Citation

Rosenberg, Dori E.; Sallis, James F.; Conway, Terry L.; Cain, Kelli L.; & McKenzie, Thomas L. (2006). Active transportation to school over 2 years in relation to weight status and physical activity. Obesity, 14(10), 1771-1776.

Abstract

Objective: To prospectively examine potential benefits of active commuting to school on measures of weight status and physical activity in a sample of youth.

Research Methods and Procedures: A cohort of students from seven elementary schools was measured four times—in the fall and spring of fourth grade (N = 1083) and fifth grade (N = 924). Participants were classified as active (walking, biking, or skateboarding to school almost every day for baseline analyses or at least 2 d/wk for analyses of consistent active commuting) or non-active commuters to school. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity. Height, weight, and skinfolds were objectively assessed.

Results: Boys who actively commuted to school had lower BMI (p < 0.01) and skinfolds (p < 0.05) than non-active commuters to school in the fourth grade. Active commuting to school over 2 years was not associated with BMI change or overweight status.

Discussion: Walking and cycling to school may contribute to preventing excessive weight gain, or leaner children may walk or cycle to school.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/oby.2006.204

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2006

Journal Title

Obesity

Author(s)

Rosenberg, Dori E.
Sallis, James F.
Conway, Terry L.
Cain, Kelli L.
McKenzie, Thomas L.