Active commuting in Swedish workers between 1998 and 2015—Trends, characteristics, and cardiovascular disease risk

BACKGROUND: Trend analyses of active commuting and potential variations in trends and association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk within subgroups are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To (a) describe trends in active commuting between 1998 and 2015 and (b) to study the association between different amounts of active commuting and the incidence risk of CVD in a large sample of Swedish workers, and analyses of potential variations across subgroups of socio‐demographics, physical activity, and BMI. METHODS: A total of 318 309 participants (47% women, 18‐74 years) who participated in a nationwide occupational health service screening between 1998 and 2015 were included. Commuting habits were self‐reported, and data on first‐time CVD events were derived from national registers. RESULTS: Self‐reported passive commuters decreased between 1998 and 2015 (64% to 56%), transferring to an increase in mainly moderate/high‐dose active commuters (12% to 19%). Changes were seen in all subgroups. The characteristics and lifestyle habits of the typical passive and active commuter changed little over the study period. Low‐ and moderate/high‐dose active commuters had significantly decreased risks for a first time CVD during follow‐up. This was accentuated in men, middle‐aged, and in participants with light physical work situations, irregular exercise habits, being overweight/obese, and with low fitness. CONCLUSION: Increases in active commuting were observed between 1998 and 2015, however still leaving a majority who do not actively commute. As active commuting, regardless dose, is associated with a lower CVD risk, encouraging more people to actively commute may provide an easily accessible and time‐efficient possibility to increase physical activity and health in the general population.