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Di J, Tuttle PG, Adamowicz L, Lin W, Zhang H, Psaltos D, Selig J, Bai J, Karahanoglu FI, Sheriff P, Seelam V, Williams B, Ghafoor S, Demanuele C, Santamaria M, Cai X. Monitoring Activity and Gait in Children (MAGIC) using digital health technologies. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03147-x. [PMID: 38514860 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03147-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health technologies (DHTs) can collect gait and physical activity in adults, but limited studies have validated these in children. This study compared gait and physical activity metrics collected using DHTs to those collected by reference comparators during in-clinic sessions, to collect a normative accelerometry dataset, and to evaluate participants' comfort and their compliance in wearing the DHTs at-home. METHODS The MAGIC (Monitoring Activity and Gait in Children) study was an analytical validation study which enrolled 40, generally healthy participants aged 3-17 years. Gait and physical activity were collected using DHTs in a clinical setting and continuously at-home. RESULTS Overall good to excellent agreement was observed between gait metrics extracted with a gait algorithm from a lumbar-worn DHT compared to ground truth reference systems. Majority of participants either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that wrist and lumbar DHTs were comfortable to wear at home, respectively, with 86% (wrist-worn DHT) and 68% (lumbar-worn DHT) wear-time compliance. Significant differences across age groups were observed in multiple gait and activity metrics obtained at home. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that gait and physical activity data can be collected from DHTs in pediatric populations with high reliability and wear compliance, in-clinic and in home environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04823650 IMPACT: Digital health technologies (DHTs) have been used to collect gait and physical activity in adult populations, but limited studies have validated these metrics in children. The MAGIC study comprehensively validates the performance and feasibility of DHT-measured gait and physical activity in the pediatric population. Our findings suggest that reliable gait and physical activity data can be collected from DHTs in pediatric populations, with both high accuracy and wear compliance both in-clinic and in home environments. The identified across-age-group differences in gait and activity measurements highlighted their potential clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xuemei Cai
- Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Lam HY, Jayasinghe S, Ahuja KDK, Hills AP. Active School Commuting in School Children: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Research Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6929. [PMID: 37887667 PMCID: PMC10606062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Active school commuting (ASC) has been proposed as a practical way to inculcate positive physical activity habits in children. This paper reviews the current evidence regarding ASC among children, highlights advances in research techniques and existing limitations in the field, and outlines future implications for research and promotion. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify English language studies on ASC among children aged 6-12 years, followed by a narrative review. ASC has witnessed a global decline, despite evidence of its contribution to physical activity levels. Context-dependent factors such as commuting distance and parental safety concerns are consistently identified as key determinants of ASC. Several promising interventions have been identified. Despite the limitations in intervention scope and quality, notable advancements in research techniques, such as multilevel regression and agent-based modelling, have been identified. Effective promotion of ASC to tackle childhood physical inactivity requires collaborative efforts among schools, parents, and the government, and should be tailored to address multilevel determinants within the local context. Future research should leverage recent advancements in research techniques to develop effective promotion strategies, while considering the context-dependent nature of ASC behaviours and addressing existing limitations, including the lack of standardised definitions and limited geographical and age coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yeung Lam
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia; (S.J.); (K.D.K.A.); (A.P.H.)
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Huang C, Memon AR, Yan J, Lin Y, Chen ST. The Associations of Active Travel to School With Physical Activity and Screen Time Among Adolescents: Do Individual and Parental Characteristics Matter? Front Public Health 2022; 9:719742. [PMID: 34976907 PMCID: PMC8714758 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.719742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the relationship of active travel to school (ATS) with physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) by individual and parental characteristics among adolescents, especially in China. To address the research gap, this study aimed to explore the difference of sex, age, living environment, parental occupation and education level in the relationship of ATS with PA and ST among students of grades 7–12 (aged 10–18 years) using cross-sectional data. In 13 cities of Hubei province, China, students from 39 public schools were recruited to engage in the survey. In total, 5,898 students (response rate = 89.6%) were invited into this study. Participants were required to report their ATS (including its types), PA and ST as well as sociodemographic information using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were used to report the information of all variables. Regression models were used to analyse the relationships of ATS and its types with PA and ST. In a total of 4,128 participants (boys: 50.9%; younger adolescents: 61.9%) included in the final analysis, the proportion of those with ATS was 47.3%. Regarding the types of ATS, walking accounted for over 30%, while cycling was 13.2%. Participants with ATS were more likely to have sufficient PA (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14–1.39), especially among boys, younger adolescents and those with lower parental education level. However, ATS was not associated with ST (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86–1.01). Participants with cycling had a higher odds ratio of being physically active (OR for cycling = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.27–1.70; OR for walking = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06–1.32). The association of ATS types with PA and ST differed by gender, age, living environment and parental educational level as well as occupations. ATS may be a useful approach to increase PA among adolescents, but this should be explained by individual and parental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Huang
- School of Physical Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aamir Raoof Memon
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Jin Yan
- Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Youliang Lin
- Department of Physical Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Tong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Beck F, Engel FA, Reimers AK. Compensation or Displacement of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:351. [PMID: 35327723 PMCID: PMC8947494 DOI: 10.3390/children9030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence is associated with health benefits. Consequently, numerous health promotion programs for children and adolescents emphasize the enhancement of physical activity. However, the ActivityStat hypothesis states that increases in physical activity in one domain are compensated for by decreasing physical activity in another domain. Currently, little is known about how physical activity varies in children and adolescents within intervals of one day or multiple days. This systematic review provides an overview of studies that analyzed changes in (overall) physical activity, which were assessed with objective measurements, or compensatory mechanisms caused by increases or decreases in physical activity in a specific domain in children and adolescents. A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SportDiscus) was performed with a priori defined inclusion criteria. Two independent researchers screened the literature and identified and rated the methodological quality of the studies. A total of 77 peer-reviewed articles were included that analyzed changes in overall physical activity with multiple methodological approaches resulting in compensation or displacement. Of 40,829 participants, 16,265 indicated compensation associated with physical activity. Subgroup analyses separated by study design, participants, measurement instrument, physical activity context, and intervention duration also showed mixed results toward an indication of compensation. Quality assessment of the included studies revealed that they were of high quality (mean = 0.866). This review provides inconclusive results about compensation in relation to physical activity. A trend toward increased compensation in interventional studies and in interventions of longer duration have been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Beck
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91052 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Florian A. Engel
- Institute of Sport Science, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Judenbühlweg 11, 97082 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Anne Kerstin Reimers
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91052 Erlangen, Germany;
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Irwin J, van Sluijs EMF, Panter J, Jones A. The socio-ecological determinants of change in school travel mode over the transition from childhood to adolescence and the association with physical activity intensity. Health Place 2021; 72:102667. [PMID: 34700064 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
School active travel contributes to young people's physical activity levels, yet the prevalence is low, and declines with age. Based on determinants from the social-ecological model we investigated changes in school travel behaviour over the transition from childhood to adolescence in participants from the baseline and four-year follow-up of the SPEEDY cohort. Descriptive analysis examined how travel behaviours changed and were related to physical activity. Multinomial logistic regression investigated determinants. Some 38% of participants changed travel mode; 66% from active to passive. Passively traveling participants at follow-up showed a decrease in physical activity. Several social-ecological domains were associated with change. Findings suggest multicomponent interventions are required to support active travel in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Irwin
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Esther M F van Sluijs
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Jenna Panter
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Andy Jones
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Step Count Associations Between Adults at Risk of Developing Diabetes and Their Children: The Feel4Diabetes Study. J Phys Act Health 2021; 18:374-381. [PMID: 33714194 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) between parents at risk and their children, such as low physical activity levels, should be addressed to prevent the development of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association of objectively measured step counts per day between parents at risk of developing T2DM and their 6- to 10-year-old children. METHODS The baseline data from the Feel4Diabetes study were analyzed. Dyads of children and one parent (n = 250, 54.4% girls and 77.6% mothers) from Belgium were included. Step counts per day during 5 consecutive days from parents and their children were objectively measured with ActiGraph accelerometers. RESULTS Adjusted linear regression models indicated that parents' and children's step counts were significantly associated during all days (β = 0.245), weekdays (β = 0.205), and weekend days (β = 0.316) (P ≤ .002 in all cases). Specifically, mother-daughter associations during all days and weekend days and father-son step counts during weekdays and when considering all days were significant. CONCLUSION There is a positive association between step counts from adults at risk of developing T2DM and their children, especially in the mother-daughter and father-son dyads.
