Domain-specific Sedentary Behaviour Research Articles

Associations of sedentary behavior and screen time with biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance.

Sedentary behavior (SB) has been linked to risk factors of cardiometabolic disease, with inconsistent findings reported in the literature. We aimed to assess the associations of SB with multiple biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance in adults. Domain-specific SB, sitting time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured in 78 adults (mean ± SD 52.0 ± 10.8 y). Body fat percentage (BF%) was assessed using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance. A blood draw assessed glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, and adiponectin. Adiponectin-leptin ratio (ALR), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-β) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analyses, controlling for age, sex, MVPA, and BF%, were used to assess associations. After adjustment for age, sex and MVPA, total SB (7.5 ± 2.5h/day) was positively associated with leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β (Standardized Beta (β) range 0.21-0.32) and negatively associated with ALR (β = -0.24, p < 0.05 for all). Similarly, total sitting time (7.2 ± 2.9h/day) was associated with TNF-α (β = 0.22) and ALR (β = -0.26). These associations were attenuated to non-significance after adjustment for BF%. Leisure screen time was detrimentally associated with IL-6 (β = 0.24), leptin (β = 0.21), insulin (β = 0.37), HOMA-IR (β = 0.37), and HOMA-β (β = 0.34), independent of age, sex and MVPA (p < 0.05 for all). Only the associations with insulin (β = 0.26), HOMA-IR (β = 0.26), and HOMA-β (β = 0.23) remained significant after further controlling BF% (p < 0.05). Self-reported SB is associated with biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance, independent of MVPA, and in some cases BF%.

Association between leisure sedentary behaviors and hypertension risk: A prospective cohort study and two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis in Europeans

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between domain-specific sedentary behaviors (including television watching, computer use, and driving) and hypertension risk in European populations. MethodsInitially, we conducted a multivariable Cox regression analysis to evaluate the associations between domain-specific sedentary behaviors and the risk of developing hypertension using data from 261,829 hypertension-free participants in the UK Biobank. To validate the findings of observational analysis, we employed two-sample univariable mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis utilizing summary statistics from genome-wide association study conducted on European populations. We then performed multivariable mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis to account for the influence of the risk factors for hypertension. ResultsIn this prospective observational analysis, individuals who spent >3 h per day watching television had significantly higher risk of developing hypertension (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.20–1.29, P < 0.001) compared to those who watched television for 0–1 h per day. The mendelian randomization analysis provided consistent evidence for a causal relationship between prolonged television watching time and hypertension risk (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25–1.69, P < 0.001; all PMVMR < 0.05) in both UVMR and MVMR results. No significant associations were found between computer use, driving behaviors and the risk of hypertension in either the observational or UVMR/MVMR analyses. ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence for a causal effect specifically linking higher television watching time to an increased risk of hypertension and indicate the potential effectiveness of reducing television viewing time as a preventive measure to mitigate the risk of hypertension.

Optimal domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviors for blood lipids among Japanese children: a compositional data analysis

