Thermal Comfort Study in Austin, Texas (September-November 2022)

This study is from a 2022 survey of Austin, Texas residents (n=1,087) to measure the association of thermal comfort with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and transit use. We determined that adults’ who reported higher thermal comfort in the heat were more likely to have higher physical activity levels and be transit users, the natural log of thermal comfort is positively associated with MVPA (β=0.05) and transit use (Odds Ratio=1.08). We also show how personal adaptation and psychological variation impact physical activity and transit use patterns on hot, humid days, with those more accepting of discomfort more likely to engage in these activities. These findings open new research avenues into public health initiatives that combat the negative effects of warming urban environments on physical activity and transit use