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Continuity and Changes in Work Commuting Modes and Their Associations With Overall Physical Activity and Weight
Kasper Salin1, Tuomas Kukko2, Irinja Lounassalo1
1Faculty of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|August 19, 2025
Summary
Active commuting, like walking or cycling, boosts daily steps and supports healthier body mass index (BMI) development over 11 years compared to passive commuting. Public transport use also increases physical activity (PA).
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) and weight status are crucial health indicators.
- Commuting modes to work can significantly influence daily PA levels.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term impact of commuting on health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare PA levels and weight status changes over 11 years among Finnish adults.
- To examine the influence of different commuting modes on physical activity and body mass index (BMI).
- To assess the impact of sustained active commuting versus passive commuting on health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 1357 Finnish adults participated in a longitudinal study (2007-2020).
- Self-reported commuting mode and PA, alongside device-measured PA (pedometers, accelerometers), BMI, and waist circumference were collected.
- Linear mixed effects and regression models analyzed changes in step counts, BMI, and waist circumference based on commuting patterns.
Main Results:
- Active commuters accumulated 953–1345 more daily steps than passive commuters.
- Walkers and public transport users had higher daily and aerobic steps than car users.
- Persistently active commuters showed a smaller increase in BMI over 11 years compared to persistently passive commuters.
Conclusions:
- Active work commuting, including public transport, is linked to higher overall physical activity (daily steps).
- Sustained active commuting over 11 years is associated with better BMI development compared to persistent car use.
- Promoting active commuting can be a strategy for improving population health and weight management.
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