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Association of active school commuting with physical activity and sedentary behaviour among adolescents: A global perspective from 80 countries. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 24:567-572. [PMID: 33376077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine associations of active school commuting (ASC) with time spent in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) among adolescents. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Global School-based Student Health Survey data from 277,833 adolescents aged 11-17 years (48.9% girls), collected during 2007-2016, were analysed. Adolescents were asked how many days per week they walked or bicycled to and from school, were physically active, and how much time they spent sitting on a typical day. ASC was defined as ≥3 days/week, meeting PA recommendations as ≥60min/day, high SB as leisure-time sitting ≥3h/day. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association estimates. RESULTS Adolescents who used ASC≥3 days/week had over double the odds of meeting PA recommendations (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 2.01-2.12), after adjusting for a set of covariates. Adolescents who reported ASC≥3 days/week had 17% lower odds of reporting high SB (0.83, 0.81-0.85). The estimated OR of ASC and PA was 2.57 (2.31-2.86) in low-income and 1.84 (1.75-1.94) in high-income countries. Adolescents with ASC≥3 days/week had 22% lower odds of reporting high SB in African and Eastern Mediterranean regions (0.78, 0.73-0.84 and 0.75-0.82, respectively). Country-wise estimates of the associations are presented. CONCLUSIONS ASC is strongly and positively associated with PA recommendations and moderately with lower SB in adolescents. These estimates vary across WHO regions and by country's income. Promoting ASC has the potential to promote active lifestyle among adolescents around the globe.
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Aranda-Balboa MJ, Fernández M, Villa-González E, Murillo-Pardo B, Segura-Díaz JM, Saucedo-Araujo RG, Barranco-Ruiz Y, Herrador-Colmenero M, Huertas-Delgado FJ, Chillón P. Psychometric Characteristics of a Commuting-to-School Behaviour Questionnaire for Families. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228584. [PMID: 33227970 PMCID: PMC7699192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The purposes of this study were: (a) to describe the patterns of modes of commuting to school (children) and to work (parents) separated by gender and age, (b) to validate the questions on children’s mode of commuting to and from school according to their parents, and (c) to analyse the reliability of a family questionnaire focused on commuting to school behaviours. A total of 611 parents (mean age: 43.28 ± 6.25 years old) from Granada (Spain) completed “Family commuting-to-school behaviour” questionnaire in two sessions separated by 14 days, (2016 and 2018). The validation between family and children’s questions was assessed using the Kappa and Spearman correlation coefficients, and the test–retest reliability within the family questions was assessed using the Kappa and the weighted Kappa. The children’s modes of commuting to school (mean age: 11.44 ± 2.77 years old) were mainly passive (57.7% to school) while parents’ modes of commuting to work were mainly active (71.6%). The validity of the mode of commuting was significant with high Kappa and Spearman coefficients. The test–retest reliability presented a good agreement for the mode of commuting to school in children, distance and time to school, and the mode of commuting to work in parents, while the questions on acceptable distance to walk or cycle to school showed a moderate to good agreement. The “Family commuting-to-school behaviour” questionnaire could be a useful tool to assess the mode of commuting of children, distance and time to school for researchers and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús Aranda-Balboa
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.F.); (J.M.S.-D.); (R.G.S.-A.); (M.H.-C.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-622845637
| | - Marina Fernández
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.F.); (J.M.S.-D.); (R.G.S.-A.); (M.H.-C.); (P.C.)
| | - Emilio Villa-González
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 52005 Melilla, Spain; (E.V.-G.); (Y.B.-R.)
| | | | - José Manuel Segura-Díaz
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.F.); (J.M.S.-D.); (R.G.S.-A.); (M.H.-C.); (P.C.)
| | - Romina Gisele Saucedo-Araujo
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.F.); (J.M.S.-D.); (R.G.S.-A.); (M.H.-C.); (P.C.)
| | - Yaira Barranco-Ruiz
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 52005 Melilla, Spain; (E.V.-G.); (Y.B.-R.)
| | - Manuel Herrador-Colmenero
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.F.); (J.M.S.-D.); (R.G.S.-A.); (M.H.-C.); (P.C.)
- “La Inmaculada” Teacher Training Centre, University of Granada, 18013 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Palma Chillón
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.F.); (J.M.S.-D.); (R.G.S.-A.); (M.H.-C.); (P.C.)
