Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume 12, Issue 5 , Pages 549-556, September 2009

Applying GPS to enhance understanding of transport-related physical activity☆

  • Mitch J. Duncan

      Affiliations

    • Centre for Social Science Research, CQUniversity, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Hannah M. Badland

      Affiliations

    • Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
    • ,
  • W. Kerry Mummery

      Affiliations

    • Centre for Social Science Research, CQUniversity, Australia

Received 2 May 2008; received in revised form 29 September 2008; accepted 22 October 2008.

Abstract 

The purpose of the paper is to review the utility of the global positioning system (GPS) in the study of health-related physical activity. The paper draws from existing literature to outline the current work performed using GPS to examine transport-related physical activity, with a focus on the relative utility of the approach when combined with geographic information system (GIS) and other data sources including accelerometers. The paper argues that GPS, especially when used in combination with GIS and accelerometery, offers great promise in objectively measuring and studying the relationship of numerous environmental attributes to human behaviour in terms of physical activity and transport-related activity. Limitations to the use of GPS for the purpose of monitoring health-related physical activity are presented, and recommendations for future avenues of research are discussed.

Keywords: Active transport, Measurement, Physical activity, Geographic information systems, Health

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☆ The products listed by brand name are done so for identification purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any product by the authors.

PII: S1440-2440(08)00210-7

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2008.10.010

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume 12, Issue 5 , Pages 549-556, September 2009

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