Active Commuting to University Is Positively Associated with Physical Activity and Perceived Fitness
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design and Participants
2.2. Procedures and Ethical Requirements
2.3. Instruments
2.4. Mode of Commuting
2.5. PA and Sedentary Behavior
2.6. Fitness
2.7. Statistical Analysis
3. Results
4. Discussion
Limitations and Strengths
5. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Warburton, D.E.R.; Bredin, S.S.D. Health benefits of physical activity: A systematic review of current systematic reviews. Curr. Opin. Cardiol. 2017, 32, 541–556. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- WHO. Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour; World Health Organization: Geneva, Switzerland, 2020; Available online: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/336656 (accessed on 7 January 2021).
- Guthold, R.; Stevens, G.A.; Riley, L.M.; Bull, F.C. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: A pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1·9 million participants. Lancet Glob. Health 2018, 6, e1077–e1086. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Arnett, J.J. College Students as Emerging Adults: The Developmental Implications of the College Context. Emerg. Adulthood 2016, 4, 219–222. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Balgiu, B.A. Self-esteem, personality and resilience. Study of a students emerging adults group. J. Educ. Sci. Psychol. 2017, 7, 93–99. [Google Scholar]
- Ori, E.M.; Berry, T.R. Physical activity information seeking among emerging adults attending university. J. Am. Coll. Health 2020, 70, 223–231. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Peterson, N.E.; Sirard, J.R.; Kulbok, P.A.; DeBoer, M.D.; Erickson, J.M. Sedentary behavior and physical activity of young adult university students. Res. Nurs. Health 2018, 41, 30–38. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Irwin, J.D. Prevalence of university students’ sufficient physical activity: A systematic review. Percept. Mot. Skills 2004, 98, 927–943. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Arias-Palencia, N.M.; Solera-Martínez, M.; Gracia-Marco, L.; Silva, P.; Martínez-Vizcaíno, V.; Cañete-García-Prieto, J.; Sánchez-López, M. Levels and Patterns of Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Compliance with Different Public Health Guidelines in University Students. PLoS ONE 2015, 10, e0141977. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Small, M.; Bailey-Davis, L.; Morgan, N.; Maggs, J. Changes in eating and physical activity behaviors across seven semesters of college: Living on or off campus matters. Health Educ. Behav. Off. Publ. Soc. Public Health Educ. 2013, 40, 435–441. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Soto, F.; Burgos, E. Diferencias en la masa muscular y el nivel de actividad física en estudiantes universitarios, según año de ingreso. J. Mov. Health 2015, 16, 87–94. [Google Scholar]
- Bull, F.C.; Al-Ansari, S.S.; Biddle, S.; Borodulin, K.; Buman, M.P.; Cardon, G.; Carty, C.; Chaput, J.P.; Chastin, S.; Chou, R.; et al. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br. J. Sports Med. 2020, 54, 1451–1462. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Palma-Leal, X.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, F.; Campos-Garzón, P.; Castillo-Paredes, A.; Chillón, P. New Self-Report Measures of Commuting Behaviors to University and Their Association with Sociodemographic Characteristics. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 12557. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Faulkner, G.E.J.; Buliung, R.N.; Flora, P.K.; Fusco, C. Active school transport, physical activity levels and body weight of children and youth: A systematic review. Prev. Med. 2009, 48, 3–8. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Deforche, B.; Van Dyck, D.; Deliens, T.; De Bourdeaudhuij, I. Changes in weight, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary intake during the transition to higher education: A prospective study. Int. J. Behav. Nutr. Phys. Act. 2015, 12, 16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
- Parra-Saldías, M.; Castro-Piñero, J.; Castillo Paredes, A.; Palma Leal, X.; Díaz Martínez, X.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, F. Active Commuting Behaviours from High School to University in Chile: A Retrospective Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 16, 53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Lipošek, S.; Planinšec, J.; Leskošek, B.; Pajtler, A. Physical activity of university students and its relation to physical fitness and academic success. Ann. Kinesiol. 2018, 9, 89–104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Ortega, F.B.; Ruiz, J.R.; Castillo, M.J.; Sjöström, M. Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: A powerful marker of health. Int. J. Obes. 2008, 32, 1–11. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Chrismas, B.C.R.; Majed, L.; Kneffel, Z. Physical fitness and physical self-concept of male and female young adults in Qatar. PLoS ONE 2019, 14, e0223359. [Google Scholar]
- Fonseca-Camacho, D.F.; Hernández-Fonseca, J.M.; González-Ruíz, K.; Tordecilla-Sanders, A.; Ramírez-Vélez, R. A better self-perception of physical fitness is associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among university students. Nutr. Hosp. 2014, 31, 1254–1263. [Google Scholar]
- WMA. The World Medical Association-WMA Declaration of Helsinki—Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. 2020. Available online: https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-declaration-of-helsinki-ethical-principles-for-medical-research-involving-human-subjects/ (accessed on 28 March 2020).
