Aerobic Fitness and Mode of Travel to School in English Schoolchildren

  • This purpose of this study was to determine whether a positive association exists between active travel and aerobic fitness in English schoolchildren.
  • Researchers collected data on mass and structure, BMI, and aerobic fitness (through 20-m shuttle run) on participants, school children ages 10-15.9 years old.
  • Mode of travel to school and physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire.
  • Results indicate that walking was the most common travel mode to school (50%), and cycling was the least frequent (8%).
  • Walkers and cyclists were significantly fitter than passive transport users.
  • No association was observed between travel mode and BMI
  • Researchers suggest that this study supports existing literature that suggests that those who walk and cycle to school may be at a reduced risk for developing chronic diseases in adulthood.

Voss, Christine and Sandercock, Gavin. “Aerobic Fitness and Mode of Travel to School in English Schoolchildren.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 42.2 (2010): 281-287.

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