Health Effects Of Sedentary Behavior Research Articles

Accumulating Sedentary Time and Physical Activity From Childhood to Adolescence and Cardiac Function in Adolescence.

Increased physical activity (PA) may mitigate the negative cardiovascular health effects of sedentary behavior in adolescents. However, the relationship of PA and sedentary time from childhood with cardiac function in adolescence remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the associations of cumulative sedentary time and PA from childhood to adolescence with cardiac function in adolescence. Participants were 153 adolescents (69 girls) who were aged 6 to 8 years at baseline, 8 to 10 years at 2-year follow-up, and 15 to 17 years at 8-year follow-up. Cumulative sedentary time and PA exposure between baseline and 2-year follow-up and between baseline and 8-year follow-up were measured using a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor. Cardiac function was assessed using impedance cardiography at 8-year follow-up. The data were analyzed using linear regression analyses adjusted for age and sex. Cumulative moderate to vigorous PA (standardized regression coefficient [β]=-0.323 [95% CI, -0.527 to -0.119]) and vigorous PA (β=-0.295 [95% CI, -0.508 to -0.083]) from baseline to 8-year follow-up were inversely associated with cardiac work at 8-year follow-up. Conversely, cumulative sedentary time had a positive association (β=0.245 [95% CI, 0.092-0.398]). Cumulative vigorous PA from baseline to 8-year follow-up was inversely associated with cardiac work index at 8-year follow-up (β=-0.218 [95% CI, -0.436 to 0.000]). Higher levels of sedentary time and lower levels of PA during childhood were associated with higher cardiac work in adolescence, highlighting the importance of increasing PA and reducing sedentary time from childhood.

SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR DIFFERENTIALLY INFLUENCES COGNITIVE HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS AT DIFFERENT TIMESCALES

Abstract The negative health effects of sedentary behavior have received increased attention over the past decade. Whether sedentary behavior negatively influences cognitive health at any timescale remains poorly understood. Our study sought to determine whether sedentary behavior negatively affects cognitive health throughout the adult lifespan at multiple timescales (acute within-day, day-to-day, cross-sectionally). We examined ambulatory assessment data generated by an adult lifespan sample (N=161; age range:19-88 years; 84% F) where cognition was repeatedly assessed via ultra-brief cognitive assessments of processing speed and working memory in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) framework (6 assessments/day for 14 days). Activity was measured continuously via thigh-worn ActivPAL monitors. ActivPAL and EMA data were combined and modeled in a multi-level (3-level; moments within days within persons) isotemporal substitution modeling framework. Increased sedentary behavior was associated with acute decreases in processing speed for older participants (65+ years of age) and substitution modeling indicated that exchanging bouts of walking or standing for sedentary time would result in short-term improvements. In contrast, a consistent result across younger and older adults indicated that days with generally more sedentary time (as well as lying and standing) were associated with overall better processing speed and working memory capacity. No cross-sectional associations were observed. A lack of cross-sectional associations between sedentary behavior and cognitive performance was consistent with previous studies. Our current results extend previous findings by showing that sedentary behavior might influence cognitive performance differently at different timescales in younger and older adults.

Physical health effects of sedentary behaviour on adults with an intellectual disability: A scoping review.

This literature review was designed to establish the effects of sedentary behaviour on the physical health of adults with an intellectual disability. Sedentary behaviour is defined as any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure of ≤1.5 METs while in a sitting, lying or reclining posture. An extensive search was executed in six databases: EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA and Web of Science. Following screening, 18 articles remained for inclusion in the review. A thematic analysis using the Braun and Clarke six step process resulted in the identification of seven broad health areas. Studies showed a prevalence of obesity, multimorbidity and metabolic syndrome as well as elevated levels of sedentary behaviour in adults with an intellectual disability. This literature review demonstrated that sedentary behaviour could be a contributor to the poor health which is common in adults with an intellectual disability. However to date the body of evidence does not confirm a cause-and-effect relationship.