- Palma-Leal, X.; Gómez, D.; Chillón, P.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, F. Fiabilidad de un cuestionario de modos, tiempo y distancia de desplazamiento en estudiantes universitarios. Retos 2020, 37, 210–214. [Google Scholar]
- Herrador-Colmenero, H.-C.; Perez-Garcia, M.; Ruiz, J.R.; Chillon, P. Assessing modes and frequency of commuting to school in youngsters: A systematic review. Pediatr. Exerc. Sci. 2014, 26, 291–341. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Chillón, P.; Herrador-Colmenero, M.; Migueles, J.H.; Cabanas-Sánchez, V.; Fernández-Santos, J.R.; Veiga, Ó.L.; Cas-tro-Piñero, J. Convergent validation of a questionnaire to assess the mode and frequency of commuting to and from school. Scand. J. Public Health 2017, 45, 612–620. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Segura-Díaz, J.M.; Rojas-Jiménez, Á.; Barranco-Ruiz, Y.; Murillo-Pardo, B.; Saucedo-Araujo, R.G.; Aranda-Balboa, M.J.; He-rrador-Colmenero, M.; Villa-González, E.; Chillón, P. Feasibility and Reliability of a Questionnaire to Assess the Mode, Frequency, Distance and Time of Commuting to and from School: The PACO Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5039. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kek, C.C.; García Bengoechea, E.; Spence, J.C.; Mandic, S. The relationship between transport-to-school habits and physical activity in a sample of New Zealand adolescents. J. Sport Health Sci. 2019, 8, 463–470. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Rissel, C.; Curac, N.; Greenaway, M.; Bauman, A. Physical Activity Associated with Public Transport Use—A Review and Modelling of Potential Benefits. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2012, 9, 2454–2478. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Ruiz-Tendero, G.; De Vicente, E.; Vegara-Meseguer, J. Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels in university students and workers. J. Sport Health Res. 2012, 4, 83–92. [Google Scholar]
- Ortega, F.B.; Ruiz, J.R.; Espana-Romero, V.; Vicente-Rodriguez, G.; Martínez-Gómez, D.; Manios, Y.; Béghin, L.; Molnar, D.; Widhalm, K.; Moreno, L.A.; et al. The International Fitness Scale (IFIS): Usefulness of self-reported fitness in youth. Int. J. Epidemiol. 2011, 40, 701–711. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Audrey, S.; Fisher, H.; Cooper, A.; Gaunt, D.; Metcalfe, C.; Garfield, K.; Hollingworth, W.; Procter, S.; Gabe-Walters, M.; Rodgers, S.; et al. A workplace-based intervention to increase levels of daily physical activity: The Travel to Work cluster RCT. Public Health Research 2019, 7, 1–128. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Henriques-Neto, D.; Peralta, M.; Garradas, S.; Pelegrini, A.; Pinto, A.A.; Sánchez-Miguel, P.A.; Marques, A. Active Commuting and Physical Fitness: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 2721. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Arbinaga, F.; Fernández-Cuenca, S.; Fernández-Ozcorta, E.J.; Toscano-Hermoso, M.D.; Joaquin-Mingorance, M. Level of physical activity and sleep characteristics in university students. Sleep Sci. 2019, 12, 265–271. [Google Scholar]
