21679169.2020.1826577 Looking ahead of COVID-19 with the social and environmental determinants of health and the UN SDGs.] European Journal of Physiotherapy. 2020 Nov 1;22(6):379-81.</ref> | |||
Similarly, poor human health can have a negative impact on the environment, particularly if illness or injury results in increased use of medical supplies or pharmaceuticals. The COVID-19 pandemic again highlights this point with the increased use of disposable masks.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
== Interventions, Considerations and Recommendations == | == Interventions, Considerations and Recommendations == | ||
The following tables discuss considerations and recommendations if active transportation is used as an intervention.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
Table 1. Considerations when using active transportation<ref name=":0" /> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
Table 2. Recommendations for implementing active transportation interventions<ref name=":0" /> | |||
!Recommendations | !Recommendations | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Encourage active transport as a form of | |Encourage active transport as a form of physical activity to improve individual and population health while yielding, additional health-related environmental benefits | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Educate physiotherapists and patients alike about the link between active transport, environment, personal and public health | |Educate physiotherapists and patients alike about the link between active transport, environment, personal and public health | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Advocate for safe and better infrastructure for active transport | |Advocate for safe and better infrastructure for active transport | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Advocate for more green spaces and | |Advocate for more green spaces and fewer motorised streets without furthering socioeconomic divides | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Advocate for active | |Advocate for active transportation routes in close proximity to biodiverse green and blue spaces | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Advocate making e-bikes and bike-share facilities more accessible to those | |Advocate making e-bikes and bike-share facilities more accessible to those who are unable to afford them but need them the most | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Advocate for better integration of active | |Advocate for better integration of active transportation with sustainable public transport in a way that ensures physical and financial accessibility | ||
|} | |} | ||
!Interventions | !Interventions | ||
!Considerations | !Considerations | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="4" |Encourage active | | rowspan="4" |Encourage active transportation to increase physical activity levels | ||
|Are patients open to learning about required physical activity levels? | |Are patients open to learning about required physical activity levels? | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 59: | Line 61: | ||
|Are patients aware of local transportation links and bicycle routes? | |Are patients aware of local transportation links and bicycle routes? | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Does the patient have safety concerns preventing active transport as an option as a result of their age, | |Does the patient have safety concerns preventing active transport as an option as a result of their age, ability, gender, surrounding infrastructure? | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2" |Promote positive lifestyle changes through active transportation | | rowspan="2" |Promote positive lifestyle changes through active transportation | ||
|Could adopting active transportation increase the patient’s social interactions? | |Could adopting active transportation increase the patient’s social interactions? | ||
|- | |- | ||
Revision as of 00:38, 26 September 2021
Original Editor - Carin Hunter based on the course by Adam Toner
Top Contributors - Carin Hunter, Jess Bell, Wanda van Niekerk, Kim Jackson, Tarina van der Stockt, Lucinda hampton and Olajumoke Ogunleye
Top Contributors - Carin Hunter, Jess Bell, Wanda van Niekerk, Kim Jackson, Tarina van der Stockt, Lucinda hampton and Olajumoke Ogunleye
What is Planetary Health?[edit | edit source]
Human health depends on flourishing natural systems on Earth. Any disruption to these systems can negatively affect our health. By protecting these systems, we also ensure that humans continue to thrive.[1] Planetary health focuses on the interaction between human health and the health of our planet. However, we are currently experiencing "unprecedented environmental crises",[2] including climate change, the melting of polar ice caps, ocean pollution etc.[2] Environmental crises, such as global warming and pollution, and other challenges such as social injustice, inequity and population health all influence each other.[3] In this context, planetary health is seen as a growing and increasingly important part of population health. As will be discussed in this page, physiotherapists are stakeholders in population health and can also play a role in planetary health and well-being.[1]
What is Active Transportation?[edit | edit source]
Active transportation is defined as using active methods (i.e. walking, cycling, scooting, or any other physical activity) to get to or from work / school. Walking or biking etc to a public bus stop or train station is also considered active transportation. Active transportation can have many health benefits as it encourages increased physical activity, but it is also considered a planetary health intervention.[4]
Interactions in Active Transportation[edit | edit source]
As shown in Figure 1, there are six key interactions between physiotherapists, active transportation, human health and the environment (labelled a-f). These are discussed in more detail below.
