High Levels Of Sedentary Behaviour Research Articles

Testing the ‘teachable moment’ premise: does physical activity increase in the early survivorship phase?

Little is known about objectively measured physical activity during the early survivorship period. This study measured physical activity, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients over the first year after completion of chemotherapy and compared results to a matched non-cancer group. Data was obtained from 24 breast cancer subjects (mean ± SD) 50.9 ± 12.8 years at time points of 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and from 20 matched women. The following variables were assessed, physical activity (RT3 accelerometer and International Physical Activity Questionnaire), quality-of-life (EORTC QLQ C-30) and fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory). At 6 weeks after completion of chemotherapy, high levels of sedentary behaviour were found (6.8 ± 1.9 h sedentary per day), which did not improve, and was no different to the comparison group (6.5 ± 1.4 h). Less light activity was performed in the cancer cohort compared to the comparison group (p = 0.003). Body mass index (BMI) increased significantly in the cancer cohort (p = 0.015) and 1 year after chemotherapy finished only 13% (n = 3) had a BMI <25, while the comparable value was 45% (n = 9) in the non-cancer group. The QOL domain of cognitive function improved over the first 6 months (p = 0.034) but physical functioning declined (p = 0.008) over this time period. Fatigue did not change, and at the 1-year time point, 38% of the cancer patients (n = 11) reported high levels of fatigue. This study highlighted the unchanging sedentary behaviour and weight gain of breast cancer survivors during the first year after completion of chemotherapy, which may inform rehabilitation models in this population.

Development and Validation of a New Self-Report Instrument for Measuring Sedentary Behaviors and Light-Intensity Physical Activity in Adults

Background:Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior (SB) are major public health concerns. This study was designed to develop and validate the 7-day Sedentary (S) and Light Intensity Physical Activity (LIPA) Log (7-day SLIPA Log), a self-report measure of specific daily behaviors.Method:To develop the log, 62 specific SB and LIPA behaviors were chosen from the Compendium of Physical Activities. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 32 sedentary volunteers to identify domains and behaviors of SB and LIPA. To validate the log, a further 22 sedentary adults were recruited to wear the GT3x for 7 consecutive days and nights.Results:Pearson correlations (r) between the 7-day SLIPA Log and GT3x were significant for sedentary (r = .86, P &lt; .001), for LIPA (r = .80, P &lt; .001). Lying and sitting postures were positively correlated with GT3x output (r = .60 and r = .64, P &lt; .001, respectively). No significant correlation was found for standing posture (r = .14, P = .53).The kappa values between the 7-day SLIPA Log and GT3x variables ranged from 0.09 to 0.61, indicating poor to good agreement.Conclusion:The 7-day SLIPA Log is a valid self-report measure of SB and LIPA in specific behavioral domains.

Houston … We Have a Problem! Measurement of Parenting

Obesity is a dominant child health problem in the United States1 and virtually worldwide.2 Obesity in childhood is associated with a number of negative health outcomes,3,4 with substantially increased risk of adult obesity.5 The energy balance model indicates obesity is the result of overconsumption of calories, low levels of physical activity, and high levels of sedentary behavior, mostly high screen time (TV, videos, and videogames).6

Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behavior in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods: A Qualitative Study of What Women Want

Since women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to be physically inactive and engage in higher levels of sedentary behavior than women living in more advantaged neighborhoods, it is important to develop and test the feasibility of strategies aimed to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior amongst this high-risk target group. Thirty-seven women (aged 19–85) living in a disadvantaged neighborhood, and five key stakeholders, received a suite of potential intervention materials and completed a qualitative questionnaire assessing the perceived feasibility of strategies aimed to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Thematic analyses were performed. Women perceived the use of a locally-relevant information booklet as a feasible strategy to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Including weight-loss information was suggested to motivate women to be active. Half the women felt the best delivery method was mailed leaflets. Other suggestions included reference books and websites. Many women mentioned that an online activity calendar was motivational but too time-consuming to commit to. Most women preferred the information booklet as a strategy to increase physical activity/reduce sedentary behavior, yet several suggested that using the booklet together with the online calendar may be more effective. These findings make an important contribution to research informing the development of intervention strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior amongst women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Associations between sedentary behavior and motor coordination in children

