Is a change in mode of travel to school associated with a change in overall physical activity levels in children? Longitudinal results from the SPEEDY study

L Smith,A Jones,S Sahlqvist,D Ogilvie,E Van Sluijs,S Griffin

doi:10.1136/jech.2011.143586.20

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious work suggests that children who use active modes of travel (walking or cycling) are more physically active overall than those who use motorised transport (car, bus or train). However,...

Highlights

Previous work suggests that children who use active modes of travel are more physically active overall than those who use motorised transport
The majority of these studies used cross-sectional designs, and it is not known whether a shift in mode of travel to school is associated with a change in children’s overall physical activity
To investigate the relationship between changes in mode of travel to school and changes in overall physical activity among children aged 9-10 years over a 1-year period

Summary

Introduction

OP20 IS A CHANGE IN MODE OF TRAVEL TO SCHOOL ASSOCIATED WITH A CHANGE IN OVERALL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN CHILDREN? Background Previous work suggests that children who use active modes of travel (walking or cycling) are more physically active overall than those who use motorised transport (car, bus or train). The majority of these studies used cross-sectional designs, and it is not known whether a shift in mode of travel to school is associated with a change in children’s overall physical activity.

Results

Conclusion