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Bosch LSMM, Wells JCK, Lum S, Reid AM. Associations of the objective built environment along the route to school with children's modes of commuting: A multilevel modelling analysis (the SLIC study). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231478. [PMID: 32271830 PMCID: PMC7145202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
As active commuting levels continue to decline among primary schoolchildren, evidence about which built environmental characteristics influence walking or cycling to school remains inconclusive and is strongly context-dependent. This study aimed to identify the objective built environmental drivers of, and barriers to, active commuting to school for a multi-ethnic sample of 1,889 healthy primary schoolchildren (aged 5-11) in London, UK. Using cross-sectional multilevel ordered logistic regression modelling, supported by the spatial exploration of built environmental characteristics through cartography, the objective built environment was shown to be strongly implicated in children's commuting behaviour. In line with earlier research, proximity to school emerged as the prime variable associated with the choice for active commuting. However, other elements of the urban form were also significantly associated with children's use of active or passive modes of transport. High levels of accidents, crime and air pollution along the route to school were independently correlated with a lower likelihood of children walking or cycling to school. Higher average and minimum walkability and higher average densities of convenience stores along the way were independently linked to higher odds of active commuting. The significance of the relations for crime, air pollution and walkability disappeared in the fully-adjusted model including all built environmental variables. In contrast, relationships with proximity, traffic danger and the food environment were maintained in this comprehensive model. Black children, pupils with obesity, younger participants and those from high socioeconomic families were less likely to actively commute to school. There is thus a particular need to ensure that roads with high volumes of actively commuting children are kept safe and clean, and children's exposure to unhealthy food options along the way is limited. Moreover, as short commuting distances are strongly correlated with walking or cycling, providing high-quality education near residential areas might incite active transport to school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lander S. M. M. Bosch
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan C. K. Wells
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Sooky Lum
- Respiratory, Critical Care & Anaesthesia Section, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Alice M. Reid
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
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Pesola AJ, Hakala P, Berg P, Ramezani S, Villanueva K, Tuuva-Hongisto S, Ronkainen J, Laatikainen TE. Does free public transit increase physical activity and independent mobility in children? Study protocol for comparing children's activity between two Finnish towns with and without free public transit. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:342. [PMID: 32183761 PMCID: PMC7077102 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's habitual physical activity, including active travel and catching public transit (walking and cycling to and from destinations), and independent mobility (mobility without an adult) have decreased. Public transit trips are physically active and can provide access to hobbies independent of parents, but there is no device-measured data about children's total physical activity time following the introduction of free public transit. Our aim is to compare physical activity and independent mobility between children living in two Finnish towns, one with a recently introduced free public transit system, and the other without free public transit. METHODS The city of Mikkeli has provided free public transit for all comprehensive school children since 2017. Various districts from Mikkeli, and the reference town of Kouvola (towns from South-Eastern Finland with a comparative population size and geographical structure), are selected based on their accessibility and the availability of public transit services. Samples of 10-12-year-old children will be recruited through primary schools. We will compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time, sitting time (a thigh-worn Fibion® device) and independent mobility (a participatory mapping method, PPGIS) of children: 1) who live in towns with and without free public transit, 2) who live and go to school in districts with high vs. low perceived and objective access to free public transit, and 3) who report using vs. not using free public transit. In addition, ethnography will be used to get insights on the social and cultural effects of the free public transit on children's and parent's everyday life. DISCUSSION There is a need for scalable solutions that can increase children's physical activity independent of their socioeconomic background or place of residence. This project will give information on how a political action to provide free public transit for children is associated with their total physical activity time and independent mobility patterns, therefore providing highly relevant information for political decision-making and for promoting independent physical activity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arto J Pesola
- Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Raviradantie 22b, 50100, Mikkeli, Finland.
| | - Pirjo Hakala
- Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Raviradantie 22b, 50100, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Päivi Berg
- Juvenia - Youth Research and Development Centre, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Samira Ramezani
- Department of Built Environment, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Karen Villanueva
- Centre for Urban Research, School of Global Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Sari Tuuva-Hongisto
- Juvenia - Youth Research and Development Centre, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Jussi Ronkainen
- Juvenia - Youth Research and Development Centre, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Tiina E Laatikainen
- Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Raviradantie 22b, 50100, Mikkeli, Finland
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Berger N, Lewis D, Quartagno M, Njagi EN, Cummins S. Associations between school and neighbourhood ethnic density and physical activity in adolescents: Evidence from the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) study. Soc Sci Med 2019; 237:112426. [PMID: 31387008 PMCID: PMC7614812 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While most adolescents do not achieve the recommended level of physical activity in the UK, the risk of physical inactivity varies across ethnic groups. We investigated whether own-group school and neighbourhood ethnic density can explain ethnic differences in adolescent physical activity. We used longitudinal data from the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) study. In 2012, 3106 adolescents aged 11-12 were recruited from 25 schools in East London, UK. Adolescents were followed-up in 2013 and 2014. Own-group ethnic density was measured in 2012-2014 at school-level and in 2011 at neighbourhood-level, and calculated as the percentage of pupils/residents who were of the same ethnic group. Analyses were restricted to White British (n = 382), White Mixed (n = 190), Bangladeshi (n = 337), and Black African groups (n = 251). We estimated adjusted logistic regression models with generalised estimating equations for self-reported walking to school, walking for leisure, and outdoor physical activity. At school-level, there was consistent evidence that own-group ethnic density amplifies ethnic differences in walking to school. For each 10 percentage point increase in own-group ethnic density, there was evidence of increased probability of walking to school in Bangladeshi adolescents (OR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.09-1.31) and decreased probability of walking to school in Black African (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.45-0.75) and White Mixed adolescents (OR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.35-0.76). Associations with walking for leisure and outdoor physical activity were in expected directions but not consistently observed in all ethnic groups. At neighbourhood-level, evidence was more restricted. Amplification of ethnic differences was found for walking to school in Bangladeshi adolescents (OR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.14-1.51) and for outdoor physical activity in White British adolescents (OR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.76-0.94). Our results suggest that own-group ethnic density contributes to explaining differences in physical activity by amplifying ethnic differences in some forms of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Berger
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Daniel Lewis
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Data Science Campus, Office for National Statistics, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Matteo Quartagno
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Edmund Njeru Njagi
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
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Roberts JD, Mandic S, Fryer CS, Brachman ML, Ray R. Between Privilege and Oppression: An Intersectional Analysis of Active Transportation Experiences Among Washington D.C. Area Youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16081313. [PMID: 31013698 PMCID: PMC6518066 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The use of active transportation (AT), such as walking, cycling, or even public transit, as a means of transport offers an opportunity to increase youth physical activity and improve health. Despite the well-known benefits of AT, there are environmental and social variables that converge on the AT experiences of low-income youth and youth of color (YOC) that have yet to be fully uncovered. This study uses an intersectional framework, largely focusing on the race-gender-class trinity, to examine youth AT within a context of transportation inequity. Theoretically guided by the Ecological Model of Active Transportation, focus groups were completed with two groups of girls (15 participants) and two groups of boys (nine participants) ranging between the ages of 12–15 years who lived within the Washington D.C. area. This research found race, gender, and class to be inhibitors of AT for both boys and girls, but with more pronounced negative influences on girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Roberts
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Sandra Mandic
- Active Living Laboratory, School of Physical Education Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Craig S Fryer
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Micah L Brachman
- Center for Geospatial Information Science, Department of Geographical Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Rashawn Ray
- Department of Sociology, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Rodríguez-Rodríguez F, Pakomio Jara O, Kuthe NM, Herrador-Colmenero M, Ramírez-Vélez R, Chillón P. Influence of distance, area, and cultural context in active commuting: Continental and insular children. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213159. [PMID: 30835757 PMCID: PMC6400372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Commuting by walking or cycling is a way to increase physical activity levels. The objective of this article was to determine the modes of commuting to school and the distance and time of the way to school among children from Easter Island and from the mainland (Valparaíso), in Chile. A total of 666 children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years old (208 from Easter Island and 458 from Valparaíso) participated and completed a valid questionnaire including data about age, gender, usual commuting mode to and from school, distance, and travel time. There are important differences in the mode of commuting between students of Valparaíso and Easter Island. Private transport is more commonly used in Valparaíso than in Easter Island (p<0.001). Furthermore, it was observed that cycling and public transportation are not used as mode of commuting in Valparaíso and Easter Island respectively. Students from Easter Island, who travel more distance and during more time, are more active than students from Valparaíso (going 24.8% and 17.6%; from: 61% and 28.8% respectively). This situation is influenced by the geographic context of the island, the distances from home to school, and the type of commuting, which fosters the level of active commuting. On the other hand, the passive modes of commuting to school are higher in the mainland urban setting of Valparaíso. It is necessary to study the diverse contexts of the Easter Island population, but, for now, the rural setting of Easter Island seems to be associated with a greater level of active commuting to school.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar Pakomio Jara
- Grupo de Investigación PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health THrough physical activity". Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Norman Macmillan Kuthe
- Grupo IRyS, School of Physical Education, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Manuel Herrador-Colmenero
- Grupo de Investigación PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health THrough physical activity". Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- La Inmaculada Teacher Training Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Robinson Ramírez-Vélez
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Navarrabiomed, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Palma Chillón
- Grupo de Investigación PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health THrough physical activity". Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva, Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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Do Not Forget About Public Transportation: Analysis of the Association of Active Transportation to School Among Washington, DC Area Children With Parental Perceived Built Environment Measures. J Phys Act Health 2018; 15:474-482. [PMID: 29570001 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2017-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the active transportation (AT) indicator received an F grade on the 2016 US Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, this AT assessment excluded public transportation. An objective of the Built Environment and Active Play Study was to assess youth AT, including public transportation, among Washington, DC area children in relation to parental perceptions of neighborhood built environment (BE) variables. METHODS Questionnaires were mailed to 2000 parents of children aged 7-12 years. AT to school (ATS) was assessed with the question: "In an average school week, how many days does your child use each of the following ways to get to and from school? (a) Walk; (b) Bike; (c) Car; (d) Bus or Metro." Parental perceived BE data were obtained through questionnaire items, and logistic regression was conducted to determine if BE variables were associated with youth ATS. RESULTS The sample included 144 children (50% female; average age 9.7 years; 56.3% white; 23.7% African American; 10.4% Asian American). Over 30% used ATS-public transportation 5 days per week, and nearly 13% used ATS-walking daily. Parental perceived BE variables significantly predicted youth ATS-walking and ATS-public transportation. CONCLUSIONS ATS-public transportation is common among Washington, DC area youth, and parental perceptions of BE can significantly predict ATS.
