Levels Of Sedentary Behavior Research Articles

Move your feet and sleep: A longitudinal dynamic analysis of self-reported exercise, sedentary behavior, and insomnia symptoms

IntroductionInsomnia symptoms are associated with poor physical and mental health. Exercise is associated with good sleep while sedentary behavior is associated with poor sleep. This study investigated the longitudinal, dynamic associations among exercise, sedentary behavior, and insomnia symptoms. MethodsSeven hundred and fifty-six adults (Mage=47.2years, 54.9% female) took part in an online longitudinal study investigating sleep and health across the lifespan. Participants reported duration of moderate-to-strenuous exercise, percentage of day spent sitting, and insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]). The ISI was scored as a total score and two-factor scores: (1) Sleep Disturbance (items 1, 2, 3) and (2) Daytime Dysfunction (items 4, 5, 6, 7). Multilevel modeling was used to examine the typical (i.e., between-persons) and individual (i.e., within-persons) associations among sedentary behavior, exercise, and insomnia symptoms. ResultsSedentary behavior was significantly associated with total ISI scores at both the between-person and within-person levels (β = 0.036, t = 3.23, p = .001; β = 0.014, t = 1.99, p = .048). Both between-persons and within-person levels of sedentary behavior were associated with Daytime Dysfunction (β = 0.028, t = 3.79, p < .001; β = 0.009, t = 2.08, p = .039). Exercise was associated with total ISI and Daytime Dysfunction scores at the between-persons level but not at the within-persons level (β = 0.028, t = 2.57, p = .01; β = −0.002, t = −3.02, p = .003). ConclusionsSedentary behavior was a more consistent and robust predictor of insomnia symptoms than exercise. The association between sedentary behavior and insomnia symptoms was dynamic in that when an individual reported being more sedentary than their norm, they also reported more insomnia symptoms. Future analyses should examine potential moderator variables and comorbid conditions.

Association of physical behaviours with sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Physical behaviours (ie, physical activity and sedentary behaviour) might have a role in the development of sarcopenia, although the evidence is unclear. We aimed to explore the association of total and intensity-specific levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with sarcopenia and its components (ie, muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance) in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to July 26, 2022, for peer-reviewed, observational studies or baseline data from randomised clinical trials conducted in older adults (ie, individual age ≥60 years or mean age ≥65 years) and published in English that reported on the association of physical activity or sedentary behaviour or both with sarcopenia (or its determinants: muscle mass or strength, and physical performance). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured by any method. The main outcome was sarcopenia, which could be diagnosed by any means. Estimates were extracted and pooled using Bayesian meta-analytic models and publication bias was assessed using the Egger's test. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022315865. We identified 15 766 records, of which 124 studies (230 174 older adults; 121 301 [52·7%] were female and 108 873 [47·3%] were male) were included in the systematic review. 86 studies were subsequently included in the meta-analysis. Higher levels of total physical activity were inversely associated with sarcopenia both cross-sectionally (21 studies, n=59 572; odds ratio 0·49, 95% credible interval 0·37-0·62) and longitudinally (four studies, n=7545; 0·51, 0·27-0·94). A protective association was also identified for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in cross-sectional research (five studies, n=6787; 0·85, 0·71-0·99), whereas no association was identified for the remaining physical behaviours (ie, steps, light physical activity, or sedentary behaviour). Total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are inversely associated with sarcopenia. These findings might support the importance of moderate-to-vigorous, rather than light, intensity physical activity-based interventions to prevent sarcopenia. None. For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Effects of a physical education intervention on children’s physical activity and fitness: the PROFIT pilot study

BackgroundPhysical education classes are widely accepted as one of the most effective settings for promoting physical activity and health and have often been used to implement physical activity interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children.MethodsParticipants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework.ResultsPhysical fitness variables showed improvements after the intervention, specifically for agility (ATET = -0.67 s; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (ATET = 89.27 m; p = 0.045), lower limbs power (ATET = 4.47 centimeters; p = 0.025), and speed (ATET = -1.06 s; p < 0.001). For physical activity and SB levels, there were no improvements after intervention implementation.ConclusionThe intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness to improve physical fitness of children, but not SB nor physical activity.

