OBJECTIVE: The positive impacts of active travel on health markers still require further research, especially in youth populations with higher risk of obesity. The present study aimed to analyse the associations between the blood pressure and adiposity risk (BPAR) and active travel to school in children.
METHODS: The sample comprised 665 Portuguese children (345 boys) aged 7-9 years. Height, weight, and skinfolds were collected by a trained fieldworker as well as data of BPAR between March 2009 and January 2010 (data were analysed in 2012-2013). Information on mode and duration of travel to school (i.e. exposure) was gathered by questionnaire. Outcome variables were statistically normalized and expressed as Z scores. A BPAR score was computed as the mean of the Z scores. Multiple linear regression, with adjustments for confounders, was used.
RESULTS: Active commuting was inversely associated with the BPAR after adjustment for several potential confounders. After adjusting for BMI, the strength of the relationship between the BPAR and active commuting was significantly improved (p≤0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Findings showed an independent association between the clustered of BPAR and active commuting in children aged 7-9 yrs.