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Dalene KE, Anderssen SA, Andersen LB, Steene-Johannessen J, Ekelund U, Hansen BH, Kolle E. Cross-sectional and prospective associations between sleep, screen time, active school travel, sports/exercise participation and physical activity in children and adolescents. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:705. [PMID: 29879929 PMCID: PMC5992852 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate how sleep, screen time, active school travel and sport and/or exercise participation associates with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in nationally representative samples of Norwegian 9- and 15-y-olds, and whether these four behaviors at age nine predict change in MVPA from age nine to 15 years. METHOD We pooled cross-sectional accelerometer and questionnaire data from 9- (n = 2366) and 15-y-olds (n = 1554) that participated in the first (2005/06) and second (2011/12) wave of the Physical Activity among Norwegian Children Study to investigate cross-sectional associations. To investigate prospective associations, we used data from a sub-sample that participated in both waves (at age nine and 15 years, n = 517). RESULTS Cross-sectional analyses indicated a modest, inverse association between screen time and MVPA among 9- (- 2.2 min/d (95% CI: -3.1, - 1.3)) and 15-y-olds (- 1.7 min/d (95% CI: -2.7, - 0.8)). Compared to their peers with 0-5 min/d of active travel to school, 9- and 15-y-olds with ≥16 min/d accumulated 7.2 (95% CI: 4.0, 10.4) and 9.0 (95% CI: 3.8, 14.1) more min/d of MVPA, respectively. Nine-y-old boys and 15-y-olds reporting ≥8 h/week of sports and/or exercise participation accumulated 14.7 (95% CI: 8.2, 21.3) and 17.9 (95% CI: 14.0, 21.8) more min/d of MVPA, respectively, than those reporting ≤2 h/week. We found no cross-sectional association between sleep duration and MVPA in either age group. None of the four behaviors predicted change in MVPA from age nine to 15 years (p ≥ 0.102). CONCLUSION Active travel to school and sport/exercise participation may be important targets for future interventions aimed at increasing MVPA in children and adolescents. However, future studies are needed to determine causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Eirik Dalene
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sigmund A Anderssen
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Bo Andersen
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of teacher Education and Sport, Western Norwegian University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Jostein Steene-Johannessen
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of health sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulf Ekelund
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørge H Hansen
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin Kolle
- Department of Sports Medicine, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Roberts JD, Hu M, Saksvig BI, Brachman ML, Durand CP. Examining the Influence of a New Light Rail Line on the Health of a Demographically Diverse and Understudied Population within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area: A Protocol for a Natural Experiment Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020333. [PMID: 30720773 PMCID: PMC5858402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Approximately two-thirds of adults and youth in Prince George's County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. are overweight or obese and less than half are achieving daily physical activity recommendations. Active transportation (AT), such as walking, biking or using public transportation (PT), is a strategic pathway to improving physical activity levels and thus reducing excess weight. Utilizing an expansion of the Washington, D.C. area transportation system with a new light rail line, the Purple Line Outcomes on Transportation (PLOT) Study will exam pre- and post-Purple Line PT use, AT behaviors and attitudes and physical activity among Prince George's County adults and youth. The PLOT Study will take advantage of this natural experiment in an area enduring significant racial/ethnic and gender-based overweight or obesity and physical inactivity disparities. While similar natural experiments on AT have been conducted in other U.S. cities, those studies lacked diverse and representative samples. To effectively evaluate these physical activity outcomes among this population, efforts will be used to recruit African American and Latino populations, the first and second most common racial/ethnic groups in Prince George's County. Finally, the PLOT Study will also examine how contextual effects (e.g., neighborhood built environment) impact PT, AT and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Roberts
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Ming Hu
- School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Brit Irene Saksvig
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Micah L Brachman
- Center for Geospatial Information Science, Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Casey P Durand
- Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Masoumi HE. Associations of built environment and children's physical activity: a narrative review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2017; 32:315-331. [PMID: 28809754 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Childhood obesity has been an epidemic particularly in high-income countries. There is a considerable volume of data and studies depicting the rising number of obese children and adolescents in different countries. As suggested by the literature, physical inactivity is one the main drivers of childhood obesity. This paper addresses the associations of the built environment with physical activity of children in order to find to theoretically facilitate intervention and prevention measures. Literature: There is a large body of literature describing the overall determinants of children's physical activity. The built environment is one of the influential factors that have been partially examined. Among the physical environment indicators, distance to school has been repeatedly reported to be negatively associated with active travels to school; thus, it indirectly affects physical activity of children. Apart from distance to school, some other built environment indicators have also been less researched, such as population and construction densities, distance to the city center, land use mix, and type of urban fabric (urban, suburban, etc.). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review was to shed light on some of the less-studied areas of the existing literature related to the relationship between the built environment and physical activity of children aged between 3 and 12 years. METHOD The English-language publications, majority of which were peer-reviewed journal papers published in recent years, were collected and descriptively analyzed. Two large categories were the backbone of this narrative review: (1) non-school outdoor activities of children that take place in the residential neighborhood and (2) commuting to school and the related interventions such as safe routes to school. RESULTS Seven areas were synthesized by this review of the literature. Differences in associations of the built environment and physical activity in (1) different types of urban forms and land uses such as urban, suburban, high-density, etc.; (2) different city sizes such as small towns, mid-sized cities, large cities and megacities; (3) different cultures, subcultures and ethnicities in the same city of country, e.g. the Asian minority of London or the Turkish minority of Germany; (4) between perceptions of parents and children and associations with children's physical activity, e.g. how they perceive safety and security of the neighborhood; (5) associations of the built environment with children's physical activity in less-studied contexts, e.g. many developing and under-developed countries or eastern European countries; (6) differences in built environment - physical activity associations in different regions of the world, e.g. continents; and finally (7) associations between mobility patterns of parents and their children's physical activity, for instance, the frequencies of taking public transport or walk as a commute mode. CONCLUSION Researchers are recommended to focus their less-researched subtopics mentioned under the Results section in accordance with local conditions observed in less-researched contexts so that measures and interventions are accordingly planned.
