Research Impact: Despite numerous health benefits, adolescents’ physical activity levels have been declining in many countries. Active transport to school (e.g., walking, cycling) provides a potential source of regular physical activity. However, in many developed countries, the majority of adolescents rely on motorized transport to school. We examined the relationship between transport to-school habits and physical activity levels in a sample of New Zealand adolescents. Compared with motorised transport users, adolescents relying on active transport or active transport + motorised transport accumulated more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during school commute periods and were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines, owing mainly to differences observed in adolescent girls. Both active transport only and active transport + motorised transport to school are potential avenues to increase daily physical activity in adolescents, particularly in adolescent girls.
Kek, C.C., Bengoechea, E.G., Spence, J.C. and Mandic, S., 2019. The relationship between transport-to-school habits and physical activity in a sample of New Zealand adolescents. Journal of Sport and Health Science. DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2019.02.006
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