Different sedentary behavior domains present distinct associations with eating-related indicators

BackgroundUnhealthful dietary patterns have been consistently associated with low levels of physical activity (PA), but studies dedicated to sedentary behavior (SB) are scarce, especially in adults. The few studies that investigated the association between SB and dietary patterns focused mostly on specific types of SB, such as TV-watching or screen time. SB can be accumulated in distinct domains (i.e., work, transport, and leisure-time), thus, it is key to investigate in depth the impact that different domains of SB can have on eating-related indicators. We aimed to investigate the associations between different SB domains and eating-related indicators, in a sample of adults.MethodsCross-sectional data from students, teachers, and staff from a Portuguese University was collected in November/2021 through an anonymous online survey. Data analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS software (version 28.0) and included descriptive statistics, partial correlations, and group comparisons using one-way ANOVA. Daily average SB at work/study, transport, and in leisure-time were self-reported and eating-related indicators were measured with several items from the Mediterranean Diet Score. Specific eating-related behaviors reflecting a protective eating pattern (e.g., eating breakfast regularly), and eating behavior traits (e.g., external eating) were also assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/height(m)2. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire/Short-Form was used to assess PA.ResultsThe sample included 301 adults (60.1% women), with a mean age of 34.5 years. Overall, leisure-time SB was inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (r = -0.20; p < 0.001) and with a protective eating profile (r = -0.31; p < 0.001). Higher transport SB was also related to lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (r = -0.20; p < 0.001) and to an unhealthier eating profile (r = -0.22; p < 0.001), but no associations were found for work-related SB (p > 0.05). These results persisted after the adjustment for BMI, sex, and self-reported PA. These results were impacted by the age tertile.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that adults with higher levels of SB in leisure-time and transport domains tend to report less healthy eating-related behaviors, irrespective of BMI, sex, and PA level. However, some differences in these associations were found according to the age tertile. This information may assist public health authorities in focusing their efforts in augmenting literacy on SB, namely on how SB can be accumulated via different settings. Furthermore, public health literacy efforts need to extend besides the more known deleterious effects of SB on health (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease), to also include the interplay with eating indicators. Strategies to reduce SB and unhealthy eating should be particularly focused on promoting physically active forms of commuting and reducing SB in the leisure setting.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors and the impact on college student’s stress, depression, and anxiety

University students are at a significant risk for mental health issues, including stress and depression. Negative mental health among college-aged adults continues to rise, impacting students’ cognitive function, academic performance, social development, and overall well-being. Rather than offering support through medication, physical activity has demonstrated a potential behavioral approach to reduce students’ stress and anxiety. The current study examined the influence of young adults’ physical activity and sedentary behavior levels and their self-reported stress, depression, and psychological well-being. Participants were undergraduate and graduate students recruited from a Midwestern university and a Mid-Southern university. Multiple linear regressions estimated mean differences in participants’ self-reported stress, depression, and psychological well-being based on their physical activity levels and sitting minutes. Moderate levels of physical activity improved participants’ growth psychological well-being (p = .01). Vigorous physical activity had an effect on participants’ relations, purpose, and self-acceptance (p&lt;0.05). Daily sitting minutes significantly affected participants’ stress, perceived stress, depression, and environmental psychological wellness (p&lt;0.05). Results demonstrate how physical activity can be a natural medicine for symptoms of stress and depression. Current outcomes support the development of future programs to prevent and react to mental health via physical activity.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal neural predictors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour from a 6-month randomized controlled trial

A sedentary lifestyle offers immediate gratification, but at the expense of long-term health. It is thus critical to understand how the brain evaluates immediate rewards and long-term health effects in the context of deciding whether to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour (SB). In this secondary analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial to increase MVPA and reduce SB among community-dwelling adults, we explored how neural activity during an executive control task was associated with MVPA and SB levels. At baseline, a subset of participants (n = 26/61) underwent task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine neural activity underlying executive control using the Now/Later task. MVPA and SB were measured objectively using the Sensewear Mini at baseline, and 2, 4, and 6 months follow-up. We then examined the associations of baseline neural activation underlying executive control with: (1) baseline MVPA or SB; and (2) changes in MVPA and SB over 6 months. Our results determined that there is a complex neurocognitive system associated with MVPA levels, while SB appears to lack any neurocognitive control. In other words, MVPA appears to require neurocognitive effort, while SB may be the default behavioural pattern in adults.

Movement Patterns in Older Adults Recovering From Hip Fracture.