Office workers' perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a qualitative study

BackgroundOffice workers spend a significant part of their workday sitting. Interventions that aim to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity might be more effective if greater attention is paid to individual perspectives that influence behavioural choices, including beliefs and values. This study aimed to gain insight into office workers' perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour.MethodsSixteen Dutch office workers (50% female) from different professions participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews in March 2019. To facilitate the interviews, participants received a sensitizing booklet one week before the interview. The booklet aimed to trigger them to reflect on their physical activity and sedentary behaviour and on their values in life. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and coded following codebook thematic analysis.ResultsSix themes were identified: 1) beliefs about health effects are specific regarding physical activity, but superficial regarding sedentary behaviour; 2) in addition to ‘health’ as a value, other values are also given priority; 3) motivations to engage in physical activity mainly stem from prioritizing the value ‘health’, reflected by a desire to both achieve positive short/mid-term outcomes and to prevent long-term negative outcomes; 4) attitudes towards physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are diverse and depend on individual values and previous experiences; 5) perceived barriers depend on internal and external factors; 6) supporting factors are related to support and information in the social and physical environment.ConclusionsThe great value that office workers attach to health is reflected in their motivations and attitudes regarding physical activity. Increasing office workers' knowledge of the health risks of prolonged sitting may therefore increase their motivation to sit less. Although ‘health’ is considered important, other values, including social and work-related values, are sometimes prioritized. We conclude that interventions that aim to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity among office workers could be improved by informing about health effects of sedentary behaviour and short/mid-term benefits of physical activity, including mental health benefits. Moreover, interventions could frame physical activity as congruent with values and support value-congruent choices. Finally, the work environment could support physical activity and interruption of sedentary behaviour.

Sedentary Profiles: A New Perspective on Accumulation Patterns in Sedentary Behavior.

The purpose of this study is to introduce SB profiles (i.e., groups of similar SB accumulation patterns) as a new approach to pattern-focused SB research. Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2006). The SB bouts were determined from hip-worn accelerometer data, and k-medoid clustering was used to define three SB profiles (interrupted, intermediate, and prolonged). These were used as the exposure in logistic regression models to examine odds ratios (OR) of having high (>20%) predicted-10-yr risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). For comparison, the models were also fitted using standard metrics (i.e., tertiles of mean SB bout duration and daily total SB time). Those with interrupted profile (n = 1740) were typically sedentary ~32% of the time, in bouts ≤15 min. Those with intermediate profile (n = 2453) were typically sedentary ~47% of the time, in bouts ≤20 min. Those with prolonged profile (n = 1302) were typically sedentary ~61% of the time, frequently in bouts >20 min. The fully adjusted model showed that high CVD risk was more common for the intermediate (OR, 1.87) and prolonged (OR, 4.65) profiles than the interrupted profile (all P < 0.001). For standard metrics, OR ranged from 1.46 (middle tertile of daily total SB time) to 4.11 (upper tertile of mean bout duration) with all P < 0.002. The SB profiles represent a promising new avenue for understanding and combating adverse SB trends. The value of the approach was highlighted by the strong associations with CVD risk.

Feasibility of Reducing and Breaking Up University Students' Sedentary Behaviour: Pilot Trial and Process Evaluation.

