Effects of an active tranport to school program

Many children do not meet established physical activity (PA) guidelines. One strategy that may enhance PA levels is increase active transport to school (ATS) rates. We sought to assess the effect of a school supported ATS promotion. Methods: a quasi experimental design was used to compare ATS rates at one school that participated in a statewide intervention (Nevada Moves Day [NMD]) and a similar school that did not. Schools were matched on student population, socio-economic status and size of catchment area. All students lived within two miles of their school and were ineligible for free bus transportation. Students using ATS were counted by university students placed at strategically selected sites. The counting of ATS students began 30 minutes before, and ceased five minutes after school started. Data was collected one week before, on NMD, and one week later. Results: Preintervention ATS rates were 7.5% and 7.8% at the intervention and control schools respectively. On the intervention day the ATS rate increased to 16.8% at the intervention school, while ATS at the control school dropped slightly to 7.0%. This is difference was significant (X2=8.4; p<.001). One week later ATS rates returned to pre intervention rates at both schools. Discussion: A one day ATS intervention was effective at increasing rates, but the effect was ephemeral. It appears that to institutionalize increases in ATS rates strategies that highlight the need to change transport choices over a longer time periods should be employed.