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Systematic Review of the Health Benefits of Active Travel

Title
Systematic Review of the Health Benefits of Active Travel

Research Area
Active Travel     

Author
Saunders et al, Public Health Research

Summary of Findings
This study was designed as a systematic review of non-randomised and randomised trials along with observational studies that examine the effects of interventions to promote active travel or the relationship between active travel and health outcomes. 22 studies from 11 countries were included of which 6 were focused on children and young people. Whilst this review found no prospective studies of active travel with obesity as a primary outcome in adults, and no significant associations between obesity and active travel in the studies of children, for other health outcomes small positive health effects were found in groups who actively travelled longer distances including reductions in risk of all cause mortality, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes. Conclusions that can be drawn depend on the context within which individuals are travelling – length of journey, frequency of travel, nature of the terrain, risk of injury, levels of air pollution and so on as well as other aspects of the lifestyles of the participants. For example travelling actively may mean that the individual is more or less likely to be physically active at other times, or they may modify their diet. It may mean that they are more or less likely to strengthen social networks. While the studies identified in this review did not enable the researchers to draw strong conclusions about the health effects of active travel, there is consistent support for the positive effects on health of active travel over longer periods and perhaps distances.

Implications
The evidence on the effect of physical activity is sufficiently strong to suggest that the part played by active travel in improving health is likely to be significant and is well worth maintaining. Other aspects of active travel, including a reduction in pollution, and in carbon footprint are clear potential co-benefits and likely to become even more so.