Sedentary Behavior In Children Research Articles

Sitting at Home: A review of the influence of the home physical environment on children's sedentary and activity behaviour

Introduction: The home setting is an important sphere of influence on the sedentary behaviour and activity of children and younger adolescents. Whilst there has been much investigation of the neighbourhood level physical environment, the home physical environment has received less attention. The purpose of this study was to systematically review recent literature on the influence of the home physical environment on sedentary behaviour and physical activity of children and adolescents aged 8–14 years.

Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its association with sedentary behavior in children

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children in the northeast region of Portugal, and to examine its association with sedentary behavior. MethodsData were collected on 1786 children (907 boys, 879 girls) aged 6 to 13 years. Body mass index was calculated from measured height and weight (weight in kg/height in m squared). Overweight and obesity were determined using the International Obesity Task Force cutoff values. Sedentary behavior was assessed based on means of transport to and from school and time spent watching TV and playing video games (TVPC). ResultsThe prevalences of overweight and obesity were 22.6% and 9.4% respectively. The differences between the sexes for both overweight and obesity were not significant. Most of the children (78.4%) go to school by car. Boys spend more time on TVPC than girls, both on weekdays and on weekends. The logistic regression model indicated a significant effect of 1.5 hours of TVPC by boys during weekdays (OR=0.246; p=0.015). Boys who spent less than 1.5 hours on weekdays on TVPC were 75.4% less likely to be overweight than those who spent more than 1.5 hours. ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32%. Only 12.2% of the children spend less than 1.5 hours on TVPC. Boys who spend less than 1.5 hours on TVPC are 75.4% less likely to be overweight/obese than those who spend more than 1.5 hours.

Factors predicting sedentary behaviour in children

Factors predicting sedentary behaviour in children

17 – Determinants of children's sedentary behaviour vary according to maternal weight status

17 – Determinants of children's sedentary behaviour vary according to maternal weight status

After-school setting, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in 5th grade boys and girls

After-school hours are considered critical for children's physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB); however, whether the after-school setting influences children's activity patterns is unknown. This study examined the influence of after-school setting (i.e., parent report of the child's usual after-school setting) on 5th grade children's PA and SB, and differences by race/ethnicity. Boys whose parents reported they usually attended an after-school program had higher PA than boys who usually went home after school. A significant interaction between race/ethnicity and after-school setting showed that minority girls whose parents reported they usually attended an after-school program had higher PA and engaged in less SB compared with those who usually went home, whereas the activity patterns of white girls did not differ by after-school setting. Children's usual after-school setting affects their activity patterns; after-school programs may potentially increase PA in boys and minority girls.

Primary prevention of overweight in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of interventions aiming to decrease sedentary behaviour

The objectives of this meta-analysis were to provide an overview of the evidence regarding the effects of interventions, implemented in the school- and general population setting, aiming to prevent excessive sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents on (1) the amount of sedentary behaviour and (2) BMI. Differences in effects on sedentary behaviour and BMI between single health behaviour interventions (sedentary behaviour only) and multiple health behaviour interventions were explored.A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Thirty-four (R)CT studies evaluating 33 general population interventions, published between 1990 and April 2011, aiming to decrease sedentary behaviour in normal weight children or adolescents (0–18 years) were included. Intervention duration ranged from 7 days to 4 years. Mean change in sedentary behaviour and BMI from baseline to post-intervention was calculated using a random effects model.Results showed significant decreases for the amount of sedentary behaviour and BMI. For sedentary behaviour the post-intervention mean difference was −17.95 min/day (95%CI:-26.61;–9.28); the change-from-baseline mean difference was −20.44 min/day (95%CI:-30.69;–10.20). For BMI the post-intervention mean difference was −0.25 kg/m² (95%CI:-0.40;–0.09); the change-from-baseline mean difference was −0.14 kg/m² (95%CI:-0.23;–0.05). No differences were found between single and multiple health behaviour interventions.Interventions in the school- and general population setting aiming to reduce only sedentary behaviour and interventions targeting multiple health behaviours can result in significant decreases in sedentary behaviour. Studies need to increase follow-up time to estimate the sustainability of the intervention effects found.

Sedentary Behaviors among Hispanic Children: Influences of Parental Support in a School Intervention Program

To examine the effect of parental support on sedentary behaviors among Hispanic children. A longitudinal quasi-experimental design with five waves of data collection was used to examine the effect of parental support on children's sedentary behaviors in a school-based intervention program in west Texas. Hispanic low-income parents and their children of 5 to 9 years (N = 416 child-parent dyads) over a 22-month period (1217 observations). Transformacion Para Salud was a multicomponent intervention program aimed at prevention and control of childhood overweight and obesity. It used a community-based participatory research approach, including nutrition education, physical exercise, gardening, and family involvement. Sedentary behaviors were measured by parents' report of their children's daily screen time per week, including TV/DVD, computer, Internet, and video games. Parental support was measured with parents' reported support for active living. Growth curve analysis was used to examine trajectories of sedentary behaviors of children. Response rate was over 70%. Parental support reduced children's sedentary behaviors. Girls were less sedentary than boys, but girls were less affected by parental support. The intervention was effective in reducing children's sedentary behaviors over time. It is important for school intervention programs to mobilize parents to provide more support to reduce sedentary behaviors.

