Active School Commuting in School Children: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Research Implications

Ho Yeung Lam (), Sisitha Jayasinghe, Kiran D. K. Ahuja and Andrew P. Hills
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Ho Yeung Lam: School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
Sisitha Jayasinghe: School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
Kiran D. K. Ahuja: School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
Andrew P. Hills: School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 20, 1-20

Abstract: Active school commuting (ASC) has been proposed as a practical way to inculcate positive physical activity habits in children. This paper reviews the current evidence regarding ASC among children, highlights advances in research techniques and existing limitations in the field, and outlines future implications for research and promotion. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify English language studies on ASC among children aged 6–12 years, followed by a narrative review. ASC has witnessed a global decline, despite evidence of its contribution to physical activity levels. Context-dependent factors such as commuting distance and parental safety concerns are consistently identified as key determinants of ASC. Several promising interventions have been identified. Despite the limitations in intervention scope and quality, notable advancements in research techniques, such as multilevel regression and agent-based modelling, have been identified. Effective promotion of ASC to tackle childhood physical inactivity requires collaborative efforts among schools, parents, and the government, and should be tailored to address multilevel determinants within the local context. Future research should leverage recent advancements in research techniques to develop effective promotion strategies, while considering the context-dependent nature of ASC behaviours and addressing existing limitations, including the lack of standardised definitions and limited geographical and age coverage.

Keywords: active school commuting; physical activity; active transport; active travel; children; school; narrative review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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