The aim of this study was to quantify physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults recovering from hip fracture and to identify groups based on movement patterns. In this cross-sectional cohort study, older adults (≥70years) were included 3 months after surgery for proximal femoral fracture. Patients received an accelerometer for 7days. Demographics and outcomes related to physical function, mobility, cognitive functions, quality of life, and hip fracture were assessed. In total, 43 patients with sufficient accelerometer wear time were included. Across all groups, participants engaged in very low levels of physical activity, spending an average of 11hr/day in prolonged sedentary behavior. Based on the extracted components from a principal component analysis, three groups with substantial differences in levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior could be distinguished.

Accelerometer and Survey Assessed Physical Activity in Children With Epilepsy: A Case-Controlled Study.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that children with epilepsy (CWE) are limited in the frequency of their daily physical activity (PA). However, there is limited research utilizing device-based measures of PA. We compared levels of PA and sedentary behavior in CWE (11-15y) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Participants (n = 60 CWE [25 males, 35 females] and n = 49 controls [25 males, 24 females]) wore a Actigraph accelerometer (GT3X or GT3X+) for 7 consecutive days during waking hours and self-reported their PA and sedentary behaviors. CWE were compared with control children on time spent in different intensities of PA and on self-reported PA and sedentary behavior. Factors associated with PA were analyzed using linear regression. CWE spent less time in accelerometer assessed light (189.15 vs 215.01min/d, P < .05) and vigorous PA (35.14 vs 44.28min/d, P < .05) on weekdays compared with controls. There were no significant differences between CWE and control participants in accelerometer assessed time spent sedentary or time spent in PA on weekends. Among CWE, older children engaged in more reported sedentary behavior and younger children spent more time in most domains of PA (P < .05). Furthermore, CWE reported less PA than controls (P = .006). Sixteen percent of controls met World Health Organization PA guidelines compared with 10% of CWE. There was a positive relationship between accelerometer assessed PA and quality of life for CWE. CWE spent less time in light and moderate to vigorous PA on weekdays. Further research is needed to understand reasons for these differences.

Obesity, Physical Activity, and COVID-19.

Estimates suggest that over 80% of people with COVID-19 may experience mild to no symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that around 7-8% of positive COVID-19 cases were hospitalized in the first year of the pandemic. A substantial body of evidence points to obesity, sedentary behavior, and low physical activity levels as risk factors for susceptibility to the virus and the severity of symptoms. Obese individuals are 46% more likely to contract the virus than those of normal weight, and those who are physically active have an 11% reduced risk of contracting the virus. Medical experts have also identified obesity, sedentary behavior, and physical inactivity as risk factors for severe COVID-19 symptoms and long COVID. Evidence from bariatric surgery suggests that weight loss decreases the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. The mechanisms linking obesity, sedentary behavior, and physical activity to COVID-19 are somewhat similar. Obesity, sedentary behavior, and low physical activity are all linked to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that increase COVID-19 risk. Additionally, achieving the recommended 150min of moderate-intensity exercise seems to be the desired dose for protection from COVID-19.

Isotemporal substitution analysis of time between sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity on depressive symptoms in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

Compared to young individuals, older adults participate more in sedentary behavior (SB) and less in physical activity (PA). These behaviors are associated with numerous adverse health factors. The purpose of the study was to examine the hypothetical effects of substituting time spent sleeping, performing SB, and performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on depressive symptomatology in older adults. An analytical cross-sectional study employing exploratory survey methods was conducted in the city of Alcobaça in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The study included 473 older adults who answered a structured questionnaire during an interview. Exposure time to SB and PA level were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using the short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale. An isotemporal replacement model was used to evaluate the effects of different SB sessions on depressive symptomatology. An increase in the risk of depressive symptoms was observed when MVPA and sleep time were substituted for the same SB time at all times tested, with maximum values of 40% and 20%, respectively. Opposite substitution of MVPA and sleep time increments reduced the risk of depressive symptomatology by 28% and 17%, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that replacing SB with the same amount of sleep or MVPA may reduce depressive symptoms. The longer the reallocation time, the greater are the benefits.

Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behavior of People Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Thigh-Worn Accelerometers.