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between objectively measured sedentary behavior (SB) and motor coordination (MC) in Portuguese children, accounting for physical activity (PA), accelerometer wear time, waist-to-height ratio, and mother's education level. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 213 children (110 girls and 103 boys) aged 9-10 in the north of Portugal during the spring of 2010. Accelerometers were used to obtain detailed objective information about daily PA and SB over five consecutive days. MC was measured with a body coordination test (Körperkoordination Test für Kinder). Waist and height were measured by standardized protocols and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. A questionnaire was used to assess mothers' educational levels. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic regressions were used. ROC analysis showed that sedentary time significantly discriminated between children with low MC and high MC, with a best trade off between sensitivity and specificity being achieved at ≥77.29% and ≥76.48% for girls and boys, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). In both genders, the low sedentary group had significantly higher odds of having good MC than the higher sedentary group, independent of PA, accelerometer wear time, WHtR, and mother's education level (P < 0.05 for both). Our findings suggested that PA levels per se may not overcome the deleterious influence of high levels of SB on MC. Our data stress the importance of discouraging SB among children to improve MC.

Parenting style associated with sedentary behaviour in preschool children

There is an absence of studies exploring the relationship between parental style and sedentary behaviour in preschool-aged children. Given the link between parenting style and other health behaviours, and given that preschool children engage in relatively high levels of sedentary behaviour, this study's purpose was to examine if a preschool child's time spent in sedentary activity (i.e. ‘screen-based’ media viewing and quiet play) differed by parenting style and if the behaviour differed between weekdays and weekends. Results showed that parenting style significantly differed for screen-viewing on weekdays (p = 0.004, η 2 = 0.07) and weekends (p = 0.003, η 2 = 0.07), with preschool children of parents employing an authoritative parenting style engaging in the least amount of screen-time. No differences were observed for quiet play. In addition, the authoritative parenting style was a significant predictor of screen-based viewing on weekdays (β = −0.21, p = 0.01) and weekends (β = −0.26, p = 0.002). These preliminary results suggest an association between parenting style and ‘screen-time’ in preschool children.

Standing up to diabetes: sedentary behavior matters

261 ISSN 1758-1907 10.2217/DMT.12.36 © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd Diabetes Manage. (2012) 2(4), 261–263 The importance of physical activity as a powerful therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes has been recognized for many years. However, once-accepted dogmas around the definition and utility of physical activity have been challenged in recent years by the emergence of a new separate paradigm: sedentary behavior. This may appear to be just the simple inverse of physical activity but this is not the case. Sedentary behavior refers to “any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs while in a sitting or reclining posture” [1]. Typical examples include TV viewing, computer use, sitting in meetings and car travel. Conversely, any standing behavior can be thought of as nonsedentary. Thus it is possible to meet the national recommended levels of physical activity (30 min per day for adults), and therefore be classified as ‘active’, whilst at the same time indulging in high levels of sedentary behavior – the two behaviors may coexist; indeed it is thought that where these behaviors do coexist, being physically active may not fully ameliorate the deleterious impact of high levels of sedentary behavior. The behavioral epidemiology framework, proposed by Sallis and Owen, specifies that in the early stages of researching a new topic, such as sedentary behavior, we need to establish that we can measure the behavior of interest and the behavior leads to meaningful health outcomes [2]. Once these have been at least partially satisfied, we need to identify the correlates of sedentary behavior and test how to reduce sedentary behavior through interventions. In this editorial, we will highlight the links between sedentary behavior and poor health and comment on current evidence concerning interventions to change sedentary behavior.

Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the metabolic syndrome in minority youth.

This study aimed to determine the associations among physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Latino and African American youth using both subjective and objective measures of activity levels. Cross-sectional data from 105 participants from three pediatric obesity studies that share a core set of methods and measures (Latino 74%, female 75%, mean age = 13 ± 3 yr) were used. Measures included moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior by accelerometry and 3-Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR), fat and lean tissue mass by BodPod™, fasting glucose, lipids, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and MetS were examined using ANCOVA, Pearson correlations, partial correlations, and logistic regressions with adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, fat and lean mass, and pubertal Tanner stage. Accelerometry data showed that greater time engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was related to lower odds of the MetS (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval = 0.25-0.98), independent of sedentary behavior and covariates, and inversely correlated with fasting glucose (r = -0.21, P = 0.03) and systolic blood pressure (r = -0.25, P = 0.01), adjusting for covariates. Data from the 3DPAR showed that higher levels of sedentary behavior were related to higher odds of the MetS (odds ratio = 4.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-14.79), independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and covariates, negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.21, P = 0.04) and positively correlated systolic blood pressure (r = 0.26, P = 0.009), adjusting for covariates. Future interventions aiming to improve metabolic health in youth should target both the promotion of physical activity and the reduction of sedentary behavior. Subjective and objective measures should be used in conjunction to better capture activity behaviors.