Background: Accumulating high levels of sedentary behaviour has been linked to poor health outcomes. This study examined the feasibility and preliminary, short-term effects of a theory-based intervention aimed at reducing total and prolonged sedentary behaviour in University students.Design: A quasi-experimental (pre-post) pilot study. Methods: Nine ambulatory undergraduate students (Mean age = 22 ± 2.32) participated in a one-on-one session, including an educational component around the health effects of sedentary behaviour and three distinct activities (feedback, “pros and cons” exercise, and suggested behaviour change strategies). In addition, automated daily text messages targeting sedentary behaviour were sent for 6 days (four messages per day at fixed intervals). The Behaviour Change Wheel framework guided the intervention design process. Outcomes were assessed over 6 days in pre- and post-intervention periods and included accelerometer-based (activPAL) and self-reported (Nightly-Week-U) total sedentary time, as well as accelerometer-based number of steps and prolonged sedentary time. Students completed a process evaluation interview upon completing the trial.Results: From pre- to post-intervention, there was a significant reduction in accelerometer-based total and prolonged sedentary time during weekend days. In addition, there was a significant increase in accelerometer-based standing time and stepping during weekend days. There were no statistically significant changes in accelerometer-based sedentary time, standing time or number of steps during weekdays. Process evaluation results indicated that the intervention and its assessment is feasible. Reductions in sedentary time were likely to be mediated by positive changes in the student's reflective and automatic motivation.Conclusions: Findings from this small, short-term intervention suggest that a single one-on-one session, together with automated text messages, may help University students reduce sedentary behaviour and enhance movement during weekend days. Additional strategies to maximise the intervention effects are discussed (e.g., establishing a collaboration with University staff, introducing sit-to-stand desks, and/or facilitating social support). A randomised control trial assessing sedentary behaviour over a longer period is needed to adequately study the intervention's effectiveness.

The 24-Hour Activity Cycle: A New Paradigm for Physical Activity.

The physiologic mechanisms by which the four activities of sleep, sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) affect health are related, but these relationships have not been well explored in adults. Research studies have commonly evaluated how time spent in one activity affects health. Because one can only increase time in one activity by decreasing time in another, such studies cannot determine the extent that a health benefit is due to one activity versus due to reallocating time among the other activities. For example, interventions to improve sleep possibly also increase time spent in MVPA. If so, the overall effect of such interventions on risk of premature mortality is due to both more MVPA and better sleep. Further, the potential for interaction between activities to affect health outcomes is largely unexplored. For example, is there a threshold of MVPA minutes per day, above which adverse health effects of sedentary behavior are eliminated? This article considers the 24-h Activity Cycle (24-HAC) model as a paradigm for exploring inter-relatedness of health effects of the four activities. It discusses how to measure time spent in each of the four activities, as well as the analytical and statistical challenges in analyzing data based on the model, including the inevitable challenge of confounding among activities. The potential usefulness of this model is described by reviewing selected research findings that aided in the creation of the model and discussing future applications of the 24-HAC model.

Personal and behavioral correlates of total and domain-specific sedentary behaviors in older Taiwanese adults

BackgroundEvidence of the harmful health effects of sedentary behavior is emerging; however, little is known about domain-specific sedentary behavior correlates. Thus, in this study, the personal and behavioral correlates of total and domain-specific sedentary behavior in older Taiwanese adults were identified.MethodThe sample comprised 1046 older adults (aged ≥65 years). Cross-sectional data on self-administered personal behavioral variables and time spent engaging in domain-specific sedentary behavior were obtained using computer-assisted telephone-based interviews. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsThose aged older than 75 years were less likely to have longer total sedentary, computer use, and transportation times. Compared to women, older men were more likely to have longer total sedentary and transportation times. Older adults with low educational levels were less likely to have longer total sedentary and computer use times but were more likely to have an excessive television (TV) viewing time (≥2 h/day). Older adults who lived alone and were overweight had a longer TV viewing time. Furthermore, unemployment was associated with an excessive TV viewing time and shorter transportation time. Older adults residing in nonmetropolitan areas had lower total sedentary, TV viewing, and computer use times. Older adults who engaged in insufficient leisure time physical activity were more likely to have longer total sedentary and transportation times.ConclusionsBoth common and distinct personal and behavioral factors were associated with total and domain-specific sedentary behavior. Interventions for reducing total and domain-specific sedentary behavior should focus on both common and distinct subgroups of the Taiwanese older population.

Breaking up Sedentary Time in Overweight/Obese Adults on Work Days and Non-Work Days: Results from a Feasibility Study.

