Associations of mode of travel to work with physical activity, and individual, interpersonal, organisational, and environmental characteristics.

Suzanne Audrey,Ashley Cooper,Harriet Batista Ferrer

doi:10.1016/j.jth.2018.01.009

Abstract

IntroductionEncouraging walking during the daily commute is a potential strategy for increasing physical activity levels. This study aimed: (i) to examine, and compare by travel mode, the objectively measured physical activity of a working adult population, and, (ii) to identify associations between mode of travel to work and a range of individual, interpersonal, organisational and environmental characteristics.MethodsEmployees (n=654) recruited from 87 workplaces in geographically distinct areas provided data through accelerometers, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, travel diaries and questionnaires. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were developed to examine factors associated with physical activity during the commute and mode of travel to work.ResultsIn comparison to car users (7.3 minutes±Standard Deviation 7.6), walkers (34.3±18.6) and public transport users (25.7±14.0) accrued substantially higher levels of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity during the commute. Combined accelerometer and GPS data showed that participants who walked at least ten minutes during their commute were more likely to have a shorter commute distance (p<0.001), occupy a sedentary job (p<0.01), and be classified as ‘underweight or normal weight’ (p<0.03). No car access (p<0.001), and absence of free work car parking (p<0.01) were independently related to walking to work and using public transport. Shorter commuting distances were also related to walking to work (p<0.001). Public transport users were more likely to be younger (p=0.04), have more positive environmental perceptions (p=0.01), and less likely to combine their commute with caring responsibilities (p=0.03).ConclusionsThis study shows that walking to work and using public transport are important contributors to physical activity levels in a working population. Planning, transport and behavioural interventions to promote walking during the commute should take into account the wider determinants. Reducing availability of free work car parking is one possible strategy to discourage car use.

Highlights

Encouraging walking during the daily commute is a potential strategy for increasing physical activity levels
The current study builds on the findings of previous work which found that walking to work was an important contributor to overall physical activity levels (Audrey et al, 2014, Audrey, Procter et al 2015b)
Within our sample of employees, we found that public transport users were less likely to incorporate interpersonal commitments such as taking children to school or other caring responsibilities within their commute, there was no evidence of this association for walkers

Summary

Introduction

Encouraging walking during the daily commute is a potential strategy for increasing physical activity levels. Results: In comparison to car users (7.3 minutes ± Standard Deviation 7.6), walkers (34.3 ± 18.6) and public transport users (25.7 ± 14.0) accrued substantially higher levels of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity during the commute. Conclusions: This study shows that walking to work and using public transport are important contributors to physical activity levels in a working population. Evidence from systematic reviews suggests that adult populations who use active modes of transport (walking and cycling) for commuting have overall higher physical activity than car commuters, and have decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and allcause mortality (Hamer and Chida, 2008; Saunders et al, 2013; Kelly et al, 2014). The majority of primary studies have depended on self-report measures of both physical activity and mode of travel, which may not provide reliable estimates (Prince et al, 2008; Tully et al, 2014)

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