Community-dwelling people with Mild Cognitive Impairment self-reporting not to be meeting recommended physical activity levels participated in this study to (a)determine compliance of wearing (thigh-worn) accelerometers, (b)describe physical activity levels and sedentary behavior, and (c)determine the validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) compared with activPAL accelerometers. A total of 79 people had valid accelerometer data (median [interquartile range]: age, 71 [54-75]years). Compliance was 86.81%. Participants were sedentary for 10.6hr per day and engaged in a median of 9min per day of moderate-intensity physical activity. Fair correlations were found between the PASE and total stepping time per day (r = .35, p < .01), total number of steps per day (r = .36, p < .01), and number of steps in stepping activities completed for ≤1min (r = .42, p < .01). The PASE and Standing time (r = .04, p = .724) and PASE and Sitting time (r = .04, p = .699) had little to no relationship. The use of thigh-worn accelerometers for this population is achievable. People with Mild Cognitive Impairment have high levels of sedentary behavior and minimal engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity. The PASE has fair, positive criterion validity with activity-based outcomes measured by activPAL accelerometers but not with sedentary behavior, which is high for this population.

Sedentary Behaviour and Fall-related Injuries in Aging Adults: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

Falls, and more specifically, fall-related injuries, are costly to the healthcare system and can harm one's autonomy. To study the impact of sedentary behaviour associated with fall-related injuries and how a change in sedentary behaviour may impact the risk of a fall-related injury. From baseline to the first follow-up, cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA) cohort. CLSA data from 43,558 Canadians aged 45-85 were included in this study. At baseline and follow-up, sedentary behaviour time was categorized as low (<1,080 minutes/week), moderate (1,080-1,440), or high (>1,440). Sedentary behaviour was estimated via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). At follow-up, participants were dichotomized as either increased or decreased/no change in sedentary behaviour according to their categorical change between time points. Sedentary behaviour was associated with fall-related injuries independently of age, sex, number of chronic conditions, and total physical activity levels OR (95%CI) 1.10 (1.05-1.15). In contrast, a change in sedentary behaviour was not associated with the risk of fall-related injury 1.00 (0.92-1.01). A higher level of sedentary behaviour is associated with injurious falls for people between 40 and 80 years old. However, a short-term change in sedentary behaviour does not influence the risk of injury-related falls. Despite the results, a more precise measure of sedentary behaviour is needed for epidemiology studies to capture changes over time better.

Associations of Working From Home Frequency With Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Japanese White-Collar Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Meiji Yasuda LifeStyle Study.

The association of working from home (WFH) with physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) has been explored; however, this association during periods without stringent measures to combat coronavirus disease 2019 is undercharacterized. Particularly, few studies have evaluated the potential effect modification on its associations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the associations of WFH frequency with accelerometer-measured PA and SB, along with its effect modifiers, among Japanese white-collar workers during the later pandemic period. A cross-sectional study involving 1133 white-collar workers residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area was conducted between April 2022 and March 2023. WFH frequency was evaluated through a self-report questionnaire, while SB and PA during weekdays were measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders were used to examine the association of WFH frequency with PA and SB. Regardless of activity intensity, individuals who worked at home, even for 1 to 2days per week, demonstrated lower levels of PA and higher levels of SB as compared with those who did not (P < .05). For example, difference between never and ≥5days per week WFH was approximately 70minutes/day for total PA and about 4000 steps/day for step counts. Associations between WFH and decreased PA were more pronounced in workers who were older, female, less educated, in sales and service work, nonregular staff, and precontemplating changes in exercise and eating habits. We report that WFH was associated with decreased PA and increased SB in Japanese white-collar workers with pronounced associated in several subgroups.

Future Intentions of Adolescents towards Physical Activity, Sports, and Leisure Practices.

The World Health Organization warns of alarmingly high levels of sedentary behavior in our current society. In terms of the adolescent population, a substantial percentage of them do not meet the global recommendations for weekly physical activity. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to analyze the predisposition and future preferences for physical activity and sports (PAS) and leisure practices of 142 adolescents, as well as identifying the challenges and proposed improvements, while considering gender differences. The participants' reflections were gathered through semistructured interviews and focus groups and subjected to an inductive analysis. The main findings indicate a high intention to engage in future PAS and leisure activity. Individual sports were predominantly mentioned by girls, while team sports were mainly favored by boys. Additionally, boys expressed a preference for technology-related leisure activities, whereas girls leaned towards artistic activities. The participants emphasized the necessity to renew sports and recreational facilities and to adapt to the range of activities offered. At the same time, they acknowledged that reallocating economic resources would improve the quality of sports and health-care services. Consequently, institutions should tailor their programs of PAS and leisure activities to align with the preferences, ages, and genders of the youth population.