Office workers are vulnerable to the adverse health effects of sedentary behavior (i.e., sitting time). Increasing physical activity and preventing time spent sitting is an occupational health priority. This randomized crossover design study compared the short-term (3-days) effects of hourly interruptions of sedentary time with 5-min micrrobouts of activity for 9 hours (MICRO) to a sedentary control condition (SED) and a duration-matched continuous single bout of physical activity (45-min/d, ONE) condition on inclinometer-derived sitting-time on work and non-work days in sedentary overweight/obese adults. Differences in sitting/lying, standing, stepping, number of sit/stand transitions, time spent in moderate and vigorous activity (MVPA), energy expenditure, self-perceived vigor and fatigue, and insulin sensitivity were also examined. Twenty-two participants (10M/12F; 31.7 ± 1.3 year old BMI 30.4 ± 0.5 kg/m2) completed all conditions. No between-condition effects were observed in sitting-time and sit/stand transitions. Both interventions increased daily steps, MVPA and energy expenditure with increases being greater in ONE than MICRO. Feelings of vigor and fasting insulin sensitivity were also improved. Participants reported less fatigue with MICRO than SED and ONE. Both interventions increase physical activity and energy expenditure in occupational and leisure-time contexts. The sustainability of these effects over the long term and on health outcomes will need to be tested in future studies.

Adults’ Smartphone Use Predicts Being an Active Couch Potato

Physical activity is typically negatively associated with sedentary behavior. However, individuals who exercise regularly but allocate large amounts of time to sedentary behavior are an exception to this relationship and known as “active couch potatoes” (ACP). The ACP is of concern as the negative health effects of sedentary behavior appear to be independent of the benefits of physical activity. Previously published research found a positive relationship between smartphone use and sedentary behavior but no relationship between smartphone use and physical activity. Therefore, being a high smartphone user may predict being an ACP (i.e., being highly sedentary yet sufficiently physically active). This idea was previously explored with a correlational study using a sample of college students. In that study, smartphone use was associated with being an ACP. However, this relationship has not been tested in adults beyond college age. Furthermore, previous research did not include the most commonly studied predictor of sedentary behavior - TV viewing. PURPOSE: To test whether adults’ smartphone use, TV viewing, sex and age predicts being an ACP. METHODS: A sample of 423 adults (n = 277 female, 40 ± 16 years old) completed surveys assessing physical activity and sedentary behavior. Daily smartphone use and TV viewing were also assessed. Participants were coded as an ACP (or not) based off scores from the physical activity and sedentary behavior surveys. A binary logistic regression was used to test whether smartphone use, TV viewing, sex and age were predictors of being an ACP. RESULTS: The binary logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2 = 50.96, p < 0.001 (df = 4). Sex and TV watching were not significant predictors of being an ACP (Wald ≤ 1.148, p ≥ 0.284). Age and smartphone use were significant predictors of being an ACP (Wald ≥ 6.545, p ≤ 0.011). Results revealed an inverse relationship between age and the likelihood of being an ACP, and a positive relationship between smartphone use and the likelihood of being an ACP. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to college students, increased smartphone use predicted being an ACP in adults beyond college age. Because TV viewing was not a predictor, greater attention should be given to understanding the relationship between smartphone use and the health compromising ACP lifestyle.

Taxonomy-based content analysis of sedentary behavior questionnaires: A systematic review

BackgroundHealth effects of sedentary behaviors (SB) may vary depending on their characteristics such as type, purpose, duration, and intensity of the behavior. While a growing number of questionnaires assess sedentary behaviors, it is unclear which characteristics of SB are measured. The aim of this review was to examine the content of self-report SB questionnaires.MethodsThree databases were searched for sedentary behavior questionnaires published before January 1st, 2016. Based on the inclusion criteria, 82 articles out of 1369 were retrieved for a total of 60 questionnaires. For each questionnaire, the sedentary behavior characteristics identified were reported and analyzed.ResultsMost of the questionnaires assessed the time (n = 60), posture (n = 54), purpose (n = 46) and the types (n = 45) of SB performed. Fewer questionnaires assessed the environment (n = 20) social context (n = 11), status (n = 2), and associated behaviors (n = 2) related to sedentary behaviors. All the questionnaires except two assessed time spent in SB with 17 assessing frequency and 6 assessing breaks in SB. The most frequent characteristics identified in the questionnaires were the categories of sitting (90%), a day (95%), watching television (65%) and using a computer (55%). Many characteristics of SB were not measured.ConclusionsBy knowing the breadth of SB included in questionnaires, this review provides support to shape the design of new questionnaires designed to reduce the gaps in measuring sedentary behaviors.

