Active transportation to school over 2 years in relation to weight status and physical activity.

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.