BackgroundOptimizing childhood domain-specific physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) for blood lipid profile is not well understood. We aimed to (1) determine the associations between accelerometer-measured PA and SB for each domain (school time and out-of-school time) with blood lipid profile and (2) estimate predicted changes in blood lipid profile with hypothetical time-reallocation between domain-specific SB and PA among Japanese children using compositional data analysis (CoDA).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 284 children (147 boys and 137 girls) aged 9–12 years (mean age [years]: 10.1 ± 1.2 for boys, 10.0 ± 1.1 for girls; mean body mass index: 18.2 ± 3.2 for boys, 17.5 ± 2.5 for girls). Time spent in domain-specific SB, light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-intensity PA (MPA), and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) was assessed using accelerometry. The non-fasting lipid profile considered measures of triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-HDL-C levels. CoDA and isotemporal substitution model were performed to examine the associations of domain-specific PA and SB with blood lipids.ResultsTime spent in out-of-school VPA relative to the other behaviors was negatively associated with non-HDL-C (boys: βilr1 = − 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = − 0.19 to − 0.01), TG (boys: βilr1 = − 0.45, 95% CI = − 0.68 to − 0.22), and positively associated with HDL-C (girls: βilr1 = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.16) after adjusting for age, body mass index, and time spent in SB, LPA, and MPA. During the out-of-school period, a replacement of 1 min of any other behavior with VPA was associated with decreases in LDL-C in boys (predicted changes [95% CI] − 0.03 mmol/L [− 0.05 to − 0.00] for LPA), non-HDL-C in boys (predicted changes [95% CI] − 0.03 mmol/L [− 0.06 to − 0.01] for SB and LPA) and TG in boys (predicted changes [95% CI] − 0.04 mmol/L [− 0.06 to − 0.02] for SB and LPA, − 0.05 mmol/L [− 0.07 to − 0.02] for MPA) and in girls (predicted changes [95% CI] − 0.02 mmol/L [− 0.04 to − 0.00] for LPA), and increases in HDL-C in girls (predicted changes [95% CI] 0.02 mmol/L [0.00 to 0.04] for SB and LPA, 0.03 mmol/L [0.00 to 0.05] for MPA).ConclusionsIncreasing out-of-school VPA might be an effective approach to improve blood lipid profiles among Japanese children.

Domains matter: Cross-sectional associations between mental well-being and domain specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in n=31,818 adults in Scotland

Mental wellbeing is an important protective factor for health. This study aimed to investigate the domain-specific associations for physical activity and sedentary behaviours with different levels of mental wellbeing. We pooled data from the nationally representative 2012–2019 Scottish Health Surveys (31,818 adults (≥16 years); 52.3% female). Respondents reported domain-specific physical activity over the previous four weeks and average domain-specific daily sitting time for week and weekend days. Mental wellbeing was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Associations were investigated using cubic spline and multinomial regressions progressively adjusted for demographic variables, body mass index, self-reported general health, and other movement behaviours. The majority of the sample (71.2%) had a medium mental wellbeing score with 15.2% and 13.5% in the low and high categories respectively. The findings indicated that home-based heavy manual (including gardening and DIY), walking, sport and exercise, and leisure time sitting were all positively associated with mental wellbeing. There was no association evident for heavy housework or occupational sitting, and high levels of TV/screen time sitting were negatively associated with mental wellbeing. Activity at work presented a mixed picture. For walking and sport and exercise, the relationship differed by mental wellbeing level. The findings of this large population level study extend the argument that domains and types of activity matter, and not all physical activity and sedentary behaviour is equal in terms of mental wellbeing. Additionally, the relationship between some activity and mental wellbeing can vary depending on levels of mental wellbeing.

Post-COVID-19 Total and Domain-specific Sedentary Behaviors in Saudi Adults

Objectives: Although previous research reported prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of SB in the post-COVID-19 era remains unexplored. Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of post-COVID-19 total SB, and domain-specific SB in Saudi adults was examined. Methods: Participants (N=1,255; 55% females; 50% aged 20 to 29 years old) completed a Web-based survey (December 2, 2022 ‐ January 25, 2023). The Arabic version of the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire estimated SBs (hours/day) during weekdays and weekend days. Respondents self-reported personal, anthropometric, and socioeconomical variables. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed patterns of total and domain-specific SB and Kruskal-Wallis tests evaluated its determinants. Results: Most participants (54.7%) spent excessive time (≥8 hours/day) in total SB especially during weekdays (p&lt;.001). Leisure-time SB was higher compared to other domain-specific SB (p&lt;.001). Occupational-time SB was higher on weekdays while leisure-time SB was higher during weekends days (p&lt;.001). No statistically significant differences were found for transportational-time SB. Age and occupation were the main determinants of SB (p&lt;.005) while other correlates had more complex associations. Conclusions: Current efforts to reduce SB and suggest that Saudi policymakers, physicians, and researchers target not only daily total SB, but also domain-specific SB, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.

Association between domain-specific sedentary behaviour and endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveSedentary behaviour is associated with increased cancer risk. We aim to assess the associations of domain-specific and total sedentary behaviour with risk of endometrial cancer, with additional attention paid to...