Individual and environmental correlates of objectively measured sedentary time in Dutch and Belgian adults.

As the detrimental health effects of sedentary behaviour are well established, insight into the individual and environmental factors that influence adults’ sedentary behaviour is needed. Most studies to date rely on self-reported measures of sedentary time. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine individual and environmental correlates of objectively measured sedentary time in Dutch and Belgian adults. Between March and August 2014, Belgian (n = 133) and Dutch (n = 223) adults, recruited as sub-sample of the SPOTLIGHT survey, wore an ActiGraph accelerometer to provide objectively measured sedentary and moderate to vigorous physical activity time. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic (country of residence, age, gender and educational level), lifestyle (sleep, smoking, sugar-containing beverage consumption, alcohol intake), health (body mass index, self-rated health), work (employment status and type of work), happiness, physical environmental (owning a car, number of screens, socioeconomic status and residential density) and social environmental factors (social network, social cohesion). Univariate and multivariable regression analyses showed that Belgian participants had a lower odds of being sedentary for at least 9 hours per day compared to Dutch participants. Women, older participants and those meeting the WHO recommendation for physical activity were also less likely to sit for 9 hours or more per day. Participants doing (heavy) manual work or being in education, homemaker, unemployed had lower odds of being sedentary for at least 9 hours per day compared to participants with a sitting job. Those with a higher self-reported social network also had lower odds for sedentary time. No associations between physical and other social environmental characteristics and sedentary time were found. Our findings add to the growing evidence of factors associated with prolonged sedentary time in adults. These findings may be used to inform the development of strategies and interventions aimed at reducing sedentary time, and to identify high risk groups.

The descriptive epidemiology of sitting in Chilean adults: Results from the National Health Survey 2009–2010

BackgroundAlthough evidence on the health effects of sedentary behavior (SB) has grown systematically in recent years, few developing countries have reported population levels of SB, especially in South America. Our objective was to describe time spent sitting in a representative sample from Chile categorized by age, gender, educational level, and body mass index (BMI). MethodsA national health survey was conducted in Chile in a nationally representative sample (n = 5411) in 2009–2010. Sitting time (ST) was measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire Version 2. ResultsData were from 5031 participants (43.26 ± 0.41 years, mean ± SE; 40.3% male). Overall, there were no gender differences in mean ST (men: 158.10 ± 5.80 min/day, women 143.45 ± 4.77 min/day; p = 0.05). ST was lower in those who lived in rural areas compared with urban areas (99.4 min/day vs. 160.0 min/day; p = 0.001). ST increased significantly with increasing BMI, but only in men (p = 0.009), and was positively related to years of education in both men and women (p < 0.0001). ConclusionThe findings were different from those reported in other countries and contexts, reinforcing the need for international surveillance and monitoring over time to inform policy makers. Differences in ST across different groups emphasize the need to develop tailored messages and interventions for reducing ST in different population subgroups.

A practical guidance for assessments of sedentary behavior at work: A PEROSH initiative

Sedentary behavior is defined as sitting or lying with low energy expenditure. Humans in industrialized societies spend an increasing amount of time in sedentary behaviors every day. This has been associated with detrimental health outcomes. Despite a growing interest in the health effects of sedentary behavior at work, associations remain unclear, plausibly due to poor and diverse methods for assessing sedentary behavior. Thus, good practice guidance for researchers and practitioners on how to assess occupational sedentary behavior are needed.The aim of this paper is to provide a practical guidance for practitioners and researchers on how to assess occupational sedentary behavior.Ambulatory systems for use in field applications (wearables) are a promising approach for sedentary behavior assessment. Many different small-size consumer wearables, with long battery life and high data storage capacity are commercially available today. However, no stand-alone commercial system is able to assess sedentary behavior in accordance with its definition. The present paper offers decision support for practitioners and researchers in selecting wearables and data collection strategies for their purpose of study on sedentary behavior.Valid and reliable assessment of occupational sedentary behavior is currently not easy. Several aspects need to be considered in the decision process on how to assess sedentary behavior. There is a need for development of a cheap and easily useable wearable for assessment of occupational sedentary behavior by researchers and practitioners.

