A Systematic Review
KEY TAKEAWAY:
School-based programs and opportunities for active travel can be cost-effective interventions for increasing physical activity, but continued study is needed.
RESULTS:
- Building a community rail trail was the most cost-effective method of increasing physical activity at a population level at $.006/MET-hour. MET-hours are a measure of the rate of energy expenditure during physical activity.
- Built environment (parks, trails for walking and biking) and school health education programs were some of the most cost-effective physical interventions.
- Four out of six environmental interventions had low cost-effectiveness ratios, meaning than an increase in physical activity could be achieved at lower cost.
- School-based interventions with games and sports equipment or implementing environmental changes in the school area were more cost-effective than a program to encourage active travel to school. However, the research only reviewed one intervention to promote active transportation to school (TravelSMART).
- A school-based program encouraging commuting by walking, biking, or public transit (TravelSMART) cost $.79 per MET-hour gained per person per day.
METHODS:
- This research is based on a systematic review of 10 articles published in online databases.
Laine, J., Kuvaja-Kollner, V., Pietila, Eija, Koivuneva, M., Valtonen, H., Kankaanpaa, E. (2014). American Journal of Health Promotion. 29 (2), 71-80.
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