Is education level, as a proxy for socio-economic position, related to device-measured and self-reported sedentary behavior in European older adults? A cross-sectional study from the SITLESS project.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is a determinant of health in older adult people. Educational level is a primary driver of health disparities and is demonstrated to be a reliable measure of socioeconomic position. We aimed to examine the associations between educational level and self-reported along with device-measured SB in older adults living in Europe and the association of mentally active and passive SB domains with the educational level and gender in these associations. The design is cross-sectional. One thousand three hundred and sixty participants aged 65 and over (75.3±6.3 years old, 61.8% women) participated. Inclusion criteria were scored with the Short Physical Performance Battery. Variables that describe the sample were assessed with an interview, and device-measured SB was assessed with an accelerometer. SB was assessed with the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire and an accelerometer. Multiple linear regression models were used to study the association between the level of education and SB. Participants self-reported an average of 7.82 (SD: 3.02) daily waking hours of SB during weekend days, and the average of device-measured SB was 11.39 (1.23) h. Total mentally active SB (weekdays and weekends) was associated with the education level (p < 0.000). Participants were more sedentary during the week than during weekends, regardless of level of education (p < 0.000). Education level was significantly associated with self-reported mean hours per day in 46SB (p = 0.000; R=0.026; 95%CI). Low education level in older adults is associated with self-reported SB but not with objective SB measures.

A Literature Review: Applying Behavioral Change Theory to Promote Sedentary Behavior Reduction and Physical Activity Among Truck Drivers

Sedentary behavior has become a major cause of several diseases. Commercial drivers are at risk of high levels of sedentary behavior, especially truck drivers. Working conditions are an important barrier to healthy behaviors. The total sitting time for truck drivers might be higher than for other occupations. Limited evidence exists of the total sitting time for truck drivers. Therefore, interventions to reduce sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity are needed among truck drivers. The objectives of this article are 1) to review the theory-guided intervention in truck drivers and 2) to describe and provide an example of intervention using an integrated behavior model for reducing sedentary behaviors and increasing physical activity. The review found diverse interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity across age groups (children, adolescents, adults, or older adults) and settings (community, hospital, or worksite), addressing various health conditions. Delivery methods, including face-to-face and online approaches, vary. These interventions typically incorporate multiple components such as health education, self-monitoring, behavioral targets, or goal-setting. The principal guiding theories are social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model. The integrated behavior model can serve as a guiding framework for interventions targeted at truck drivers, and the results may be utilized for other commercial drivers.

A mixed method evaluation of a theory based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centres- the stand up for health stepped wedge feasibility study

Introduction Contact centres have higher levels of sedentary behaviour than other office-based workplaces. Stand Up for Health (SUH) is a theory-based intervention developed using the 6SQuID framework to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centre workers. The aim of this study was to test acceptability and feasibility of implementing SUH in UK contact centres. Methods The study was conducted in 2020–2022 (pre COVID and during lockdown) and used a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial design including a process evaluation. The intervention included working with contact centre managers to develop and implement a customised action plan aligning with SUH’s theory of change. Workplace sedentary time, measured using activPAL™ devices, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included productivity, mental wellbeing, musculoskeletal health and physical activity. Empirical estimates of between-centre standard deviation and within-centre standard deviation of outcomes from pre-lockdown data were calculated to inform sample size calculations for future trials. The process evaluation adopted the RE-AIM framework to understand acceptability and feasibility of implementing the intervention. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with contact centre employees and managers, and activity preferences were collected using a questionnaire. Results A total of 11 contact centres participated: 155 employees from 6 centres in the pre-lockdown data collection, and 54 employees from 5 centres post-lockdown. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 33 employees and managers, and 96 participants completed an intervention activity preference questionnaire. Overall, the intervention was perceived as acceptable and feasible to deliver. Most centres implemented several intervention activities aligned with SUH’s theory of change and over 50% of staff participated in at least one activity (pre-lockdown period). Perceived benefits including reduced sedentary behaviour, increased physical activity, and improved staff morale and mood were reported by contact centre employees and managers. Conclusions SUH demonstrates potential as an appealing and acceptable intervention, impacting several wellbeing outcomes. Trial registration The trial has been registered on the ISRCTNdatabase: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11580369.

Sedentary behaviour in Australian university students: The contribution of study-related sedentary behaviour to total sedentary behaviour.