Unraveling the Relationship between Smoking and Weight: The Role of Sedentary Behavior.

Research has shown that current smokers have a lower mean body mass index (BMI) than never and former smokers, with former smokers having the highest mean BMI. A number of physiological mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain this pattern, but few studies have explored the possible role of behavioral factors. Using data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006, this descriptive study explored the associations among smoking status, sedentary behavior, and two anthropometric measures (BMI and waist circumference (WC)). Sedentary behavior was significantly higher among current smokers compared to never and former smokers; former smokers had higher levels of sedentary behavior compared to never smokers. The association between smoking status and anthropometric outcomes was moderated by sedentary behavior, with current smokers evidencing higher BMI and WC at higher levels of sedentary behavior compared to lower levels of sedentary behavior. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for interventions, particularly with respect to postcessation weight gain.

The Active for Life Year 5 (AFLY5) school based cluster randomised controlled trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow levels of physical activity, high levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption are common in children and are associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate a school-based intervention that aims to increase levels of physical activity, decrease sedentary behaviour and increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in school children.Methods/designThe Active for Life Year 5 (AFLY5) study is a school-based, cluster RCT that targets school children in Year 5 (age 9-10 years). All state junior/primary schools in the area covered by Bristol City and North Somerset Council are invited to participate; special schools are excluded. Eligible schools are randomised to one of two arms: intervention arm (receive the intervention 2011-2012) and control arm (receive the intervention after the final follow-up assessment, 2013-2014). The primary outcomes of the trial are levels of accelerometer assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour and questionnaire assessed fruit and vegetable consumption. A number of secondary outcomes will also be measured, including body mass index, waist circumference and overweight/obesity. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (prior to intervention when the children are in Year 4), at the end of intervention 'immediate follow-up' and '12 months long-term' follow-up. We will use random effects linear and logistic regression models to compare outcomes by randomised arm. The economic evaluation from a societal perspective will take the form of a cost consequence analysis. Data from focus groups and interviews with pupils, parents and teachers will be used to increase understanding of how the intervention has any effect and is integrated into normal school activity.DiscussionThe results of the trial will provide information about the public health effectiveness of a school-based intervention aimed at improving levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and diet in children.Trial registrationISRCTN50133740

Associations Between Television Viewing Time and Overall Sitting Time with the Metabolic Syndrome in Older Men and Women: The Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle Study

To examine associations between self-reported television (TV) viewing time and overall sitting time with the metabolic syndrome and its components. Cross-sectional. Population-based sample of older men and women living in Australia. One thousand nine hundred fifty-eight participants from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study (aged ≥ 60, mean age 69, 54% women). Self-reported television viewing time and overall sitting time were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the revised International Diabetes Federation criteria. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, the odds ratios (ORs) of the metabolic syndrome in the highest quartile of television viewing time were 1.42 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.93-2.15) for men and 1.42 (95% CI=1.01-2.01) for women and in the highest quartile of overall sitting time were 1.57 (95% CI=1.02-2.41) for men and 1.56 (95% CI=1.09-2.24) for women. Television viewing time was associated with lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and glucose intolerance in women. Overall sitting time was detrimentally associated with greater risk of high triglyceride levels in men and women, abdominal obesity in women, and low HDL-C levels in men. All models were adjusted for age, education, physical activity, self-rated health, employment, diet, smoking, and alcohol intake and for hormone replacement therapy and estrogen use in women. For older adults, high levels of sedentary behavior were associated with greater prevalence of the metabolic syndrome; reducing prolonged overall sitting time may be a feasible way to improve metabolic health.

A cluster randomised trial to evaluate a physical activity intervention among 3-5 year old children attending long day care services: study protocol.