a) Interaction Between the Physiotherapist and Human Health[edit | edit source]
An individual who has a health problem such as an injury may seek care from a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist can have a positive impact on the patient's health through the treatment offered (i.e. education, manual treatments, prescribing an exercise programme, encouraging physical activity).[1]
b) Interaction Between the Physiotherapist and Active Transportation[edit | edit source]
Active transportation might increase access to physiotherapy services for patients. In addition, physiotherapists can use active transportation to increase a patient's physical activity levels.[1]
c) Interaction Between the Physiotherapist and the Environment[edit | edit source]
This refers to more the built environment, and not the natural environment. Physiotherapists can advocate for changes in the built environment in order to improve access to physiotherapy services or other facilities that are important to the patient.[1]
d) Interaction Between Active Transportation and Human Health[edit | edit source]
In theory, increasing a patient's physical activity will have a positive impact on their health. However, poor health might be a barrier to engaging in active transportation.[1]
e) Interaction Between Active transport and the Environment[edit | edit source]
This refers to both the built and the natural environment. As mentioned above, active transportation can increase physical activity, which has health benefits, but it can also have a positive impact on the environment by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through less private car use.[1][5] However, the environment itself does matter. It can either encourage or discourage people from exercising and using active transportation as a measure to increase their physical activity. A recent study found that environmental features such as proximity of destinations and safety from crime had an association with walking for transport in older adults in Nigeria.[6]
f) Interaction Between Human Health and the Environment[edit | edit source]
There is a clear link between the environment, a loss of biodiversity and human health[1] - the current pandemic highlights this point. As SARS-cov-2 is a zoonotic disease, so "it cannot be considered in full without considering human-animal relations and the biodiversity crisis in general".[7]
Similarly, poor human health can have a negative impact on the environment, particularly if illness or injury results in increased use of medical supplies or pharmaceuticals. The COVID-19 pandemic again highlights this point with the increased use of disposable masks.[1]
Interventions, Considerations and Recommendations[edit | edit source]
The following tables discuss considerations and recommendations if active transportation is used as an intervention.[1]
| Recommendations |
|---|
| Encourage active transport as a form of physical activity to improve individual and population health while yielding, additional health-related environmental benefits |
| Educate physiotherapists and patients alike about the link between active transport, environment, personal and public health |
| Advocate for safe and better infrastructure for active transport |
| Advocate for more green spaces and fewer motorised streets without furthering socioeconomic divides |
| Advocate for active transportation routes in close proximity to biodiverse green and blue spaces |
| Advocate making e-bikes and bike-share facilities more accessible to those who are unable to afford them but need them the most |
| Advocate for better integration of active transportation with sustainable public transport in a way that ensures physical and financial accessibility |
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Toner A. Active Transportation and Planetary Health Course. Physioplus, 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Maric F, Nicholls D. A call for a new environmental physiotherapy-An editorial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. An International Journal of Physical Therapy. 2019;35(10):905-7.
- ↑ Maric F, Chance-Larsen K, Chevan J, Jameson S, Nicholls D, Opsommer E, Perveen W, Richter R, Stanhope J, Stone O, Strimpakos N. A progress report on planetary health, environmental and sustainability education in physiotherapy–Editorial. European Journal of Physiotherapy. 2021;23(4):201-2.
- ↑ Toner A, Lewis JS, Stanhope J, Maric F. Prescribing active transport as a planetary health intervention–benefits, challenges and recommendations. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2021 Jan 19:1-9.
- ↑ Mizdrak A, Blakely T, Cleghorn CL, Cobiac LJ. Potential of active transport to improve health, reduce healthcare costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions: A modelling study. PloS one. 2019 Jul 17;14(7):e0219316.
- ↑ Oyeyemi AL, Kolo SM, Oyeyemi AY, Omotara BA. Neighborhood environmental factors are related to health-enhancing physical activity and walking among community dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Physiotherapy theory and practice. 2019 Mar 4;35(3):288-97.
- ↑ Maric F, Nicholls DA. Paradigm shifts are hard to come by: Looking ahead of COVID-19 with the social and environmental determinants of health and the UN SDGs. European Journal of Physiotherapy. 2020 Nov 1;22(6):379-81.
