Prenatal and birth predictors of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in three population-based birth cohorts in Brazil

Ding Ding,Gregore I Mielke,Soren Brage,Bernardo L Horta,Inacio Crochemore M Silva,Pedro C Hallal,Fernando C Wehrmeister,Ulf Ekelund

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-57070-x

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a global pandemic with no signs of improvement. Prolonged sitting time is an emerging risk factor that exacerbates the health consequences of physical inactivity. Both behaviours are influenced by various individual and environmental factors but it remains unknown whether early-life exposures “program” these behaviours in later life. The current evidence is limited by a small number of studies which were primarily conducted in high-income countries, and a narrow range of early-life variables examined. Using data from three population-based Brazilian birth cohorts (analytical samples: n = 2740 for 1982 cohort, aged 30 years; n = 3592 for 1993 cohort, aged 18; n = 2603 for 2004 cohort, aged 6), we show that being female and higher family socioeconomic status at birth are strong and consistent predictors of lower physical activity and higher sedentary time from childhood to adulthood. Meanwhile, higher birth weight and lower birth order may also predict lower physical activity and higher sedentary time. Our findings are distinct from evidence from high-income countries, suggesting the importance of broader socioeconomic context in determining individual’s activity patterns through the life- course. Such evidence is essential for understanding the biological etiology and socioeconomic context of physical activity and sedentary behaviour at an early stage in life.

Highlights

Physical inactivity is responsible for chronic diseases, premature mortality[1] and substantial economic burdens[2]
Three outcome variables were derived from accelerometry data: (1) measured physical activity of any intensity, which approximates the overall physical activity volume, (2) moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity ([MVPA]min/day), which is conventionally considered activities within the “health enhancing” intensity threshold and a key component of physical activity guidelines, (3) sedentary time, which quantifies the total amount of sedentary behaviour
Findings from our study extend the current knowledge on early-life predictors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour using population-based data from a low- and middle- income country setting

Summary

Introduction

Physical inactivity is responsible for chronic diseases, premature mortality[1] and substantial economic burdens[2]. Given that most studies on early life predictors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour to date were conducted in high-income countries[9,19], and that childhood socioeconomic status plays an important role in later physical activity[21], it is important to understand early life predictors of both biological and socioeconomic nature in a low- and middle- income country setting. Building such evidence is essential for understanding the biological etiology and socioeconomic context of physical activity and sedentary behaviour and for identifying and targeting those who may be at risk of an inactive lifestyle at an early stage in life

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Results

Conclusion