Children, parents, and pets exercising together (CPET) randomised controlled trial: study rationale, design, and methods.

BackgroundObjectively measured physical activity is low in British children, and declines as childhood progresses. Observational studies suggest that dog-walking might be a useful approach to physical activity promotion in children and adults, but there are no published public health interventions based on dog-walking with children. The Children, Parents, and Pets Exercising Together Study aims to develop and evaluate a theory driven, generalisable, family-based, dog walking intervention for 9-11 year olds.Methods/designThe Children, Parents, and Pets Exercising Together Study is an exploratory, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial as defined in the UK MRC Framework on the development and evaluation of complex interventions in public health. The trial will follow CONSORT guidance. Approximately 40 dog-owning families will be allocated randomly in a ratio of 1.5:1 to receive a simple behavioural intervention lasting for 10 weeks or to a 'waiting list' control group. The primary outcome is change in objectively measured child physical activity using Actigraph accelerometry. Secondary outcomes in the child, included in part to shape a future more definitive randomised controlled trial, are: total time spent sedentary and patterning of sedentary behaviour (Actigraph accelerometry); body composition and bone health from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; body weight, height and BMI; and finally, health-related quality of life using the PedsQL. Secondary outcomes in parents and dogs are: changes in body weight; changes in Actigraph accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Process evaluation will consist of assessment of simultaneous child, parent, and dog accelerometry data and brief interviews with participating families.DiscussionThe Children, Parents, and Pets Exercising Together trial should be the first randomised controlled study to establish and evaluate an intervention aimed at dog-based physical activity promotion in families. It should advance our understanding of whether and how to use pet dogs to promote physical activity and/or to reduce sedentary behaviour in children and adults. The trial is intended to lead to a subsequent more definitive randomised controlled trial, and the work should inform future dog-based public health interventions such as secondary prevention interventions in children or adults.Trial registration numberISRCTN85939423

Effect of interrupting sitting time on acute postprandial lipemia in healthy children

Introduction: Sedentary behaviour in children has been associated with unhealthy dietary intake, and obesity levels in adulthood. Interrupting sitting time has been shown to improve metabolic health in adults but to date no studies have been conducted on metabolic risk factors in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of interrupting sitting time on acute postprandial plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) in healthy children during the day following four high fat meals.

Objective Measurement of Habitual Sedentary Behavior in Pre-School Children: Comparison of Activpal With Actigraph Monitors

The Actigraph is well established for measurement of both physical activity and sedentary behavior in children. The activPAL is being used increasingly in children, though with no published evidence on its use in free-living children to date. The present study compared the two monitors in preschool children. Children (n 23) wore both monitors simultaneously during waking hours for 5.6d and 10h/d. Daily mean percentage of time sedentary (nontranslocation of the trunk) was 74.6 (SD 6.8) for the Actigraph and 78.9 (SD 4.3) for activPAL. Daily mean percentage of time physically active (light intensity physical activity plus MVPA) was 25.4 (SD 6.8) for the Actigraph and 21.1 (SD 4.3) for the activPAL. Bland-Altman tests and paired t tests suggested small but statistically significant differences between the two monitors. Actigraph and activPAL estimates of sedentary behavior and physical activity in young children are similar at a group level.

Screen-time Weight-loss Intervention Targeting Children at Home (SWITCH): A randomized controlled trial study protocol

BackgroundApproximately one third of New Zealand children and young people are overweight or obese. A similar proportion (33%) do not meet recommendations for physical activity, and 70% do not meet recommendations for screen time. Increased time being sedentary is positively associated with being overweight. There are few family-based interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behavior in children. The aim of this trial is to determine the effects of a 24 week home-based, family oriented intervention to reduce sedentary screen time on children's body composition, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and diet.Methods/DesignThe study design is a pragmatic two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Two hundred and seventy overweight children aged 9-12 years and primary caregivers are being recruited. Participants are randomized to intervention (family-based screen time intervention) or control (no change). At the end of the study, the control group is offered the intervention content. Data collection is undertaken at baseline and 24 weeks. The primary trial outcome is child body mass index (BMI) and standardized body mass index (zBMI). Secondary outcomes are change from baseline to 24 weeks in child percentage body fat; waist circumference; self-reported average daily time spent in physical and sedentary activities; dietary intake; and enjoyment of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Secondary outcomes for the primary caregiver include change in BMI and self-reported physical activity.DiscussionThis study provides an excellent example of a theory-based, pragmatic, community-based trial targeting sedentary behavior in overweight children. The study has been specifically designed to allow for estimation of the consistency of effects on body composition for Māori (indigenous), Pacific and non-Māori/non-Pacific ethnic groups. If effective, this intervention is imminently scalable and could be integrated within existing weight management programs.Trial RegistrationACTRN12611000164998