État des connaissances sur les comportements sédentaires

Sedentary behaviors refer to any waking activity characterized by an energy expenditure ≤ 1.5 metabolic equivalent and a sitting or lying posture. Recent epidemiological data reported that in North America and Europe, citizens spend between 8 and 11 hours sitting per day. Sedentary behaviors and physical activity can coexist in the same person. It is possible to spend a lot of time sitting each day while completing recommendations for regular physical activity. Adverse health effects of sedentary behaviors are in part independent of the physical activity level. The physiological implications associated with sedentary behaviors are mainly metabolic. Regulary interrupting the sedentary behavior has favorable effects on health, regardless the total time spent sitting. Many interventional perspectives for reducing sedentary behaviors in France can be envisaged. Some countries have already launched interesting large-scale prevention programs.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity Does not Attenuate the Association Between Occupational Sedentary Behavior and Obesity: Results From Alberta's Tomorrow Project.

Sedentary behavior has been proposed as a risk factor for obesity that is distinct from physical inactivity. This study aimed to examine the association between occupational sedentary behavior and obesity, and to determine if this association is independent of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Fully employed participants enrolled between 2001 and 2008 to Alberta's Tomorrow Project, a prospective cohort study in Alberta, Canada, were studied (n = 12,409). Associations between occupational sedentary behavior and waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) were examined using multiple binary and multinomial logistic regressions. In men, a positive association was observed between daily occupational sedentary hours and WC, WHR, BMI, and with high risk profiles that incorporated both BMI and WC (P < .01). Controlling for vigorous-intensity LTPA in all models strengthened associations between sedentary behavior and measures of obesity. In contrast, inverse associations were observed for occupational sedentary hours and WHR for women (P < .05). In fully employed men, occupational sedentary behavior was positively associated with obesity risk that was not attenuated by physical activity. In women, an increase in obesity risk was not observed with sedentary behavior. Gender differences in the health effects of sedentary behavior require further study.

Acceptability of smartphone technology to interrupt sedentary time in adults with diabetes.

Breaking up sitting time with light- or moderate-intensity physical activity may help to alleviate some negative health effects of sedentary behavior, but few studies have examined ways to effectively intervene. This feasibility study examined the acceptability of a new technology (NEAT!) developed to interrupt prolonged bouts (≥20min) of sedentary time among adults with type 2 diabetes. Eight of nine participants completed a 1-month intervention and agreed that NEAT! made them more conscious of sitting time. Most participants (87.5%) expressed a desire to use NEAT! in the future. Sedentary time decreased by 8.1 ± 4.5%, and light physical activity increased by 7.9 ± 5.5% over the 1-month period. The results suggest that NEAT! is an acceptable technology to intervene on sedentary time among adults with type 2 diabetes. Future studies are needed to examine the use of the technology among larger samples and determine its effects on glucose and insulin levels.

Prospective association of TV viewing with acute phase reactants and coagulation markers: English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