BackgroundYoung children are not participating in recommended levels of physical activity and exhibit high levels of sedentary behaviour. Childcare services provide access to large numbers of young children for prolonged periods, yet there is limited experimental evidence regarding the effectiveness of physical activity interventions implemented in this setting. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a multi-component physical activity intervention, delivered by childcare service staff, in increasing the physical activity levels of children attending long day care services.Methods/DesignThe study will employ a cluster randomised controlled trial design. Three hundred children aged between 3-5 years from twenty randomly selected long day care services in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia will be invited to participate in the trial. Ten of the 20 long day care services will be randomly allocated to deliver the intervention with the remaining ten services allocated to a wait list control group. The physical activity intervention will consist of a number of strategies including: delivering structured fundamental movement skill activities, increasing physical activity opportunities, increasing staff role modelling, providing children with a physical activity promoting indoor and outdoor environment and limiting children's small screen recreation and sedentary behaviours. Intervention effectiveness will be measured via child physical activity levels during attendance at long day care. The study also seeks to determine the acceptability and extent of implementation of the intervention by services and their staff participating in the study.DiscussionThe trial will address current gaps in the research evidence base and contribute to the design and delivery of future interventions promoting physical activity for young children in long day care settings.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000087055

Sedentary Behaviors Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Men

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between two sedentary behaviors (riding in a car and watching TV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in men in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. Participants were 7744 men (20-89 yr) initially free of CVD who returned a mail-back survey during 1982. Time spent watching TV and time spent riding in a car were reported. Mortality data were ascertained through the National Death Index until December 31, 2003. Cox regression analysis quantified the association between sedentary behaviors (hours per week watching TV, hours per week riding in a car, and total hours per week in these two behaviors) and CVD mortality rates. Three hundred and seventy-seven CVD deaths occurred during 21 yr of follow-up. After age adjustment, time riding in a car and combined time spent in these two sedentary behaviors were positively (P(trend) < 0.001) associated with CVD death. Men who reported >10 h x wk(-1) riding in a car or >23 h x wk(-1) of combined sedentary behavior had 82% and 64% greater risk of dying from CVD than those who reported <4 or <11 h x wk(-1), respectively. The pattern of the association did not materially change after multivariate adjustment. Regardless of the amount of sedentary activity reported by these men, being older, having normal weight, being normotensive, and being physically active were associated with a reduced risk of CVD death. In men, riding in a car and combined time spent in these two sedentary behaviors were significant CVD mortality predictors. In addition, high levels of physical activity were related to notably lower rates of CVD death even in the presence of high levels of sedentary behavior. Health promotion efforts targeting physically inactive men should emphasize both reducing sedentary activity and increasing regular physical activity for optimal cardiovascular health.

The relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and psychological wellbeing among adolescents

Previous studies examining the relationship between physical activity levels and broad-based measures of psychological wellbeing in adolescents have been limited by not controlling for potentially confounding variables. The present study examined the relationship between adolescents' self-reported physical activity level, sedentary behaviour and psychological wellbeing; while controlling for a broad range of sociodemographic, health and developmental factors. The study entailed a cross-sectional school-based survey in ten British towns. Two thousand six hundred and twenty three adolescents (aged 13-16 years) reported physical activity levels, patterns of sedentary behaviour (TV/computer/video usage) and completed the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Lower levels of self-reported physical activity and higher levels of sedentary behaviour showed graded associations with higher SDQ total difficulties scores, both for boys (P < 0.001) and girls (P < 0.02) after adjustment for age and town. Additional adjustment for social class, number of parents, predicted school examination results, body mass index, ethnicity, alcohol intake and smoking status had little effect on these findings. Low levels of self-reported physical activity are independently associated with diminished psychological wellbeing among adolescents. Longitudinal studies may provide further insights into the relationship between wellbeing and activity levels in this population. Ultimately, randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate the effects of increasing physical activity on psychological wellbeing among adolescents.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Levels Among US Youth 12 to 19 Years of Age

To assess cardiorespiratory fitness levels in youth aged 12 to 19 years and to examine associations between fitness and age, sex, race/ethnicity, and self-reported physical activity in this age group. Cross-sectional study. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey's mobile examination center, throughout the United States from 1999-2002. A representative sample of 4732 youth aged 12 to 19 years was examined; 3287 completed the treadmill test and were included in the analysis. The National Center for Health Statistics conducted the survey. Main Exposures Age, sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, self-reported physical activity, and television viewing. Main Outcome Measure Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) determined by a submaximal treadmill exercise test. Estimated VO2max (mL.kg(-1) . min(-1)) was higher in males (mean +/- SE, 46.4 +/- 0.4) than in females (mean +/- SE, 38.7 +/- 0.3) but did not differ across race/ethnicity groups. Among males, older participants had higher VO2max values, while in females, younger participants had higher values. For both males and females, those in the normal weight group had higher fitness levels than those in the at risk for overweight and overweight groups. Approximately one third of both males and females failed to meet recommended standards for cardiorespiratory fitness. In US youth, cardiorespiratory fitness is lower in males and females who are overweight than in those of normal weight, but fitness is not related to race/ethnicity. Youth who have low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior are also more likely to have lower cardiorespiratory fitness.