Correlates of domain-specific sedentary behaviors and objectively assessed sedentary time among elementary school children

Understanding the correlates of sedentary behavior among children is essential in developing effective interventions to reduce sitting time in this vulnerable population. This study aimed to identify correlates of domain-specific sedentary behaviors and objectively assessed sedentary time among a sample of children in Japan. Data from 343 children (aged 6–12 years) living in Japan were used. Domain-specific sedentary behaviors were assessed using a questionnaire. Total sedentary time was estimated using hip-worn accelerometers. Twenty-two potential correlates across five categories (parental characteristics, household indoor environment, residential neighborhood environment, school environment, and school neighborhood environment) were included. Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify correlates of domain-specific sedentary behaviors and objectively assessed sedentary time. Eight correlates were significantly associated with children’s domain-specific sedentary behaviors: mother’s and father’s age, mother’s educational level, having a video/DVD recorder/player, having a video console, having a TV one’s own room, home’s Walk Score®, and pedestrian/cycling safety. No significant associations were found between potential correlates and accelerometer-based total sedentary time. These findings highlight that strategies to reduce children’s sedentary time should consider the context of these behaviors. For example, urban design attributes such as perceived pedestrian and cycling safety can be improved to reduce children’s car sitting time.

Correlates of sedentary behavior in Asian preschool-aged children: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to identify the multilevel correlates of sedentary behavior (SB) and its sub-domains among preschool-aged children aged 0-7years in Asia. We systematically searched for studies published from 2000 onwards using terms related to SB correlates and Asia in six databases. Eligible studies were observational and used quantitative methods to examine correlates of total, and domain-specific SB (screen viewing [SV] and non-screen-based SB) in Asian children living in Asia. Two reviewers independently screened identified references. Following quality assessment of included studies, we performed narrative synthesis to summarize the evidence on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental correlates of total and domain-specific SB (PROSPERO: CRD42018095268). Twenty-two studies from 4 regions and 12 countries/territories were included. Out of the 94 correlates explored, the following associations were consistent: older age, being a boy, non-Chinese ethnicity (Southeast Asia), younger maternal age, higher maternal and paternal television-viewing time with higher SV; higher SV at earlier age with higher SV and total SB; and presence of TV/computer in the bedroom with higher leisure-time SB. We encourage more studies from low- and middle-income Asian countries with an increased focus on different SB domains, further exploration of environmental correlates, and the use of objective measurements to capture SB.

Correlates of Objectively Measured Sitting Time in South Korean Adults: 2014-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The purpose of this study was to investigate daily amounts of time spent sitting and frequency of breaks from sitting and to identify their sociodemographic, environmental, and health behavioral correlates for Korean adults (age = 19–65). This study analyzed accelerometer subdata from the 2014–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1,768). Ordinary least squares regression models stratified by weekday and weekend were tested to identify correlates of time spent sitting and number of sitting breaks. The average daily amounts of sitting time during weekdays and weekends were 500.63 min (95% confidence interval [CI] = 495.20–506.06) and 488.10 min (95% CI = 481.72–494.49), respectively. On weekdays and weekends, the average numbers of breaks from sitting per hour were 6.62 (95% CI = 6.57–6.68) and 6.60 (95% CI = 6.54–6.66), respectively. The participants with the greatest daily sitting time tended to be male, middle-aged, never married, office workers, and residents of a metropolis; tended to have a high school educational level or higher; and had never smoked, were underweight, were physically inactive, and slept <6 h a day. Fewer breaks from sitting was associated with being male, never married, middle-aged, an office worker, an apartment resident, never having smoked, and underweight. Higher education level and physical inactivity were associated with more frequent breaks from sitting. To reduce sedentary behavior, this study helps identify at-risk populations and their characteristics. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal data and measure domain-specific sedentary behavior.

Domain-Specific Sedentary Behaviour and Health-Related Quality of Life by Age among Japanese Living in Malaysia.