Seated activities are attributed to increased sedentary behaviour (SB) and adverse health effects, but little is currently known about university students' SB, particularly study-related SB. This study describes the sociodemographic variations of domain-specific SB in regional Australian university students and the contribution of study-related SB to total SB. Self-reported daily SBs from a cross-sectional survey of 451 students were used. Domain-specific and total SB were described within sub-groups, and differences examined using independent t-tests. Multinomial regression was used to examine the association of tertiles of duration in study-related SB with total and other domain-specific SBs. Study participants were a median age of 21 (19-25 years), mostly female (76%) and represented different years of study. On average, students spent 882 ± 292 min/day in total SB, with most SB occurring in the study, screen time and 'other activity' domains. No sociodemographic variations were found in total SB, but significantly higher study-related SB were reported by students studying full time (p < .001) and who moved from their family home to study (p < .022). Study-related SB contributed 36% of total SB, with students most sedentary during study having the highest total SB. This study suggests university students have high levels of SB, primarily in the domains of study, screen time and other activities. SB reduction strategies in universities and targeting screen time, across various sociodemographic groups (e.g., gender, university enrolment status, and living arrangements), may be important in reducing SB in university students. SO WHAT?: University students are highly sedentary and should be included in SB programs especially students studying full time and those who moved from their family home in the study domain.

Subtypes of major depressive disorders and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviors in the community

BackgroundLack of physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB) may enhance mental health problems, including depression, and are associated with increased mortality. Aside from a large body of research on major depressive disorder (MDD) assessed as an entity and either PA or SB, few studies have examined associations among subtypes of MDD and both PA and SB simultaneously derived from wrist-worn accelerometers. Accordingly, our aim was to explore the associations among MDD subtypes (atypical, melancholic, combined atypical-melancholic and unspecified) and four actigraphy-derived behaviors combining the levels of PA and SB. MethodsThe sample stemmed from CoLaus|PsyCoLaus, a population-based cohort study, consisting of 2375 participants (55.1% women; mean age: 62.4 years) who wore an accelorometer for 14 days after a physical exam and subsequently completed a semi-structured psychiatric interview. Activity behaviors were defined according to the combination of the levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and SB. Associations of remitted MDD subtypes, current MDD and physical inactivity behaviors were assessed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, a history of anxiety, alcohol and drug use disorders and cardiovascular risk factors. ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, participants with the remitted combined atypical-melancholic subtype had a higher risk of being more physically inactive. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that low PA and high SB are not restricted to the duration of depressive episodes in people with atypical and melancholic episodes. The lack of PA and high SB in this group of depressive patients exposes them to an additional long-term cardiovascular risk and measures to increase PA may be particularly fruitful in this MDD subgroup.

Associations between physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns and cognition: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

AbstractBackgroundEngaging in regular physical activity (PA) and limited sedentary behaviour (SB) are critical for healthy cognitive aging. However, it is unclear what combination of PA and SB patterns (e.g., high PA and low SB, high PA and high SB, etc.) is most beneficial for cognition. We thus examined how different combinations of PA and SB were associated with cognitive performance in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults.MethodA cross‐sectional analysis using baseline data from the Comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA; 2010‐2015) among participants with complete PA and SB data (n = 23,125; age range 45‐86 years). PA and SB were indexed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and cognition using a three‐factor structural equation model (i.e., memory, executive function, and verbal fluency). Participants' PA and SB levels were classified as 1) low PA and high SB; 2) low PA and low SB; 3) high PA and high SB; and 4) high PA and low SB. Linear regressions assessed associations between PA and SB combinations and cognition, adjusted for age, sex, activities of daily living, income level, educational attainment, and depression. Contrasts with Bonferroni correction tested associations of combinations of PA and SB with cognition.ResultHigh PA was associated with better cognition whether combined with low or high SB. A high PA and low SB combination was associated with better executive function (Estimated mean difference = ‐0.24, 95%CI ‐0.39 to ‐0.10, p&lt;0.001) and verbal fluency (Estimated mean difference = ‐0.29, 95%CI ‐0.42 to ‐0.16, p&lt;0.001) vs. low PA and low SB. A combination of high PA and high SB was associated with better executive function (Estimated mean difference = 0.17, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.33, p = 0.034) and verbal fluency (Estimated mean difference = 0.20, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.34, p = 0.002) vs. high PA and low SB. Surprisingly, low PA and high SB was associated with better executive function vs. low PA and low SB (Estimated mean difference = 0.26, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.41, p&lt;0.001) (Table 1 and Figure 1).ConclusionHigh PA, irrespective of SB, is associated with better cognition. Low PA levels may be more detrimental to cognition than high SB levels.