Can walkability and walking for transport reduce neighbourhood inequalities in physical function? A case study among middle-aged to older adults in Brisbane, Australia

Residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods have poorer physical function than their advantaged counterparts, although the reasons for this inequality remain unknown. We examined the role of walkability and walking for transport in the relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and physical function using data from the 2013 HABITAT study among 4723 men and women aged 46-72, living in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Findings revealed complex relationships between neighbourhood disadvantage, walkability, walking for transport and physical function, with clear gender differences. Overall, the relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and physical function was not explained by walkability and walking for transport. Further work is required to better understand the underlying mechanisms.