title: Longitudinal and cross-sectional changes in active commuting to school among Brazilian schoolchildren.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study is to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in children's commuting to school in a representative sample of a Brazilian city.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two school-based studies were carried out in 2002 (n=2936; 7-10 years old) and 2007 (n=1232; 7-15 years old) in Florianopolis, Brazil. Cross-sectional data were collected from children aged 7 to 10 years in 2002 and 2007. Longitudinal analyses were performed with data from 733 children participating in both surveys. Children self-reported their mode of transportation to school using a validated illustrated questionnaire. Changes were tested with chi square statistics and McNemar's test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cross-sectional data showed a 17% decline in active commuting; a decrease from 49% in 2002 to 41% in 2007. On the other hand, active commuting among the 733 children increased as they entered adolescence 5 years later, rising from 40% to 49%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Active commuting to school decreased in Brazilian children aged 7-10 years over a five year period; whereas, it increased among children entering adolescence. Policies should focus on safety and environmental determinants to increase active commuting.
authors: Graduate Physical Education Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, University Campus - Trindade, Florianopolis, Brazil. filipefcosta_1@hotmail.com
authors: Filipe F
authors: FF
authors: Costa
authors: Kelly S
authors: KS
authors: Silva
authors: Camilie P
authors: CP
authors: Schmoelz
authors: Vanessa C
authors: VC
authors: Campos
authors: Maria Alice A
authors: MA
authors: de Assis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001642:Bicycling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016138:Walking / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends