Acta Univ. Palacki. Olomuc., Gymn. 2012 42(3): 17-26 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2012.014

Active transport among Czech school-aged children

Jan Pavelka, Dagmar Sigmundová, Zdeněk Hamřík, Michal Kalman
Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University, Olomouc

Background: Active transport is a very important factor for increasing the level of physical activity in children, which is significant for both their health and positive physical behaviour in adult age.

Objective: The aim of the study was to establish the proportion of Czech children aged 11 to 15 who select active transport to and from school and, at the same time, describe socio-economic and socio-demographic factors influencing active transport to and from school among children.

Methods: To establish the socio-demographic factors affecting active transport, data of a national representative sample of 11 to 15 year-old elementary school children in the Czech Republic (n = 4,425). Research data collection was performed within an international research study called Health Behaviour in School Aged Children in June 2010. Statistical processing of the results was made using a logistic regression analysis in the statistical programme IBM SPSS v 20.

Results: Active transport to and from school is opted for in the Czech Republic by approximately 2/3 of children aged 11 to 15. Differences between genders are not statistically significant; most children opting for active transport are aged 11 (69%). An important factor increasing the probability of active transport as much as 16 times is whether a child's place of residence is in the same municipality as the school. Other factors influencing this choice include BMI, time spent using a computer or a privateroom in a family. A significant factor determining active transport by children is safety; safe road crossing, opportunity to leave a bicycle safely at school, no fear of being assaulted on the way or provision of school lockers where children can leave their items.

Conclusions: Active transport plays an important role in increasing the overall level of physical activity in children. Promotion of active transport should focus on children who spend more time using a computer; attention should also be drawn to safety associated with active transport to and from school.

Keywords: Active transport, walking, cycling, school, children, HBSC

Prepublished online: September 30, 2012; Published: June 1, 2012  Show citation

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Pavelka, J., Sigmundová, D., Hamřík, Z., & Kalman, M. (2012). Active transport among Czech school-aged children. Acta Gymnica, 42(3), 17-26. doi: 10.5507/ag.2012.014
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