Recently, the number of Japanese people living in Asia has increased. A previous study suggested that obesity and overweight are growing health problems both in Malaysia and worldwide that result from lifestyle changes such as a decrease in physical activity, an increase in sedentary behaviour, and poor eating habits. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of differences in social demographic factors and domain-specific sedentary behaviour and health-related quality of life by age in Japanese living overseas. We surveyed 109 participants by self-entry questionnaire for social demographic factors and domain-specific sedentary behaviour by life scenario and by Short Form-36 (SF-36) for healthrelated quality of life. The subjects were divided into the ≥65 years group and <65 years group. Significant differences were noted in age, employment, alcohol intake, and marital status between the groups, whereas none were noted for transportation, driving, television viewing, and smartphone/personal computer use. Work time and total sitting time of sedentary behaviour were higher, and leisure-time activity and SF-36 Mental Component Score for health-related quality of life were lower in the <65 years group. By assessing differences in social demographic factors and discouraging sedentary behaviour, sitting time in overseas-dwelling Japanese residents may be reduced, and effective strategies to improve health-related quality of life can be developed to combat such behaviour.

From Secondary School to University: Associations Between Domain-Specific Sedentary Behaviors and Lifestyle Risk Behaviors.

This study examined associations between changes in domain-specific sedentary behaviors and changes in health-related lifestyles of Spanish secondary school students (n = 113) to their first year of university. During the transitions from the end of high school to the beginning of university, engagement in sedentary behaviors have emerged as potential additional behavioral risk factors. Understanding how sedentary behaviors interconnect with other (un)healthy behaviors will inform interventions on multiple risk behaviors across this critical life period. A 3-year longitudinal survey assessed associations between domain-specific sedentary behaviors and leisure time physical activity (IPAQ), alcohol and tobacco consumption, and fruit and vegetable intake (24-h dietary recall), using Generalized Estimating Equations. Spending time on sedentary transportation was associated with a greater likelihood of smoking, whereas sedentary weekend homework was associated with a reduced likelihood of consuming alcohol. The lowest and highest tertiles for sedentary screen use and leisure-time PA were also less likely not to meet the recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption. For specific sedentary behaviors, associations were gender-based or affected by leisure time physical activity. From secondary school to university, specific sedentary behaviors are linked to lifestyle risk factors. Over this transitional period, public health interventions targeting reduced sedentary behaviors may bring multiple benefits by also preventing other harmful behaviors.

Response to: Does the Dissociated Effect of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors on Overall Health Depend on Their Occupational or Leisure Setting?

Reply: We thank the authors for their letter and review of our article. We are pleased that our paper has generated some thoughtful discussion on what we agree are important questions. At its basic level, our study begs the question of whether all physical activity is health-promoting. Based on the findings of our observational study, it seems occupational physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) may not predict health as well as leisure PA and SB. However, we recognize the limitations of our study and the need for additional work to confirm these findings and inform targeted health promotion recommendations. First, it is necessary to understand the long-term effects of occupations that require high levels of SB and high levels of PA. In order to advance our understanding in this area, there is a need for prospective cohort studies that examine the temporal sequence between domain-specific SB and PA on a range of indicators of health over time. These studies should examine a range of health indicators including disease burden, health care expenditures, and health-related quality of life. Second, there is a need for more research to better understand the mechanisms explaining the relations between domain-specific SB and PA and these indicators of health. Experimental studies that examine a range of potential mechanisms are needed. For example, Holtermann et al1 proposed PA intensity level and insufficient rest/recovery might explain the differential effects of occupational and leisure PA. The rationale behind this suggestion is occupational PA is often performed at lower intensities but for long durations and with fewer opportunities for rest/recovery while leisure PA is often performed at higher intensities but for shorter durations and longer opportunities for rest/recovery. Experiments that control for intensity and volume of PA as well as duration of recovery are needed to confirm this proposal. It should be noted that the limited evidence in this area is due in part to the difficulty of measuring domain-specific PA and SB. For example, in our study, we used an ActivPAL monitor to measure steps per hour as a primary outcome for PA. While the ActivPAL is a good measure of SB, light PA and moderate PA which make up most occupational time, it is limited in its ability to capture upper body movements that are common is some occupations (eg, manufacturing).1,2 Additionally, best practice for quantify intensity (eg, heart rate, subjective intensity, objective measures [counts], etc.) of occupational PA remains unclear. Moreover, psychological mechanisms, such as low worker control,1 may contribute to the differential effects. Additional studies are needed that account for these methodological limitations in order to advance our understanding of appropriate interventions for individuals working in specific occupations. Health promotion experts in this area will also need to consider carefully the objectives of health advancing interventions. For example, individuals completing high levels of occupational PA and low levels of leisure PA may not benefit from increases in leisure PA. Rather an intervention that allows the individual to take more recovery breaks during work might be more useful for advancing their overall health. The rationale guiding these decisions should be based on a holistic model of health that considers health outcomes not often measured including stress, anxiety, mood, fatigue, burnout, pain, and quality of life. Additionally, we recommend these decisions be made collectively by stakeholders at numerous levels including employers, employees, and health promotion experts. We, again, thank the authors for their letter and hope this discussion contributes to growth in this field.