- García-Puello, F.; Herazo-Beltrán, Y.; Vidarte-Claros, J.A.; García-Jiménez, R.; Crissien-Quiroz, E. Physical activity level assessment in university students by direct method. Rev. Salud Publica 2018, 20, 606–611. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Rodríguez, F.; Palma, X.; Romo, A.; Escobar, D.; Aragú, B.; Espinoza, L.; McMillan, N.; Gálvez, J. Eating habits, physical activity and socioeconomic level in university students of Chile. Nutr. Hosp. 2013, 28, 447–455. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Stathokostas, L.; McDonald, M.W.; Little, R.M.D.; Paterson, D.H. Flexibility of Older Adults Aged 55–86 Years and the Influence of Physical Activity. J. Aging Res. 2013, 2013, 743843. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Sahlqvist, S.; Song, Y.; Ogilvie, D. Is active travel associated with greater physical activity? The contribution of commuting and non-commuting active travel to total physical activity in adults. Prev. Med. 2012, 55, 206–211. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Yang, L.; Panter, J.; Griffin, S.J.; Ogilvie, D. Associations between active commuting and physical activity in working adults: Cross-sectional results from the Commuting and Health in Cambridge study. Prev. Med. 2012, 55, 453–457. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Cooper, A.R.; Page, A.S.; Foster, L.J.; Qahwaji, D. Commuting to school: Are children who walk more physically active? Am. J. Prev. Med. 2003, 25, 273–276. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Østergaard, L.; Kolle, E.; Steene-Johannessen, J.; Anderssen, S.A.; Andersen, L.B. Cross sectional analysis of the association between mode of school transportation and physical fitness in children and adolescents. Int. J. Behav. Nutr. Phys. Act. 2013, 10, 91. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Vaara, J.P.; Kyröläinen, H.; Fogelholm, M.; Santtila, M.; Häkkinen, A.; Häkkinen, K.; Vasankari, T. Associations of Leisure Time, Commuting, and Occupational Physical Activity with Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Men. J. Phys. Act. Health 2014, 11, 1482–1491. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Andersen, L.B.; Lawlor, D.A.; Cooper, A.R.; Froberg, K.; Anderssen, S.A. Physical fitness in relation to transport to school in adolescents: The Danish youth and sports study. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2009, 19, 406–411. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Geus, B.D.; Joncheere, J.; Meeusen, R. Commuter cycling: Effect on physical performance in untrained men and women in Flanders: Minimum dose to improve indexes of fitness. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2009, 19, 179–187. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Møller, N.C.; Østergaard, L.; Gade, J.R.; Nielsen, J.L.; Andersen, L.B. The effect on cardiorespiratory fitness after an 8-week period of commuter cycling—A randomized controlled study in adults. Prev. Med. 2011, 53, 172–177. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Shephard, R.J. Is Active Commuting the Answer to Population Health? Sports Med. 2008, 38, 751–758. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
All (n = 1257) | Men (n = 598) | Women (n = 659) | p-Value | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mode of Commuting * | ||||
Active | 331 (26.3) | 206 (34.4) | 125 (19.0) | <0.001 |
Public | 791 (62.9) | 332 (55.5) | 459 (69.7) | |
