Children's active mobility, physical activity and well-being

Abstract

Introduction Globally, children are experiencing declining rates of physical activity, which is mirrored by a reduction in active mobility. While physical activity is generally associated with enhanced psychological well-being, the specific relationship between active mobility, physical activity, and well-being in children remains underexplored. Methods This study explored the relationship between active mobility, physical activity, and well-being among children, addressing the critical issue of declining physical activity levels among youth. A sample of 75 Austrian children aged 12–14 participated in the study. Using a travel-and-mobility diary over seven consecutive days, we collected data on both active mobility and physical activity to assess their effects on well-being. Results The study reveals that active mobility - particularly undirected walking and cycling - positively impacts children's well-being. However, these forms of activity were relatively infrequent among participants. Physical activity, especially in the form of strenuous exercise, was also linked to higher levels of well-being. Using ordinary and mixed linear models with random intercepts, we differentiated between short-term and long-term effects. It turns out that active mobility had immediate day-to-day benefits, but its overall impact was modest due to its low frequency. Conversely, regular cycling was associated with a higher baseline level of well-being, indicating more long-term benefits. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of both active mobility and physical activity for enhancing children's well-being and suggest that promoting diverse forms of physical engagement could be beneficial. Further research is required to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of these relationships.

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