Abstract
BackgroundSedentary behaviour in children is related to different health consequences such as overweight and cardio-metabolic diseases that can track into adulthood. Previous studies have shown that children spend hours being sedentary, but no data of sedentary time (ST) among German children has been available, yet. Therefore, this study investigated objectively measured amounts and correlates of ST in a sample of German primary school children.MethodsChildren’s physical activity (PA) was objectively assessed for 6 days using a multi-sensor device (Actiheart®; CamNtech, Cambridge, UK). Activity levels were categorized on the basis of energy expenditure (MET) into sedentary, light PA (LPA), and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). ST excluding sleeping hours was assessed for 231 children (7.1 ± 0.6 years, male: 45.9%) and analysed for independent groups. Examined factors (parental education, household income, and migration background) were assessed by parental questionnaire. Children’s weight, height and gender were collected in schools. Weight status was calculated on the basis of BMI percentiles.ResultsOn average, children spent 3.5 ± 1.5 h daily being sedentary, excluding sleeping hours. Significantly higher ST was found in girls (t = −4.6; p < 0.01), in children with migration background (t = −6.9; p < 0.01), at the weekend (t = −2.8; p < 0.01), and among inactive children (t = 6.8; p < 0.01). Additionally, significant correlations with ST in this sample were identified for MVPA (B = −0.99; [−1.09;-0.88], p < 0.01), LPA (B = −0.89; [−0.97;-0.82], p < 0.01), migration background (B = −17.64; [5.24;30.04], p < 0.01), gender (B = −13.48; [−25.94;-1.01], p < 0.05) and household income (B = −4.80; [−9.07; −0.53], p < 0.05).ConclusionGirls, children with migration background, and inactive children were identified as potential risk groups. A higher income was associated with less ST. In general, ST was higher at the weekend. Furthermore, as PA was found to be negatively correlated to ST, these activities may replace each other. Therefore, these findings should be considered in future health interventions.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS-ID: DRKS00000494 DATE: 25/08/2010.
Highlights
Sedentary behaviour in children is related to different health consequences such as overweight and cardio-metabolic diseases that can track into adulthood
Significant correlations with sedentary time (ST) in this sample were identified for moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) (MVPA) (B = −0.99; [−1.09;-0.88], p < 0.01), light PA (LPA) (B = −0.89; [−0.97;-0.82], p < 0.01), migration background (B = −17.64; [5.24;30.04], p < 0.01), gender (B = −13.48; [−25.94;-1.01], p < 0.05) and household income (B = −4.80; [−9.07; −0.53], p < 0.05)
Differences between boys and girls within the sample were found in the variables: migration background, secondary parental education level, PA levels (MVPA, ST, inactivity, and activity in sports club) and for recording times of the device
Summary
Sedentary behaviour in children is related to different health consequences such as overweight and cardio-metabolic diseases that can track into adulthood. Insufficient physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours have been shown to have adverse effects on health. Since sedentary behaviour and its related diseases can track into adulthood [12, 13], potentially resulting in further health problems in later life [14], this has become a growing public health concern. In order to prevent children being increasingly sedentary, several recommendations suggest to limit screen-time behaviour to up to 2 h a day [16,17,18]. The sedentary behaviour of German children has rarely been investigated and no prevalence of total sedentary time (ST) has been reported [3, 24]. Associations of obesity with more than 1 h of TV time at weekdays [24] and of “high ST” (=more than the sample’s mean; including TV, PC and homework) with obesity were found [3], sedentary behaviour does refer to screen time [25]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