Private | 135 (10.7) | 60 (10.0) | 75 (11.4) | |
PA and Sedentary Behavior | ||||
PA Levels * | ||||
Light | 482 (38.3) | 155 (25.9) | 327 (49.6) | <0.001 |
Moderate | 365 (29.0) | 184 (30.8) | 181 (27.5) | |
Vigorous | 410 (32.6) | 259 (43.3) | 151 (22.9) | |
MVPA recommendations * | ||||
Not meeting | 701 (55.8) | 272 (45.5) | 429 (61.2) | <0.001 |
Meeting | 556 (44.2) | 326 (54.5) | 230 (41.4) | |
Total PA (h/day) ** | 1.5 ± 1.7 | 1.9 ± 1.8 | 1.2 ± 1.4 | <0.001 |
Sedentary behavior (h/day) ** | 6.5 ± 6.4 | 6.8 ± 6.9 | 6.2 ± 5.9 | <0.001 |
Fitness ** | ||||
General physical condition | 2.9 ± 1.0 | 3.2 ± 0.9 | 2.7 ± 0.9 | <0.001 |
Cardio-respiratory fitness | 2.8 ± 1.0 | 3.1 ± 1.0 | 2.5 ± 1.0 | <0.001 |
Muscular strength | 2.9 ± 0.9 | 3.2 ± 0.9 | 2.7 ± 0.9 | <0.001 |
Speed and agility | 3.1 ± 0.9 | 3.4 ± 0.9 | 2.7 ± 0.9 | <0.001 |
Flexibility | 2.8 ± 1.0 | 2.8 ± 1.0 | 2.9 ± 1.0 | <0.001 |
General health | 3.6 ± 0.9 | 3.8 ± 0.9 | 3.4 ± 0.8 | <0.001 |
Mode of Commuting to University * | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Men | Women | |||
Active | Public | Active | Public | |
OR (95% CI) | OR (95% CI) | OR (95% CI) | OR (95% CI) | |
PA and Sedentary Behavior | ||||
PA Levels | ||||
Light | Ref. | Ref. | Ref. | Ref. |
Moderate | 2.509 (1.14, 5.14) | 1.820 (0.86, 3.85) | 1.315 (0.67, 2.54) | 1.041 (0.59, 1.81) |
Vigorous | 1.478 (0.75, 2.90) | 1.365 (0.72, 2.57) | 2.580 (1.14, 5.81) | 2.028 (0.98, 4.18) |
MVPA recommendations | ||||
Not meeting | Ref. | Ref. | Ref. | Ref. |
Meeting | 1.351 (1.16, 2.04) | 1.229 (0.74, 2,24) | 2.031 (1.08, 3.81) | 1.577 (0.90, 2.74) |
Total PA | 0.898 (0.77, 1.04) | 0.956 (0.83, 1.09) | 1.297 (1.01, 1.65) | 1.218 (0.97, 1.52) |
Sedentary behavior | 0.856 (0.32, 1.07) | 0.703 (0.39, 1.24) | 0.301 (0.16, 0.54) | 0.421 (0.25, 0.69) |
Fitness | ||||
General physical condition | 1.077 (0.80, 1.44) | 1.217 (0.91, 1.61) | 0.749 (0.55, 1.01) | 0.813 (0.62, 1.05) |
Cardio-respiratory fitness | 1.154 (0.87, 1.52) | 1.229 (0.94, 1.60) | 0.784 (0.59, 1.03) | 0.858 (0.67, 1.08) |
Muscular strength | 1.691 (1.22, 2.33) | 1.597 (1.17, 2.17) | 1.267 (0.94, 1.70) | 1.214 (0.94, 1.56) |
Speed and agility | 1.205 (0.89, 1.62) | 1.309 (0.98, 1.74) | 1.074 (0.78, 1.46) | 1.045 (0.80, 1.35) |
Flexibility | 1.134 (0.86, 1.49) | 1.249 (0.96, 1.62) | 1.256 (0.95, 1.65) | 1.295 (1.02, 1.63) |
General health | 1.219 (0.87, 1.70) | 1.399 (1.01, 1.09) | 0.936 (0.67, 1.29) | 1.171 (0.88, 1.54) |
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. |
© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Palma-Leal, X.; Parra-Saldías, M.; Aubert, S.; Chillón, P. Active Commuting to University Is Positively Associated with Physical Activity and Perceived Fitness. Healthcare 2022, 10, 990. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060990
Palma-Leal X, Parra-Saldías M, Aubert S, Chillón P. Active Commuting to University Is Positively Associated with Physical Activity and Perceived Fitness. Healthcare. 2022; 10(6):990. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060990
Chicago/Turabian StylePalma-Leal, Ximena, Maribel Parra-Saldías, Salomé Aubert, and Palma Chillón. 2022. "Active Commuting to University Is Positively Associated with Physical Activity and Perceived Fitness" Healthcare 10, no. 6: 990. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10060990