ObjectiveInflammatory processes are putative mechanisms underlying the detrimental health effects of sedentary behaviour but no long-term prospective data are available. We examined the longitudinal association between TV viewing, physical activity and inflammatory markers over a 4-year follow-up period. MethodsParticipants were 3612 men and women (mean age 64.1 ± 8.2 years) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Self-reported daily TV viewing was measured at baseline and 2 years follow up. Inflammatory markers (serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [CRP], white blood cell count [WBC], and fibrinogen) were measured at baseline (2008/09) and 4 years follow-up (2012/13). ResultsOn average, participants viewed TV for 5.1 ± 4.0 h/d, and there was an increase of 1.9 h/wk TV viewing over 2 years. In linear models adjusted for covariates including physical activity, TV viewing was not associated with logeCRP at follow-up (B = 0.004, 95% CI, −0.001, 0.009, p = 0.09) but was associated with WBC (B = 0.018, 95% CI, 0.005, 0.031, p = 0.006), and fibrinogen (B = 0.004, 95% CI, 0.00, 0.008, p = 0.035). In contrast, physical activity was inversely associated with CRP (p = 0.047) and WBC (p = 0.026), but not fibrinogen (p = 0.22). An increase in TV viewing (of at least 1 h/d) was associated with higher concentrations of CRP (p = 0.015) and WBC (p = 0.05) at follow up after adjustment for covariates and baseline TV viewing. ConclusionsPhysical activity and sedentary behaviour have contrasting associations with markers of low grade inflammation over 4 years of follow-up. These behaviours may be important in influencing the pro-inflammatory state seen with ageing.

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Different Sedentary Behaviors with Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

BackgroundThe deleterious health effects of sedentary behaviors, independent of physical activity, are increasingly being recognized. However, associations with cognitive performance are not known.PurposeTo estimate the associations between different sedentary behaviors and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.MethodsComputer use, time spent watching television (TV), time spent reading and habitual physical activity levels were self-reported twice (in 2001 and 2007) by participants in the SUpplémentation en Vitamines et MinérauX (SU.VI.MAX and SU.VI.MAX2) study. Cognitive performance was assessed at follow-up (in 2007–2009) via a battery of 6 neuropsychological tests used to derive verbal memory and executive functioning scores. Analyses (ANCOVA) were performed among 1425 men and 1154 women aged 65.6±4.5 at the time of the neuropsychological evaluation. We estimated mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) in cognitive performance across categories of each type of sedentary behavior.ResultsIn multivariable cross-sectional models, compared to non-users, participants using the computer for >1 h/day displayed better verbal memory (mean difference = 1.86; 95%CI: 0.95, 2.77) and executive functioning (mean difference = 2.15; 95%CI: 1.22, 3.08). A negative association was also observed between TV viewing and executive functioning. Additionally, participants who increased their computer use by more than 30 min between 2001 and 2007 showed better performance on both verbal memory (mean difference = 1.41; 95%CI: 0.55, 2.27) and executive functioning (mean difference = 1.41; 95%CI: 0.53, 2.28) compared to those who decreased their computer use during that period.ConclusionSpecific sedentary behaviors are differentially associated with cognitive performance. In contrast to TV viewing, regular computer use may help maintain cognitive function during the aging process.Clinical Trial Registrationclinicaltrial.gov (number NCT00272428).

Associations between sitting time and quality of life in a population-based sample of kidney cancer survivors

BackgroundAdverse health effects of sedentary behaviour on cancer risk and health outcomes in cancer survivors have been reported but few studies have examined quality of life (QoL) and no study has focused on kidney cancer survivors (KCS). The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sitting time among KCS and to determine any associations with QoL. MethodsAll 1985 KCS diagnosed between 1996 and 2010 identified through a Canadian provincial Registry were mailed a survey that consisted of the modified domain-specific sitting time questionnaire, the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and several Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) QoL scales. Standard demographic and medical variables were also reported. ResultsCompleted surveys were received from 540 KCS. The mean hours of sitting time were 8.0 ± 4.7 for a work-day and 6.5 ± 3.8 for a non-work day. After adjustment for key covariates, analyses of covariance indicated that the only significant relationship was an unexpected positive association between sitting time on a work day and emotional well-being (p = 0.019). Moreover, the only variable to moderate these associations was age, with younger KCS under age 60 showing the expected negative associations between sitting time and physical and functional aspects of QoL. ConclusionKCS sit for a significant amount of time on work days and non-work days, however, there were few associations with QoL. Future observational studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted to examine sitting time and health outcomes among KCS.