Is active commuting beneficial for your health?

Active travel, including walking and cycling, can increase well-being, lowering hospitalization and mortality rates.

In a 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 is well established that regular physical activity is beneficial for health. Alongside a balanced diet, consistent exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and enhances cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, preventing injuries, especially in older age, while also improving mental health by alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, reducing stress, and enhancing mood and cognitive function.

Previous studies have indicated that active commuting, particularly cycling, correlates with lower morbidity and mortality risks. The current study aimed to expand on this by examining the long-term effects of active commuting on various health outcomes.

This research utilized data from the Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS), which encompasses 5.3% of Scotland’s population based on the 1991, 2001, and 2011 Censuses. The researchers linked hospital admissions, death registrations, and prescription records through personal identifiers, amassing a substantial amount of health data. The study focused on 82,297 individuals aged 16-74 years in 2001 who commuted to work or study in the U.K.

The research team determined participants’ commuting methods based on their Census responses, categorizing active travel as walking or cycling. Health outcomes measured over the follow-up period (2001-2018) included all-cause mortality, hospitalizations (including those related to 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 attributed to cancer. A significant number of participants experienced hospital admissions (64.2%), with 11.7% 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 medications.

Pedestrian commuters tended to be younger and more likely to be female, shift workers, urban residents, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Cyclist commuters were generally younger, male shift workers, and city dwellers, often less likely to be homeowners or caretakers.

Cyclists exhibited significantly lower risks of death, hospitalization, CVD, cancer, and mental health issues compared to non-active commuters. Similarly, pedestrians experienced reduced risks of hospitalization, CVD, and mental health challenges.

Overall, the study’s findings underscore the importance of promoting active travel to enhance well-being. Commuting by bicycle or on foot can greatly improve health outcomes, reducing the risks of heart disease, cancer, and other mortality causes, while also enhancing mental health and decreasing the need for prescription medications. Individuals who currently drive or use public transport might consider transitioning to active commuting to boost 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