The relationship between active travel to school and health-related fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundActive travel to school (ATS) has been identified as an important source of physical activity for youth. However, the relationship between ATS and health-related fitness (HRF) among youth remains unclear.MethodsA systematic search of seven electronic databases (EMBASE, OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and TRIS on line) was conducted in December 2009 and studies published since 1980 were considered for inclusion.ResultsTwenty seven articles were identified that explored the relationship between ATS and the following aspects of HRF: weight status/body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and flexibility. Forty-eight percent of the studies that examined the relationship between ATS and weight status/body composition reported significant associations, this increased to 55% once poor quality studies were removed. Furthermore, the findings from five studies, including one longitudinal study, indicate that ATS is positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. However, the evidence for the relationships between ATS and muscular fitness or flexibility is equivocal and limited by low study numbers.ConclusionsThere is some evidence to suggest that ATS is associated with a healthier body composition and level of cardiorespiratory fitness among youth. Strategies to increase ATS are warranted and should be included in whole-of-school approaches to the promotion of physical activity.

Physical activity patterns of ethnic children from low socio-economic environments within the UK

“…Secondly, of this time spent in moderate to vigorous to physical activity, physical activity in school contributed to nearly half of this (43%), followed by playing outside (23% in street/garden), home (20%) and from active travel (14% walking one journey). Previous literature has highlighted the significant positive impact that school (Ridgers, Timperio, Crawford & Salmon, 2011;Fairclough, Beighle, Erwin & Ridgers, 2012, Stratton & Mullen, 2005, spending time in outdoors environments (Dunton, Ligo, Instule, Wolch & Pentz, 2011;Perry, Saelens & Thompson., 2011;Cleland et al, 2008;Jones et al, 2009a;McCurdy, Winterbottom, Mehta & Roberts, 2010 ) and active commuting (Lubans, Boreham, Kelly & Foster, 2011;Lee, Orenstein & Richardson, 2008) has on daily moderate to vigorous to physical activity levels. Therefore, it is clear that physical activity policies focused on school and active commuting are important for increasing physical activity in children from deprived and ethnic environments.…”

Activity compensation and activity synergy in British 8–13year olds

“…This paper brings together two observational studies which used the same methods to study 8-13 year olds in Hertfordshire, South-East England (Mackett et al, 2005, Mackett et al, 2007. Eleven schools were selected on the basis of their willingness to co-operate, and children and parents provided written informed assent/consent.…”

Association between different contexts of physical activity and abdominal obesity and excess weight in adolescents.

“…Such contexts are directly associated with higher levels of regular physical activity, and this increase promotes physiological and biopsychosocial changes and health benefits 6,7 . However, the relationship between performance of physical activity in various contexts with abdominal fat and excess weight is not fully understood 7,8 . Thus, it is important to know which of these contexts are most strongly associated with high body fat.…”