Association of depression with Body Mass Index, sedentary behavior, and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors in 11 to 13-year old children

We examined the relation of different behavioral dimensions of depression with weight-related variables (BMI percentile, sedentary behavior, eating attitudes, and weight control behaviors) in children aged 11 to 13 years. Depression was assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Sedentary behavior was measured in 45 sixth grade students (23 boys and 22 girls) using a validated 24-hour recall instrument, the Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist. BMI was calculated directly from measured height and weight (kg/m2). The Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) was used to measure eating attitudes and weight control behaviors. There were not significant gender differences in reported minutes (142 vs. 91 minutes for boys vs. girls; p=0.25) of sedentary behavior (i.e., television watching and video game playing). The major finding of this study was that certain aspects of depression (i.e., interpersonal problems and feelings of ineffectiveness) were correlated with higher levels of sedentary behavior in children aged 11 to 13. A factor analysis of the study variables indicated that most dimensions of depression, sedentary behavior, and body size represent distinct but correlated behavioral dimensions. This study provides support for a link between specific aspects of depression (i.e., interpersonal problems and feelings of ineffectiveness) and sedentary behavior in children.

Recreational Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Relation to Ovarian Cancer Risk in a Large Cohort of US Women

Factors that influence circulating sex hormones, such as physical activity, have been proposed to influence ovarian cancer risk; however, results from previous epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent. The authors examined the association among physical activity, sedentary behavior, and ovarian cancer risk in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, a prospective study of cancer incidence and mortality, using information obtained at baseline in 1992. From 1992 to 2001, 314 incident ovarian cancer cases were identified among 59,695 postmenopausal women who were cancer free at enrollment. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to compute hazard rate ratios while adjusting for potential confounders. No overall association was observed between measures of past physical activity or with recreational physical activity at baseline and risk of ovarian cancer in this study (for the highest category of physical activity compared with none: hazard rate ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval: 0.40, 1.34). However, a prolonged duration of sedentary behavior was associated with an increased risk (for > or = 6 vs. < 3 hours per day: hazard rate ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.22; p(trend) = 0.01). Results from this study suggest that high levels of sedentary behavior may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but they do not support a major impact of light and moderate physical activity on ovarian cancer risk.

School dinners and markers of cardiovascular health and type 2 diabetes in 13-16 year olds: cross sectional study

<h3>Background:</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects 0.5% of the adult population worldwide (1). Sedentary behavior (SB) is any waking behavior characterized by an energy...

Behavioural determinants of obesity

Obesity in children arises from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and behaviour, primarily relating to dietary habits and physical activity. Evidence for specific behavioural factors that promote or protect against excess weight gain in children is more limited than in adults, and the effects of growth and development are not clear. A number of behavioural risk factors has been postulated, including diets with a high energy density, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, large portion sizes, eating patterns, high levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity. However, most evidence is derived from cross-sectional studies which frequently yield conflicting results. More prospective studies with accurate measures of exposures and outcomes in terms of body composition are needed to provide more robust evidence on which to base interventions to achieve long-term behavioural change and prevent excess weight gains in children.

Sociodemographic, developmental, environmental, and psychological correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior at age 11 to 12

Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior during adolescence are a cause for concern. Sociodemographic, developmental, environmental, and psychological factors may be relevant, but the correlates of these behaviors may differ. To investigate the multidimensional correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in a large sample of 11- to 12-year-old boys and girls. Cross-sectional survey of 2,578 boys and 1,742 girls from 36 schools stratified by socioeconomic background and gender mix of students (84% response rate). Questionnaire assessments and objective measurements of height and weight were obtained. Days of vigorous physical activity and hours of sedentary behaviors over the past week were uncorrelated. Ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, developmental stage, environmental factors, and psychological variables were associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior in univariate analyses. In multiple regression, sedentary behavior was greater in ethnic minority groups, in students from more deprived backgrounds, and in those with conduct problems. Girls who were more advanced developmentally and who reported emotional symptoms also engaged in more sedentary behaviors. Vigorous physical activity was associated with good self-rated health, prosocial psychological characteristics, and (in boys) with low emotional symptoms. A multidimensional approach to understanding the context of physical activity in early adolescence is needed because factors in several domains are relevant. The correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviors are distinct in this age group, and there are also important gender differences.