Active travel, including walking and cycling, can increase well-being, lowering hospitalization and mortality rates.
In a comprehensive study published in BMJ Public Health, researchers analyzed 18 years of data to determine the long-term health outcomes associated with active commuting, specifically walking and cycling. It has long been known that engaging in regular physical activity is good for one’s health. In addition to maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, studies have consistently demonstrated that regular exercise can help individuals maintain a healthy weight while reducing their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and improve cardiovascular fitness. Physical activity also promotes muscle and bone strength, which can help prevent injuries, especially in later ages, and optimizes mental health, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, reducing stress and improving mood and overall cognitive function.
Prior evidence has specifically suggested that active commuting, particularly cycling, is linked to lower risks of morbidity and mortality. However, the team involved in the current study wanted to expand upon this by examining the long-term effects of active commuting on other health outcomes.
This study used findings from the Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS), which includes 5.3% of the population in Scottland as per the 1991, 2001, and 2011 Censuses. They linked hospital admissions, death registrations, and prescription records through personal identifiers, gathering a robust amount of health data. The study focused on 82,297 individuals ages 16-74 years in 2001 who commuted to work or study in the U.K.
The team determined which means participants used to commute by looking at their Census responses and decided to categorize active travel as walking or cycling. Health outcomes measured over the follow-up period (2001-2018) included all causes of mortality, hospitalizations, including those involving travel, incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, and mental health medication use.
The researchers found that over the 18-year follow-up period, 4,276 participants (5.2%) died, with nearly half of these deaths determined to be cancer-related fatalities. A large number of participants had hospital admissions (64.2%), 11.7% of which were related to CVD, 7.2% to cancer and 3.2% to traffic accidents. Up to 38.5% filled prescriptions for CVD-related symptoms and 41% received mental health-related medications.
Pedestrian commuters tended to be younger and were more likely to be female, shift workers, urban dwellers, and of lower socioeconomic status. Cyclist commuters were more likely to be younger, male shift workers and city dwellers who were less likely to be homeowners or caretakers.
Cyclists showed notably lower risks of death, hospitalization, CVD, cancer, and mental health issues compared to non-active commuters. Pedestrians similarly experienced reduced risks of hospitalization, CVD, and mental health issues.
Thus, overall, the study’s findings highlighted the importance of promoting active travel to increase well-being. Cycling or walking to and from the workplace or a school environment can substantially improve health outcomes, lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other mortality causes along with improving mental health and lowering the need for prescription medications. Individuals currently driving or taking public transportation might consider whether they’re able to make the switch to improve their health.
Sources:
Active commuters less likely to suffer from heart disease and cancer, new research shows
Health benefits of pedestrian and cyclist commuting: evidence from the Scottish Longitudinal Study
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