Children’s Active Commuting to School: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
2008

Children's Active Commuting to School: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Davison Kirsten K PhD, Werder Jessica L. MPH, Lawson Catherine T PhD

Primary Institution: University at Albany, SUNY

Hypothesis

What are the predictors and health consequences of children's active commuting to school?

Conclusion

Promoting walking and bicycling to school can be enhanced by leveraging existing research and integrating intervention strategies.

Supporting Evidence

  • Children who walk or bicycle to school have higher daily levels of physical activity.
  • Demographic factors influence children's active commuting behaviors.
  • Safe Routes to School and Walking School Bus programs promote active commuting.

Takeaway

This study looks at how kids getting to school by walking or biking is good for their health and how we can help more kids do it.

Methodology

The authors reviewed literature on children's active commuting published before June 2007, using various databases and search methods.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and the lack of control groups in studies.

Limitations

The research is limited by its cross-sectional design, lack of standardized definitions of active commuting, and the absence of comprehensive evaluations of programs.

Participant Demographics

The study discusses demographic factors such as race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status affecting active commuting rates.

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