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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/934573

Title
The relationship between active travel to school and health-related fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Author/Creator
Lubans, David R.;  Boreham, Colin A.;  Kelly, Paul;  Foster, Charlie E.
Description
Background: Active travel to school (ATS) has been identified as an important source of physical activity for youth. However, the relationship between ATS and health-related fitness (HRF) among youth remains unclear. Methods: A systematic search of seven electronic databases (EMBASE, OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and TRIS on line) was conducted in December 2009 and studies published since 1980 were considered for inclusion. Results: Twenty seven articles were identified that explored the relationship between ATS and the following aspects of HRF: weight status/body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and flexibility. Forty-eight percent of the studies that examined the relationship between ATS and weight status/body composition reported significant associations, this increased to 55% once poor quality studies were removed. Furthermore, the findings from five studies, including one longitudinal study, indicate that ATS is positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. However, the evidence for the relationships between ATS and muscular fitness or flexibility is equivocal and limited by low study numbers. Conclusions: There is some evidence to suggest that ATS is associated with a healthier body composition and level of cardiorespiratory fitness among youth. Strategies to increase ATS are warranted and should be included in whole-of-school approaches to the promotion of physical activity.
Relation
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 8, Issue 5
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-8-5
Date
2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword(s)
children;  adolescents;  health-related fitness;  physical activity
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/934573
Identifier
ISSN:1479-5868
Language
eng
Reviewed
Reviewed
 
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Subject
"International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity"
 
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