1. ^*Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, California
2. ^†Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
3. ^‡Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
4. ^§Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.

Correspondence: Dori Rosenberg 3900 Fifth Avenue, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92103. E-mail: drosenberg@paceproject.org

Received 2 August 2005; Accepted 12 July 2006.

Abstract

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.

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.

Discussion: Walking and cycling to school may contribute to preventing excessive weight gain, or leaner children may walk or cycle to school.