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18
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Noonan RJ, Boddy LM, Knowles ZR, Fairclough SJ. Fitness, Fatness and Active School Commuting among Liverpool Schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14090995. [PMID: 28858268 PMCID: PMC5615532 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14090995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated differences in health outcomes between active and passive school commuters, and examined associations between parent perceptions of the neighborhood environment and active school commuting (ASC). One hundred-ninety-four children (107 girls), aged 9–10 years from ten primary schools in Liverpool, England, participated in this cross-sectional study. Measures of stature, body mass, waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were taken. School commute mode (active/passive) was self-reported and parents completed the neighborhood environment walkability scale for youth. Fifty-three percent of children commuted to school actively. Schoolchildren who lived in more deprived neighborhoods perceived by parents as being highly connected, unaesthetic and having mixed land-use were more likely to commute to school actively (p < 0.05). These children were at greatest risk of being obese and aerobically unfit (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that deprivation may explain the counterintuitive relationship between obesity, CRF and ASC in Liverpool schoolchildren. These findings encourage researchers and policy makers to be equally mindful of the social determinants of health when advocating behavioral and environmental health interventions. Further research exploring contextual factors to ASC, and examining the concurrent effect of ASC and diet on weight status by deprivation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Noonan
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK.
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2AB, UK.
| | - Lynne M Boddy
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2AB, UK.
| | - Zoe R Knowles
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2AB, UK.
| | - Stuart J Fairclough
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK.
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland.
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Brazendale K, Beets MW, Weaver RG, Pate RR, Turner-McGrievy GM, Kaczynski AT, Chandler JL, Bohnert A, von Hippel PT. Understanding differences between summer vs. school obesogenic behaviors of children: the structured days hypothesis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017; 14:100. [PMID: 28747186 PMCID: PMC5530518 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the scientific community has acknowledged modest improvements can be made to weight status and obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary/screen time, diet, and sleep) during the school year, studies suggests improvements are erased as elementary-age children are released to summer vacation. Emerging evidence shows children return to school after summer vacation displaying accelerated weight gain compared to the weight gained occurring during the school year. Understanding how summer days differ from when children are in school is, therefore, essential. DISCUSSION There is limited evidence on the etiology of accelerated weight gain during summer, with few studies comparing obesogenic behaviors on the same children during school and summer. For many children, summer days may be analogous to weekend days throughout the school year. Weekend days are often limited in consistent and formal structure, and thus differ from school days where segmented, pre-planned, restrictive, and compulsory components exist that shape obesogenic behaviors. The authors hypothesize that obesogenic behaviors are beneficially regulated when children are exposed to a structured day (i.e., school weekday) compared to what commonly occurs during summer. This is referred to as the 'Structured Days Hypothesis' (SDH). To illustrate how the SDH operates, this study examines empirical data that compares weekend day (less-structured) versus weekday (structured) obesogenic behaviors in U.S. elementary school-aged children. From 190 studies, 155 (~80%) demonstrate elementary-aged children's obesogenic behaviors are more unfavorable during weekend days compared to weekdays. CONCLUSION In light of the SDH, consistent evidence demonstrates the structured environment of weekdays may help to protect children by regulating obesogenic behaviors, most likely through compulsory physical activity opportunities, restricting caloric intake, reducing screen time occasions, and regulating sleep schedules. Summer is emerging as the critical period where childhood obesity prevention efforts need to be focused. The SDH can help researchers understand the drivers of obesogenic behaviors during summer and lead to innovative intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Brazendale
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, 1st Floor Suite, Room 131, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Michael W. Beets
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, 1st Floor Suite, Room 131, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - R. Glenn Weaver
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, 1st Floor Suite, Room 131, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Russell R. Pate
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, 1st Floor Suite, Room 131, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201 USA
| | - Andrew T. Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201 USA
| | - Jessica L. Chandler
- Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425 USA
| | - Amy Bohnert
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 West Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626 USA
| | - Paul T. von Hippel
- The University of Texas at Austin, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, 2300 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712 USA
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Grainger K, Dodson Z, Korff T. Predicting bicycle setup for children based on anthropometrics and comfort. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2017; 59:449-459. [PMID: 27890157 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bicycling is a popular activity for children. In order for children to enjoy cycling and to minimize injury, it is important that they are positioned appropriately on the bicycle. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify a suitable bicycle setup for children aged between 7 and 16 years which accommodates developmental differences in anthropometrics, flexibility and perceptions of comfort. Using an adjustable bicycle fitting rig, we found the most comfortable position of 142 children aged 7 to 16. In addition, a number of anthropometric measures were recorded. Seat height and the horizontal distance between seat and handlebars were strongly predictable (R2 > 0.999, p < 0.001 and R2 = 0.649, p < 0.001 respectively), whilst the predictability of the vertical distance between seat and handlebars was weaker (R2 = 0.231, p < 0.001). These results have practical implications for children and parents, paediatric researchers and clinicians as well as bicycle manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Grainger
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| | - Zoe Dodson
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| | - Thomas Korff
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
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21
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Tarun S, Arora M, Rawal T, Benjamin Neelon SE. An evaluation of outdoor school environments to promote physical activity in Delhi, India. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:11. [PMID: 28056908 PMCID: PMC5217605 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3987-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing physical activity in children is an important public health goal in India. Schools may be a target for physical activity promotion, but little is known about outdoor school environments. The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of the surrounding outdoor school environments that may promote children’s physical activity in Delhi, India. Methods For this cross-sectional study, we conducted a structured observation of outdoor school environments in a random sample of 16 private schools in Delhi, India using the Sport, Physical activity and Eating behavior: Environmental Determinants in Young people (SPEEDY) audit tool. The SPEEDY school audit measured six categories, including (1) access to the school; (2) surrounding area; (3) school grounds; (4) aesthetics; (5) usage; and (6) overall environment. Six trained data collectors conducted the audit independently in the summer of 2012 while schools were in session. Results Of the 16 schools, one had cycle lanes separated from the road while two schools had cycle lanes on the road. Two schools had pavement on both sides of the road for pedestrians. One school had marked pedestrian crossings. No schools had school warning signs, road safety signs, or route signs for cyclists that would help calm vehicular traffic. Fifteen schools had playground equipment and nine had courts, an assault course (a sequence of equipment designed to be used together), and a quadrangle (an enclosed or semi-enclosed courtyard) for outdoor physical activity. The majority of schools were shielded from the surrounding area by hedges, trees, or fences (n = 13) and were well maintained (n = 10). One school had evidence of vandalism. Two schools had graffiti, seven had litter, and 15 had murals or art. Conclusions The majority of schools did not have infrastructure to support physical activity, such as cycle lanes, marked pedestrian crossings, or traffic calming mechanisms such as school warning signs. However, most had playground equipment, courts, and outdoor play areas. Nearly all were free from vandalism and many had murals or art. These results provide preliminary data for future work examining outdoor school environments, active transport to school, and children’s physical activity in India. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3987-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Tarun
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Monika Arora
- Health Promotion and Tobacco Control, Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector-44, Gurgaon, 122002, India
| | - Tina Rawal
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector-44, Gurgaon, 122002, India
| | - Sara E Benjamin Neelon
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Helbich M, Emmichoven MJZV, Dijst MJ, Kwan MP, Pierik FH, Vries SID. Natural and built environmental exposures on children's active school travel: A Dutch global positioning system-based cross-sectional study. Health Place 2016; 39:101-9. [PMID: 27010106 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity among children is on the rise. Active transport to school (ATS), namely walking and cycling there, adds to children's activity level. Little is known about how exposures along actual routes influence children's transport behavior. This study examined how natural and built environments influence mode choice among Dutch children aged 6-11 years. 623 school trips were tracked with global positioning system. Natural and built environmental exposures were determined by means of a geographic information system and their associations with children's active/passive mode choice were analyzed using mixed models. The actual commuted distance is inversely associated with ATS when only personal, traffic safety, and weather features are considered. When the model is adjusted for urban environments, the results are reversed and distance is no longer significant, whereas well-connected streets and cycling lanes are positively associated with ATS. Neither green space nor weather is significant. As distance is not apparent as a constraining travel determinant when moving through urban landscapes, planning authorities should support children's ATS by providing well-designed cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Martin J Dijst
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
| | - Mei-Po Kwan
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA.
