Association between active transport habits and physical activity levels in a diverse sample of college students in the United States

Abstract

A lack of physical activity (PA) contributes to poor health. Active travel (AT) can help to achieve recommended levels of PA, though participation varies across racial/ethnic groups. This study examined differences in AT trips by race/ethnicity and the relationship between meeting PA recommendations with AT among college students. College students at a large northeastern university. This cross-sectional study (2014–2018) used an online survey where participants (n = 4859) reported demographics, PA and AT participation. Analyses of variance (AVONAs) examined differences in AT trips by race/ethnicity and t-tests examined AT trips by activity level. Significant differences were noted according to race/ethnicity for number of walking trips/week but not for bike trips. For non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, other ethnic groups and multiracial groups, there were significantly higher walking trips for those meeting PA recommendations. The variation by race/ethnicity in AT participation and the relationship between AT and PA has implications for long-term health outcomes and health disparities.