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Active commuting and sociodemographic factors among university students in Spain
Molina-García, Javier Sallis, James F. Castillo, Isabel
Molina-García, Javier
Sallis, James F.
Castillo, Isabel
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Author
Molina-García, Javier
Sallis, James F.
Castillo, Isabel
Sallis, James F.
Castillo, Isabel
Abstract
Background: Commuting to university represents an opportunity to incorporate physical activity (walking or biking) into students’ daily routines. There are few studies that analyze patterns of transport in university populations. This cross-sectional study estimated energy expenditure from active commuting to university (ACU) and examined sociodemographic differences in findings. Methods: The sample included 518 students with a mean age of 22.4 years (59.7% female) from 2 urban universities in Valencia, Spain. Time spent in each mode of transport to university and sociodemographic factors was assessed by self-report. Results: Nearly 35% of the students reported walking or biking as their main mode of transport. ACU (min/wk) were highest for walkers (168) and cyclists (137) and lowest for motorbike riders (0.0) and car drivers (16). Public transport users, younger students, low socioeconomic status students, and those living ≤ 2 km from the university had higher energy expenditure from active commuting than comparison groups. Biking was highest among those living 2–5 km from the university. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that active commuting and public transit use generated substantial weekly energy expenditure, contributed to meeting physical activity recommendations, and may aid in obesity prevention.
Keywords
physical activity, survey research, health promotion
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Physical Activity and Health
Book
Volume
11
Issue
2
Page Range
359-363
Article Number
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
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Source URL
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Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled
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