Assessing urban walking trail use and changes in the trail environment using systematic observational protocols.

This study evaluated the extent to which two systematic observation protocols which were modified for underserved communities (low income, minorities) could be utilized to reliably assess (a) use of walking trails and (b) physical environmental features of these trails. This study was a supplement to the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) walking trial. The modified tools were shown to be reliable methods for (a) measuring trail use and (b) assessing physical features of the trail in underserved environments.