Influence of active commuting on cardiorespiratory fitness in schoolchildren

Active commuting (walking or cycling) is associated with health benefits and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) improvements. The aim was to analyze the influence of active commuting on CRF in schoolchildren and, secondarily, to characterize the type and mode of active commuting used by the participants in this research. Study quantitative, descriptive-correlational design. 81 adolescents between 11 and 14 years from two municipal schools in Talca, Chile, were evaluated. The active commuting was evaluated with the PACO questionnaire (from its acronym in Spanish, Pedalea y anda al Cole) while the CRF was obtained through the Course Navette test, which allows indirect estimation of the oxygen consumption (VO2max) of the participants. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software was used for the statistical analysis, and a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Schoolchildren who engage in active commuting have a significantly higher VO2max compared to those with passive commuting (p<0.001; β=2.267). Among the adjustment variables, age was found to have a significant influence on the model, with younger schoolchildren exhibiting a higher VO2max (p=0.043; β=-1.118). Sex and body mass index did not affect the VO2max outcome. This study showed that active commuting to and from school, as well as the age of the participants, influence CRF, which could contribute to improved physical fitness.