| | - Frank H Pierik
- TNO, Department of Urban Environment and Safety, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanne I de Vries
- Research group Healthy Lifestyle in a Supporting Environment, The Hague University of Applied Science, The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Frazer A, Voss C, Winters M, Naylor PJ, Higgins JW, McKay H. Differences in adolescents' physical activity from school-travel between urban and suburban neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Prev Med Rep 2016; 2:170-3. [PMID: 26844067 PMCID: PMC4721355 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate differences in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from school-travel between adolescents in urban and suburban neighbourhoods and to describe its relative contribution to MVPA on school days. Methods We measured 243 adolescents (51% male, grades 8–10) from Vancouver's walkable downtown core and its largely car-dependent suburb Surrey (fall 2011, 2013). We estimated mean school-travel MVPA from accelerometry (hour before/after school on ≥ 2 days; n = 110, 39% male) and compared school-travel MVPA by neighbourhood type and school-travel mode. The influence of mean school-travel MVPA on mean school-day MVPA (≥ 600 min valid wear time on ≥ 2 days) was examined by linear regression. Results Over half of students used active modes (urban: 63%, suburban: 53%). Those using active travel and living in the urban neighbourhood obtained the most school-travel MVPA (22.3 ± 8.0 min). Urban passive travellers used public transit and obtained more school-travel MVPA than suburban students (16.9 ± 6.2 vs. 8.0 ± 5.3, p < 0.001), who were primarily driven. Regardless of mode or neighbourhood type, over one-third of school-day MVPA was explained by school-travel MVPA (R2 = 0.38, p < 0.001). Conclusion Urban dwelling may facilitate greater school-travel MVPA in adolescents. School-travel MVPA is an important contributor to adolescents' school-day MVPA. Where feasible, physically active options for school-travel should be promoted, including public transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Frazer
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada
| | - Christine Voss
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada; Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, 3114-910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada
| | - Meghan Winters
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Patti-Jean Naylor
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Joan Wharf Higgins
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Heather McKay
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada; Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, 3114-910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada
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Verhoeven H, Simons D, Van Dyck D, Van Cauwenberg J, Clarys P, De Bourdeaudhuij I, de Geus B, Vandelanotte C, Deforche B. Psychosocial and Environmental Correlates of Walking, Cycling, Public Transport and Passive Transport to Various Destinations in Flemish Older Adolescents. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147128. [PMID: 26784933 PMCID: PMC4718705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Active transport is a convenient way to incorporate physical activity in adolescents’ daily life. The present study aimed to investigate which psychosocial and environmental factors are associated with walking, cycling, public transport (train, tram, bus, metro) and passive transport (car, motorcycle, moped) over short distances (maximum eight kilometres) among older adolescents (17–18 years), to school and to other destinations. Methods 562 older adolescents completed an online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic variables, psychosocial variables, environmental variables and transport to school/other destinations. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were performed. Results More social modelling and a higher residential density were positively associated with walking to school and walking to other destinations, respectively. Regarding cycling, higher self-efficacy and a higher social norm were positively associated with cycling to school and to other destinations. Regarding public transport, a higher social norm, more social modelling of siblings and/or friends, more social support and a higher land use mix access were positively related to public transport to school and to other destinations, whereas a greater distance to school only related positively to public transport to school. Regarding passive transport, more social support and more perceived benefits were positively associated with passive transport to school and to other destinations. Perceiving less walking and cycling facilities at school was positively related to passive transport to school only, and more social modelling was positively related to passive transport to other destinations. Conclusions Overall, psychosocial variables seemed to be more important than environmental variables across the four transport modes. Social norm, social modelling and social support were the most consistent psychosocial factors which indicates that it is important to target both older adolescents and their social environment in interventions promoting active transport. Walking or cycling together with siblings or friends has the potential to increase social norm, social modelling and social support towards active transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Verhoeven
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), Egmontstraat 5, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Dorien Simons
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), Egmontstraat 5, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Delfien Van Dyck
- Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), Egmontstraat 5, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle Van Cauwenberg
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), Egmontstraat 5, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bas de Geus
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corneel Vandelanotte
- Central Queensland University, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Physical Activity Research Group, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Sun Y, Liu Y, Tao FB. Associations Between Active Commuting to School, Body Fat, and Mental Well-being: Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study in China. J Adolesc Health 2015; 57:679-85. [PMID: 26592335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about patterns of active commuting to school (ACS) among school-aged children in China. This study examines mode of transport to school in China and associations with physical and mental well-being among national representative children. METHODS Data came from National Puberty Research Collaboration. Commuting mode to school was self-reported and categorized as three categories: walking, cycling, and passive commuting to school. Body mass index, percentage body fat (PBF, measured by skinfold thickness), waist circumference (WC) was measured, and depressive symptoms was assessed by Children's Depression Inventory. RESULTS A total of 12,151 girls and 9,445 boys from grade 4 to grade 12 participated in this study. Totally 39.9% of Chinese children walked and 15.9% cycled to school, 44.2% traveled by passive commuting mode. ACS was predictive of lower body mass index, PBF, and WC. Children who commuted via active modes had body mass index, PBF, and WC scores of .167 (95% confidence interval [CI] .274-.060), .566 (95% CI .270-.862), and .724 (95% CI .423-1.025) points lower, respectively, than those who used passive transport. ACS was associated with .855 lower odds of being obese (p < .001) and .907 lower (p < .001) odds of having depressive symptoms compared with children using passive transport. CONCLUSIONS ACS is correlated with better physical and mental well-being. Sustainable transport planning aimed at increasing active travel to school among Chinese children and adolescents is in great need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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A Scoping Review of Observational Studies Examining Relationships between Environmental Behaviors and Health Behaviors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:4833-58. [PMID: 25950651 PMCID: PMC4454941 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120504833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Individual lifestyles are key drivers of both environmental change and chronic disease. We undertook a scoping review of peer-reviewed studies which examined associations between environmental and health behaviors of individuals in high-income countries. We searched EconLit, Medline, BIOSIS and the Social Science Citation Index. A total of 136 studies were included. The majority were USA-based cross-sectional studies using self-reported measures. Most of the evidence related to travel behavior, particularly active travel (walking and cycling) and physical activity (92 studies) or sedentary behaviors (19 studies). Associations of public transport use with physical activity were examined in 18 studies, and with sedentary behavior in one study. Four studies examined associations between car use and physical activity. A small number included other environmental behaviors (food-related behaviors (n = 14), including organic food, locally-sourced food and plate waste) and other health behaviors ((n = 20) smoking, dietary intake, alcohol). These results suggest that research on individual environmental and health behaviors consists largely of studies examining associations between travel mode and levels of physical activity. There appears to be less research on associations between other behaviors with environmental and health impacts, and very few longitudinal studies in any domain.