Genetic Liability to Sedentary Behavior in Relation to Stroke, Its Subtypes and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Objective: To investigate the causal association of domain-specific sedentary behaviors with cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential mediators among these associations.Methods: Genetic instruments were identified for television watching, computer use and driving behavior from a genome-wide association study including 408,815 subjects. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to estimate the causal effect of sedentary behaviors on the cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Multivariable MR analysis was applied to adjust potential confounding factors, and mediation analysis was conducted to explore potential mediators.Results: Genetically predisposition to 1.5 h/day increase in leisure time watching television was associated with increased risk of all-cause stroke [odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.52, p-value for MR-Egger method (PEgger) = 0.11, I2 = 37%, Cochrane’s Q = 212, p-value for Cochran Q test (PQ) < 0.001], and ischemic stroke (OR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.10–1.49, PEgger = 0.04, I2 = 35%, Cochrane’s Q = 206, PQ = 0.002). Interestingly, television watching may decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.50–0.84, PEgger = 0.47, I2 = 19%, Cochrane’s Q = 157, PQ = 0.04). Television watching was a detrimental factor of cognitive performance (estimate = −0.46, 95%CI = −0.55 – −0.37, PEgger = 0.001, I2 = 85%, Cochrane’s Q = 862, PQ < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses using leave out method and MR-PRESSO method suggested weak evidence of pleiotropy.Conclusion: We provided genetic evidence for the causal association of television watching with increased risk of all-cause stroke and ischemic stroke, decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, and worse cognitive performance. The results should be interpreted with caution considering the pleiotropy.

An Exploration of Domain-Specific Sedentary Behaviors in College Students by Lifestyle Factors and Sociodemographics

College students exhibit high levels of sedentary time and/or poor lifestyle factors (e.g., poor sleep, stress, physical inactivity). It is unknown; however, in what domains college students spend their sedentary time and whether there are associations between sedentary time and these lifestyle factors. This study examined sedentary behavior of college students by domains, current lifestyle factors and sociodemographics. Undergraduates (n = 272, M age = 20 years, 79% female) self-reported their sedentary behavior, sleep, stress, physical activity, anthropometrics and sociodemographics. Sedentary time was categorized as: total, recreational screen, education and social. Students reported spending > 12 h of their day sedentary on average, with over a third of this time spent in recreational screen time. All categories of sedentary time were significantly correlated with body mass index, and both total sedentary time and screen time were significantly correlated with sleep score, with poorer sleep quality associated with greater sedentary time. Physical activity was negatively correlated with social sedentary time only. Subgroups with elevated sedentary time included minority students, those with low parental education and students with overweight/obesity. Given the negative health impacts of sedentary behavior, college students would likely benefit from interventions tailored to this population which target reducing sedentary time, particularly recreational screen time.

Association of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity with Depression in Sport University Students.

