The contribution of active commuting to total daily moderate to vigorous physical activity

Background: Physical inactivity is associated with a number of chronic diseases. Active commuting has been recognised as a way to increase daily physical activity. The aim of this study was to look at the contribution active commuting makes to total daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Methods: A convenience sample (n = 24) of university staff were asked to wear an activPAL™ for seven days. An activity diary was used to collect information on travel times to and from work, and modes of commute to and from work each day. The activPAL™ was used to measure MVPA in terms of cadence (rate of stepping) and total steps. The relationship between commute time in MVPA and total physical activity was analysed. Results: The average number of steps taken per day was 10,359 (SD ±3,469) with total time spent in MVPA per day being 48.97 (±26.19) minutes. The commute accounted for 17.07 (±13.08) minutes (37%) of daily time spent in MVPA. The average active commute time spent in MVPA by car was 8.89 (±7.55) minutes, by public transport 23.31 (±13.36) minutes, and by walking 28.87 (±9.23) minutes. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between commute time spent in MVPA and total MVPA (Pearson’s correlation test p Conclusion: Commuting contributes to total physical activity and can be incorporated into daily life for working individuals. Commuting actively is one way to increase daily physical activity, and the mode of transport can play an important role in determining how much MVPA is accumulated during travel.