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Abstract
Background Walking and cycling to school is a source of physical activity (PA). Little is known about public transit use for travel to school and whether it is a physically active alternative to car use for those who live too far to walk. Purpose To describe school-trip characteristics, including PA, across travel modes and to assess the association between PA with walk distance. Methods High school students (13.3 ± 0.7 years, 37% female) from Downtown Vancouver wore accelerometers (GT3X +) and global positioning systems (GPS) (QStarz BT-Q1000XT) for 7 days in October 2012. We included students with valid school-trip data (n = 100 trips made by n = 42 students). We manually identified school-trips and mode from GPS and calculated trip duration, distance, speed, and trip-based moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA; min). We assessed between-mode differences and associations using multilevel regression analyses (spring 2014). Results Students accrued 9.1 min (± 5.1) of trip-based MVPA, which was no different between walk and transit trips (p = 0.961). Walking portions of transit trips were similar to walking trips in terms of distance (p = 0.265) and duration (p = 0.493). Walk distance was associated with MVPA in a dose–response manner. Conclusions Public transit use can contribute meaningfully toward daily PA. Thus, school policies that promote active school-travel should consider including public transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Voss
- University of British Columbia, Department of Orthopaedics & Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 684C-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Corresponding author. Fax: + 1 604 675 2576.
| | - Meghan Winters
- Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Blusson Hall, Rm 11522, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Amanda Frazer
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Heather McKay
- University of British Columbia, Departments of Orthopaedics and Family Practice & Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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Santaliestra-Pasías AM, Mouratidou T, Verbestel V, Bammann K, Molnar D, Sieri S, Siani A, Veidebaum T, Mårild S, Lissner L, Hadjigeorgiou C, Reisch L, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Moreno LA. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in European children: the IDEFICS study. Public Health Nutr 2014; 17:2295-306. [PMID: 24103326 PMCID: PMC10282627 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980013002486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in European children, and to evaluate the relationship between media availability in personal space and physical activity in relation to total screen time. DESIGN Data from the baseline IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants) cross-sectional survey. Information on hours of television/digital video disk/video viewing and computer/games-console use (weekday and weekend days), media device availability in personal space, sports club membership, hours of active organized play and commuting (to and from school) were assessed via a self-reported parental questionnaire. Total screen time was defined as the sum of daily media use and subsequently dichotomized into meeting or not meeting the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. SETTING Eight survey centres (Italy, Estonia, Cyprus, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Hungary and Spain). SUBJECTS Children (n 15 330; 51% males) aged 2-10 years. RESULTS Percentage of children engaged in total screen time for >2 h/d was higher on weekend days (52% v. 20% on weekdays) and in the older group (71% in males; 57% in females), varying by country. Children with a television set in their bedroom were more likely not to meet the screen time recommendations (OR = 1·54; 95% CI 1·60, 1·74). CONCLUSIONS Approximately a third of the children failed to meet current screen time recommendations. Availability of a television set in personal space increased the risk of excess total screen time. This information could be used to identify potential targets for public health promotion actions of young population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ma Santaliestra-Pasías
- GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, School of Health Science (EUCS), Department of Psychiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Theodora Mouratidou
- GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, School of Health Science (EUCS), Department of Psychiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Vera Verbestel
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karin Bammann
- Department of Biometry and Data Management, Bremen Institute for Prevention Research and Social Medicine (BIPS), Bremen University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Dénes Molnar
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sabina Sieri
- Department of Preventive and Predictive Medicine, Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfonso Siani
- Unit of Epidemiology and Population Genetics, Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, Avellino, Italy
| | - Toomas Veidebaum
- National Institute for Health Development, Center of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Staffan Mårild
- Department of Paediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lauren Lissner
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Public Health Epidemiology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Lucia Reisch
- Department of Intercultural Communication and Management, Copenhagen Business School, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Luis A Moreno
- GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, School of Health Science (EUCS), Department of Psychiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Ghekiere A, Van Cauwenberg J, de Geus B, Clarys P, Cardon G, Salmon J, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Deforche B. Critical environmental factors for transportation cycling in children: a qualitative study using bike-along interviews. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106696. [PMID: 25250738 PMCID: PMC4175075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental factors are found to influence transport-related physical activity, but have rarely been studied in relation with cycling for transport to various destinations in 10-12 yr old children. The current qualitative study used 'bike-along interviews' with children and parents to allow discussion of detailed environmental factors that may influence children's cycling for transport, while cycling in the participant's neighborhood. METHODS Purposeful convenience sampling was used to recruit 35 children and one of their parents residing in (semi-) urban areas. Bike-along interviews were conducted to and from a randomly chosen destination (e.g. library) within a 15 minutes' cycle trip in the participant's neighborhood. Participants wore a GoPro camera to objectively assess environmental elements, which were subsequently discussed with participants. Content analysis and arising themes were derived using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS The discussed environmental factors were categorized under traffic, urban design, cycling facilities, road design, facilities at destination, aesthetics, topography, weather, social control, stranger danger and familiar environment. Across these categories many environmental factors were (in)directly linked to road safety. This was illustrated by detailed discussions of the children's visibility, familiarity with specific traffic situations, and degree of separation, width and legibility of cycle facilities. CONCLUSION Road safety is of major concern in this 10-12 yr old study population. Bike-along interviews were able to identify new, detailed and context-specific physical environmental factors which could inform policy makers to promote children's cycling for transport. However, future studies should investigate whether hypothetical changes to such micro environmental features influence perceptions of safety and if this in turn could lead to changes in children's cycling for transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Ghekiere
- Department of Human Biometry and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle Van Cauwenberg
- Department of Human Biometry and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bas de Geus
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Department of Human Biometry and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greet Cardon
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Salmon
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Human Biometry and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Understanding neighborhood environment related to Hong Kong children's physical activity: a qualitative study using nominal group technique. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106578. [PMID: 25187960 PMCID: PMC4154758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relationships between the neighborhood environment and children's physical activity have been well documented in Western countries but are less investigated in ultra-dense Asian cities. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental facilitators and barriers of physical activity behaviors among Hong Kong Chinese children using nominal group technique. METHODS Five nominal groups were conducted among 34 children aged 10-11 years from four types of neighborhoods varying in socio-economic status and walkability in Hong Kong. Environmental factors were generated by children in response to the question "What neighborhood environments do you think would increase or decrease your willingness to do physical activity?" Factors were prioritized in order of their importance to children's physical activity. RESULTS Sixteen unique environmental factors, which were perceived as the most important to children's physical activity, were identified. Factors perceived as physical activity-facilitators included "Sufficient lighting", "Bridge or tunnel", "Few cars on roads", "Convenient transportation", "Subway station", "Recreation grounds", "Shopping malls with air conditioning", "Fresh air", "Interesting animals", and "Perfume shop". Factors perceived as physical activity-barriers included "People who make me feel unsafe", "Crimes nearby", "Afraid of being taken or hurt at night", "Hard to find toilet in shopping mall", "Too much noise", and "Too many people in recreation grounds". CONCLUSIONS Specific physical activity-related environmental facilitators and barriers, which are unique in an ultra-dense city, were identified by Hong Kong children. These initial findings can inform future examinations of the physical activity-environment relationship among children in Hong Kong and similar Asian cities.