Background: Sports university students are usually expected to lead an active life and have a lower risk of depression. Therefore, there are few studies on depression and its risk factors among this population. This study aimed to investigate depression and its association with sedentary behavior and physical activity in sports university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduates majoring in physical education in a sports university in Beijing in March 2021. Students were asked about sociodemographic information, domain-specific sedentary behavior, physical activity, and depression (using a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire). Chi-squared test and logistic regression were carried out to analyze the data. Results: Among a total of 584 participants, the detection rate of depression was 49.1%. The median of total sedentary time was 7.29 h per day. After adjusting for covariates, recreational screen time (OR = 1.540, p = 0.035), sedentary time spent completing schoolwork (OR = 0.658, p = 0.038), and participation in vigorous physical activity everyday (OR = 0.415, p = 0.001) and a few times per week (OR = 0.423, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: Sports university students are not immune to depression and inactive lifestyles. Excessive recreational screen time may have an adverse effect on depression, which is somewhat independent of physical activity.

Youth Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (YLSBQ): Reliability and Validity in Colombian University Students.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is influenced by variations in social, cultural and economic contexts. This study assesses the test–retest reliability and validity of the Youth Leisure-time Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (YLSBQ), a self-report tool that examines total and domain-specific SB in a cohort of young adults from Colombia. A cross-sectional validation study was conducted among 447 Colombian college students (52.8% men; mean (± standard deviation) age of 19.55 ± 2.54 years). To assess the reliability of the YLSBQ, Kappa statistics (k) were used. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to determine validity. The Cronbach alpha for the 12 behaviors of the YLSBQ showed a good-to-excellent internal consistency (0.867, ranging from 0.715–0.935). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated that 10 items (83.0%) and two items (17.0%) showed excellent and good reliability, respectively. Furthermore, ICC between the total sedentary time was 0.926 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.912 − 0.939), which was interpreted as excellent. The goodness-of-fit tests provided evidence that overall, a four-factor solution was an adequate fit with the time scores. In conclusion, the YLSBQ could be considered a reliable, valid and usable tool for the assessment of SB in young adults in a Latin American country. We found that the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were similar to those of the original Spanish validation study.

Domain-Specific Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Relation to Workers' Presenteeism and Absenteeism.

Objectives:To examine the associations between domain-specific sedentary and active behaviors and workers’ presenteeism and absenteeism in a sample of company employees.Methods:This study recruited participants (n = 2466) from a nationwide online survey database (Japan, 2019). Participants completed a questionnaire that captured data on relative and absolute presenteeism and absenteeism and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviors.Results:Daily minutes of work-related physical activity were negatively associated with relative absenteeism. Daily minutes of leisure-related physical activity were positively associated with absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). Daily minutes of total physical activity were negatively and positively associated with relative absenteeism and absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). There was also a positive association between car sitting time and absolute absenteeism.Conclusions:A change in work culture and practices that support active behaviors at work and outside of work may improve employee's productivity indices.

Changes in Workers' Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviors in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Relationships With Fatigue: Longitudinal Online Study.

BackgroundSedentary behaviors and physical activity are likely to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, and sedentary lifestyles can increase subjective fatigue. The nonpharmaceutical policies imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may also have adverse effects on fatigue.ObjectiveThis study has two aims: to examine the changes in sedentary behaviors and physical activity of company workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and to examine relationships between changes in these sedentary behaviors and physical activity and changes in fatigue.MethodsData from a nationwide prospective online survey conducted in 2019 and 2020 were used. On February 22, 2019, an email with a link to participate in the study was sent to 45,659 workers, aged 20 to 59 years, who were randomly selected from a database of approximately 1 million individuals. A total of 2466 and 1318 participants, who self-reported their occupation as company workers, answered the baseline and follow-up surveys, respectively. Surveys captured fatigue, workday and daily domain-specific sedentary behaviors and physical activity, and total sedentary behaviors and physical activity. We used multivariable linear regression models to estimate associations of changes in sedentary behaviors and physical activity with changes in fatigue.ResultsIncreases in public transportation sitting during workdays, other leisure sitting time during workdays, and other leisure sitting time were associated with an increase in the motivation aspect of fatigue (b=0.29, 95% CI 0-0.57, P=.048; b=0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.62, P<.001; and b=0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.45, P=.007, respectively). Increases in work-related sitting time during workdays, total sitting time during workdays, and total work-related sitting time were significantly associated with an increase in the physical activity aspect of fatigue (b=0.06, 95% CI 0-0.12, P=.03; b=0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.09, P=.02; and b=0.07, 95% CI 0-0.14, P=.04, respectively). The motivation and physical activity aspects of fatigue increased by 0.06 for each 1-hour increase in total sitting time between baseline and follow-up (b=0.06, 95% CI 0-0.11, P=.045; and b=0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.10, P=.009, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that sedentary and active behaviors among company workers in Japan were negatively affected during the COVID-19 outbreak. Increases in several domain-specific sedentary behaviors also contributed to unfavorable changes in workers’ fatigue. Social distancing and teleworking amid a pandemic may contribute to the sedentary lifestyle of company workers. Public health interventions are needed to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemics on sedentary and physical activity behaviors and fatigue among company workers.

