Regional comparisons of walking or bicycling for fun or exercise and for active transport in a nationally distributed sample of community‐based youth. (14th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saunders, R. P.; Dowda, M.; McIver, K.; Pate, R. R.
• Other Names: Kumanyika Shiriki K. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric obesity. Volume 13(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2018-06-14
• Subjects: Active transport -- bicycling -- children -- walking; Obesity in children -- Periodicals; Obesity in adolescence -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; Overweight children -- Periodicals; 618.92398
• DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12425
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-7174

Abstract

Summary: Background: Physical activity helps prevent excessive weight gain in youth. Few studies have examined regional variations in common activities, walking and bicycling. Objective: The primary aim was to examine participation in previous 7‐day walking/bicycling for active transport and for fun/exercise by region, gender and age groups. Methods: Children ( n = 2693) from 130 diverse, geographically distributed US communities reported participation in previous 7‐day walking/bicycling. Mixed model ANOVAs were used to compare walking/bicycling by region, gender and age groups using Healthy Communities Study data. Results: Walking/bicycling for fun/exercise was higher in the Midwest, South and West compared with the Northeast, with the same regional patterns for boys, girls and 9–11‐year olds. Walking/bicycling to non‐school destinations was higher in the Midwest compared with the South and Northeast, with the same pattern for girls and 9–11‐year olds. Walking/bicycling to school was higher Midwest, Northeast and West compared with the South, with similar patterns for girls and 12–15‐year olds. Conclusions: Walking/bicycling for fun/exercise and to non‐school destinations had higher prevalence than active transport to school. The Northeast reported lower walking/bicycling for fun/exercise; the South and Northeast reported lower walking/bicycling to non‐school destinations. Program/policy initiatives should consider contextual demographic influences, as well as purpose/destination of walking/bicycling. Abstract : What is known: Children and adolescents are less active than recommended. In the USA, regional disparities exist in obesity and physical activity. Walking and bicycling for recreation and for active transport have potential for positive public health impact. What this study adds: There is regional variation in the prevalence of walking and bicycling to school and other destinations and for fun or exercise. Walking and bicycling to school settings was less prevalent than walking and bicycling to other settings and for fun or exercise. Based on regional gender and age patterns, there appears to be more complexity in factors influencing active transport than recreational walking or bicycling. This article is part of the supplement: The Healthy Communities Study: Examining Community Programs, Policies and Other Characteristics in Relation to Child Weight, Diet, and Physical Activity