Researchers from Edinburgh University in Scotland measured physical activity levels among 92 students ages 13 and 14 from four schools in the Edinburgh area. With the use of accelerometers - an instrument used to measure vertical movement - the students were surveyed about their journey to school.
Students who walked to and from school acquired the most minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout the day, followed by those walking one way.
Eighty-seven percent of students using a car, bus or train had an average of 60 or more minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on weekdays compared with 90 percent of those who walked one way and 100 percent of students who walked both ways.
Researchers say walking in the morning may stimulate further activity and social facilitation the rest of the day.