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Hornby-Turner YC, Hampshire KR, Pollard TM. A comparison of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in 9-11 year old British Pakistani and White British girls: a mixed methods study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2014; 11:74. [PMID: 24912651 PMCID: PMC4059029 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-11-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that British children of South Asian origin are less active and more sedentary than White British children. However, little is known about the behaviours underlying low activity levels, nor the familial contexts of active and sedentary behaviours in these groups. Our aim was to test hypotheses about differences between British Pakistani and White British girls using accelerometry and self-reports of key active and sedentary behaviours, and to obtain an understanding of factors affecting these behaviours using parental interviews. METHODS Participants were 145 girls (70 White British and 75 British Pakistani) aged 9-11 years and parents of 19 of the girls. Accelerometry data were collected over 4 days and girls provided 24-hour physical activity interviews on 3 of these days. Multilevel linear regression models and generalised linear mixed models tested for ethnic differences in activity, sedentary time, and behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents. RESULTS Compared to White British girls, British Pakistani girls accumulated 102 (95% CI 59, 145) fewer counts per minute and 14 minutes (95% CI 8, 20) less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. British Pakistani girls spent more time (28 minutes per day, 95% CI 14, 42) sedentary. Fewer British Pakistani than White British girls reported participation in organised sports and exercise (OR 0.22 95% CI 0.08, 0.64) or in outdoor play (OR 0.42 95% CI 0.20, 0.91). Fewer British Pakistani girls travelled actively to school (OR 0.26 95% CI 0.10, 0.71). There was no significant difference in reported screen time (OR 0.88 95% CI 0.45, 1.73). Parental interviews suggested that structural constraints (e.g. busy family schedules) and parental concerns about safety were important influences on activity levels. CONCLUSIONS British Pakistani girls were less active than White British girls and were less likely to participate in key active behaviours. Sedentary time was higher in British Pakistani girls but reported screen-time did not differ, suggesting that British Pakistani girls engaged more than White British girls in other sedentary behaviours. Interviews highlighted some differences between the groups in structural constraints on activity, as well as many shared constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne C Hornby-Turner
- Physical Activity Lab, Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Kate R Hampshire
- Physical Activity Lab, Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Tessa M Pollard
- Physical Activity Lab, Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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Jago R, Wood L, Sebire SJ, Edwards MJ, Davies B, Banfield K, Fox KR, Thompson JL, Cooper AR, Montgomery AA. School travel mode, parenting practices and physical activity among UK Year 5 and 6 children. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:370. [PMID: 24739338 PMCID: PMC3996489 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background School travel mode and parenting practices have been associated with children’s physical activity (PA). The current study sought to examine whether PA parenting practices differ by school travel mode and whether school travel mode and PA parenting practices are associated with PA. Methods 469 children (aged 9-11) wore accelerometers from which mean weekday and after-school (3.30 to 8.30 pm) minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and counts per minute (CPM) were derived. Mode of travel to and from school (passive vs. active) and PA parenting practices (maternal and paternal logistic support and modelling behaviour) were child-reported. Results Children engaged in an average of 59.7 minutes of MVPA per weekday. Active travel to school by girls was associated with 5.9 more minutes of MVPA per day compared with those who travelled to school passively (p = 0.004). After-school CPM and MVPA did not differ by school travel mode. There was no evidence that physical activity parenting practices were associated with school travel mode. Conclusions For girls, encouraging active travel to school is likely to be important for overall PA. Further formative research may be warranted to understand how both parental logistic support and active travel decisions are operationalized in families as a means of understanding how to promote increased PA among pre-adolescent children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Jago
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Faulkner G, Stone M, Buliung R, Wong B, Mitra R. School travel and children's physical activity: a cross-sectional study examining the influence of distance. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:1166. [PMID: 24330459 PMCID: PMC3867216 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Walking to school is associated with higher levels of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between school travel mode and physical activity using a sampling frame that purposefully locates schools in varying neighbourhoods. Methods Cross-sectional survey of 785 children (10.57 ± 0.7 years) in Toronto, Canada. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry and travel mode was self-reported by parents. Linear regression models accounting for school clustering effects examined the associations between mode choice, BMI, and physical activity and were estimated adjusting for age, types of neighbourhoods and travel distance to school. Results Significant associations between walking to school and moderate activity during weekdays were found. Interactions between walking to school and travel distance to school were found only in boys with significant associations between walking to school and higher physical activity levels in those living within 1000–1600 meters from school. Boys walking to school and living in this range accumulated 7.6 more minutes of daily MVPA than boys who were driven. Conclusions Walking to school can make a modest but significant contribution to overall physical activity. This contribution was modified by travel distance and not school neighbourhood socioeconomic status or the built environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Faulkner
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2W6, Canada.
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Associations of children's independent mobility and active travel with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status: a systematic review. J Sci Med Sport 2012; 16:312-9. [PMID: 23219100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Health benefits from children's independent mobility and active travel beyond school travel are largely unexplored. OBJECTIVES This review synthesized the evidence for associations of independent mobility and active travel to various destinations with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS A systematic search in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsychInfo, TRIS) for papers published between January 1990 and March 2012 was undertaken, focussing on children aged 3-18 years. Study inclusion and methodological quality were independently assessed by two reviewers. RESULTS 52 studies were included. Most studies focussed solely on active travel to and/or from school, and showed significant positive associations with physical activity. The same relationship was detected for active travel to leisure-related places and independent mobility with physical activity. An inverse relationship between active travel to school and weight status was evident but findings were inconsistent. Few studies examined correlations between active travel to school and self-reported screen-time or objectively measured sedentary behaviour, and findings were unclear. CONCLUSIONS Studies on independent mobility suggested that children who have the freedom to play outdoors and travel actively without adult supervision accumulate more physical activity than those who do not. Further investigation of children's active travel to leisure-related destinations, measurement of diverse sedentary behaviour beyond simply screen-based activities, and consistent thresholds for objectively measured sedentary behaviour in children will clarify the inconsistent evidence base on associations of active travel with sedentary behaviour and weight status.
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