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Can active travel enhance educational attainment in school children?

This work examines the strength of evidence linking physical activity and academic attainment in school pupils. It aims to encourage collaboration between Transport Planning and Education teams to promote active travel on the school journey.

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Can active travel enhance educational attainment in school children?

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  1. Dr DarshanaBhattacharjee Paediatric Registrar (Bristol City Council) Dr Adrian Davis Public Health support to City Transport Bristol City Council Can active travel enhance educational attainment in school children?

  2. Purpose of this work • To look at the strength of the evidence regarding the link between physical activity and academic attainment in school pupils. • To facilitate collaboration between Transport Planning and Education teams. • Ultimately to encourage active travel on the school journey.

  3. Background

  4. What do we already know? • The school curriculum is becoming increasingly constrained. • The average child aged 5-17 years does not reach the recommended minimum daily levels of physical activity. • More children travel to school unnecessarily by car.

  5. How is this issue relevant locally? • Mayor’s vision • Bristol’s status as European Green Capital • Modeshift STARS programme

  6. Literature review

  7. Research question Doschool aged children between 5 and 18 years (P)who undertake physical activity during the school day (including active travel) (I)compared to those children who undertake no or less physical activity (C)have improved academic performance (O)?

  8. Methods • Rapid review of literature • First search- predominantly biomedical databases  5 studies found. • Second search- sociological databases  60 papers found. • ~26 studies identified as relevant • 15 studies included in briefing note.

  9. Findings • Summary of systematic reviews • (RCTs/cross-sectional studies not included)

  10. Conclusions • The majority of studies reviewed showed a positive association between PA and academic achievement/cognitive performance in school-aged children. • PA and fitness levels in school pupils is associated with better academic scores and improved classroom behaviour. • PA is not detrimental to academic performance.

  11. Limitations • There is variability between how PA is measured (objective vs subjective). • Few studies specifically looked at active travel to school. • Lack of RCTs • Ethnicity/social class difficult to adjust for.

  12. Implications • Raising profile of Bristol schools. • Making school travel plans an integral part of school policy. • Enhancement of road safety messages. • Promotion of better health and academic performance. • Providing incentives for schools to enhance facilities for active travel.

  13. Further Information “Physical activity through active travel Briefing Note: A best available opportunity for enhancing academic attainment among school pupils?” • Dr D Bhattacharjee, February 2015. • Darshana.bhattacharjee@nhs.net

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