Working from Home After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Company Employees Sit More and Move Less?

Background–Several non-pharmaceutical policies, which include stay-at-home orders, mobility restrictions, and quarantine, have been implemented to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study examines work style changes among company workers after COVID-19 and analyses their effects on workers’ domain-specific sedentary and active behaviours. Methods - We analysed data from a nationwide prospective online survey in Japan. The data were obtained in February 2019 (n = 3200) and in July 2020 (n = 1709) from the registered individuals of a Japanese internet research service company. The participants reported work style patterns before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 in the follow-up survey. Domain-specific sedentary behaviours and physical activities were assessed by questionnaires. Paired t-tests were used to compare work styles before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the associations between changes in work style and changes in sedentary behaviours and physical activities. Results. Workers had more working from home days and fewer office-based working days after the outbreak of COVID-19 (p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). The increase in the number of working from home days per week was significantly associated with increases in work-related sitting time and total sitting time (b = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08, 0.24, p &lt; 0.001 and b = 0.23, 95% CI 0.11, 0.36, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). However, it was also associated with a decrease in car sitting time (b = −0.04, 95% CI −0.06, -0.01, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the increase in the number of working from home days was associated with a decrease in work-related moderate physical activity (b =−0.06, 95% CI −0.10, −0.02, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions. Our study provided preliminary evidence of an increase in working from home days in response to COVID-19 in Japan and of how this increase in the number of working from home days has affected workers’ sedentary behaviours and physical activities. These findings shed light on the effects of COVID-19 on work styles and workers’ sedentary behaviours and physical activity.

Is device-based total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour associated with psychological distress in Flemish workers?

There is increasing interest in the association between psychological distress and time spent in sedentary behaviour (e.g. sitting), a highly prevalent behaviour in modern society. The limited evidence is mixed and mainly based on studies using self-reported sedentary time. Few studies have investigated device-based total sedentary time in its association with distress. None, however, have examined device-based domain-specific sedentary time in relation to psychological distress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether device-based total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour were associated with psychological distress. Flemish employees (n = 401; 20-64 years; 42.6% male; 83.6% had a 'physically active occupation') of seven organizations in service and production sectors participated. Sedentary behaviour (exposure) was assessed by two Axivity AX3 accelerometers (one placed on the thigh and one placed between the shoulders) for two to four consecutive working days. Based on diary completion, domain-specific sedentary behaviour (leisure vs. work) was assessed. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to assess psychological distress (outcome). Adjusted hierarchical multiple regression models were conducted to report on the associations between total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour and psychological distress. About 35% of the sample had high levels of distress and average total sedentary time was 7.2 h/day. Device-based total sedentary behaviour [B = -0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.087 to 0.068], leisure-time (B = 0.001, 95% CI, -0.017 to 0.018) and work-related (B = 0.004, 95% CI, -0.006 to 0.015) sedentary behaviour were not significantly associated with psychological distress. This cross-sectional study examining the association between device-based total and domain-specific sedentary behaviour and psychological distress among employees showed a lack of significant findings.