%0 Journal Article
%T Active transportation to school over 2 years in relation to weight status and physical activity
%J Obesity
%D 2006
%A Rosenberg, Dori E.
%A Sallis, James F.
%A Conway, Terry L.
%A Cain, Kelli L.
%A McKenzie, Thomas L.
%V 14
%N 10
%P 1771-1776
%X OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine potential benefits of active commuting to school on measures of weight status and physical activity in a sample of youth. Research Methods and Procedures: A cohort of students from seven elementary schools was measured four times--in the fall and spring of fourth grade (N = 1083) and fifth grade (N = 924). Participants were classified as active (walking, biking, or skateboarding to school almost every day for baseline analyses or at least 2 d/wk for analyses of consistent active commuting) or non-active commuters to school. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity. Height, weight, and skinfolds were objectively assessed. <br><br>RESULTS: Boys who actively commuted to school had lower BMI (p < 0.01) and skinfolds (p < 0.05) than non-active commuters to school in the fourth grade. Active commuting to school over 2 years was not associated with BMI change or overweight status. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Walking and cycling to school may contribute to preventing excessive weight gain, or leaner children may walk or cycle to school. KW: SR2S<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Wiley-Blackwell
%@ 1930-7381
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/oby.2006.204