Abstract
Sedentary behavior (SB) has emerged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While exercise is known to reduce these risks, reducing SB through increases in non-structured PA and breaks from sitting may appeal to obese women who have lower self-efficacy for PA. This study examined effects of a combined face-to-face and online intervention to reduce SB in overweight and obese women. A two-group quasi-experimental study was used with measures taken pre and post. Female volunteers (M age = 58.5, SD = 12.5 years) were enrolled in the intervention (n = 40) or waitlisted (n = 24). The intervention, based on the Social Cognitive Theory, combined group sessions with email messages over 6 weeks. Individualized feedback to support mastery and peer models of active behaviors were included in the emails. Participants self-monitored PA with a pedometer. Baseline and post measures of PA and SB were assessed by accelerometer and self-report. Standard measures of height, weight, and waist circumference were conducted. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for analyses. Self-reported SB and light PA in the intervention group (I) changed significantly over time [SB, F(1, 2) = 3.81, p = 0.03, light PA, F(1, 2) = 3.39, p = 0.04]. Significant Group × Time interactions were found for light PA, F(1, 63) = 5.22, p = 0.03, moderate PA, F(1, 63) = 3.90, p = 0.05, and for waist circumference, F(1, 63) = 16.0, p = 0.001. The intervention group decreased significantly while the comparison group was unchanged. Hybrid computer interventions to reduce SB may provide a non-exercise alternative for increasing daily PA and potentially reduce waist circumference, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Consumer-grade accelerometers may aide improvements to PA and SB and should be tested as part of future interventions.
Highlights
A lack of physical activity (PA) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes among overweight and obese persons and impairs glucose management in those with the disease
New PA tracking devices that combine accelerometers with real-time feedback may be useful in future sedentary behavior (SB) and PA interventions
Body fat redistribution, resulting in reduced waist circumference has been reported without significantly decreased body weight following aerobic exercise training (33)
Summary
A lack of physical activity (PA) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes among overweight and obese persons and impairs glucose management in those with the disease. Researchers have considered the role of sitting time in cardiometabolic diseases and determined that sedentary behavior (SB) is an independent risk factor (1–4). SB includes time spent sitting at desks, watching television, reading, or commuting (5). A few interventions have been tested to reduce SB and increase light to moderate PA by limiting access to a sedentary activity (9), counting steps (10), or through increased lifestyle PA (11, 12). Lifestyle PA includes tasks of daily living and is less structured than exercise (13), which may be more appealing to overweight or obese women who are not currently physically active
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