Investigating Children's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Using Ecological Momentary Assessment With Mobile Phones

The risk of obesity during childhood can be significantly reduced through increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior. Recent technological advances have created opportunities for the real-time measurement of these behaviors. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and easy to use, and thus have the capacity to collect data from large numbers of people. The present study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and validity of an electronic ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol using electronic surveys administered on the display screen of mobile phones to assess children's physical activity and sedentary behaviors. A total of 121 children (ages 9-13, 51% male, 38% at risk for overweight/overweight) participated in EMA monitoring from Friday afternoon to Monday evening during children's nonschool time, with 3-7 surveys/day. Items assessed current activity (e.g., watching TV/movies, playing video games, active play/sports/exercising). Children simultaneously wore an Actigraph GT2M accelerometer. EMA survey responses were time-matched to total step counts and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) occurring in the 30 min before each EMA survey prompt. No significant differences between answered and unanswered EMA surveys were found for total steps or MVPA. Step counts and the likelihood of 5+ min of MVPA were significantly higher during EMA-reported physical activity (active play/sports/exercising) vs. sedentary behaviors (reading/computer/homework, watching TV/movies, playing video games, riding in a car) (P < 0.001). Findings generally support the acceptability and validity of a 4-day EMA protocol using mobile phones to measure physical activity and sedentary behavior in children during leisure time.

Randomized controlled trial of a good practice approach to treatment of childhood obesity in Malaysia: Malaysian Childhood Obesity Treatment Trial (MASCOT)

Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for the treatment of childhood obesity have taken place outside the Western world. To test whether a good practice intervention for the treatment of childhood obesity would have a greater impact on weight status and other outcomes than a control condition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Assessor-blinded RCT of a treatment intervention in 107 obese 7- to 11-year olds. The intervention was relatively low intensity (8 hours contact over 26 weeks, group based), aiming to change child sedentary behavior, physical activity, and diet using behavior change counselling. Outcomes were measured at baseline and six months after the start of the intervention. Primary outcome was BMI z-score, other outcomes were weight change, health-related quality of life (Peds QL), objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior (Actigraph accelerometry over 5 days). The intervention had no significant effect on BMI z score relative to control. Weight gain was reduced significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (+1.5 kg vs. +3.5 kg, respectively, t-test p < 0.01). Changes in health-related quality of life and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior favored the intervention group. Treatment was associated with reduced rate of weight gain, and improvements in physical activity and quality of life. More substantial benefits may require longer term and more intensive interventions which aim for more substantive lifestyle changes.

Lack of relationship between sedentary behaviour and vascular function in children

Some evidence suggests that sedentary behaviour is independently associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. Endothelial dysfunction is the earliest detectable manifestation of CVD and a strong independent predictor of CV events. No previous study has examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour and endothelial function. We assessed the basal association between conduit artery endothelial function and sedentary behaviour in children, along with the correlation between changes in sedentary behaviour and endothelial function. We studied 116 children (70♀: 10.7 ± 0.3; 46♂: 10.7 ± 0.3 years) on two occasions; in the summer (June) and late autumn (November). We assessed endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using high-resolution Doppler ultrasound. Sedentary behaviour (SB) was assessed using objective uni-axial accelerometry. At baseline, there were no significant differences between girls and boys for any measured variables with the exception of total physical activity time. FMD was not associated with sedentary behaviour in either group or in the cohort as a whole. Although FMD decreased (10.0 ± 4.3-7.9 ± 3.9%, P < 0.001) and SB increased (499.1 ± 103.5-559 ± 81.6 min/day, P < 0.001) between the seasons, no relationship existed between changes in these variables. Our data suggest that sedentary behaviour and changes in sedentary behaviour are not associated with endothelial function in children.

Does Changing the Classroom Environment alter Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Children?

Various school-based interventions have been conducted to increase physical activity in children. However,Few have addressed changes in the physical environment of the classroom. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of balance balls in a classroom setting instead of chairs on physical activity and sedentary behavior in 9-year old children. METHODS: 17 children (10 female, 7 male) wore the SenseWear Armband (SWA, Software Version 6.1) for a 1 week period on 3 occasions to determine total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), activity energy expenditure (AEE, > 3 METs), and time spent at various intensities of physical activity. Baseline measurements occurred in January. Follow-up measurements were conducted after one week of familiarization to the balance balls and again at 8 weeks after the balance balls were introduced. To be included in the data analysis 3 valid weekdays (> 8 hours of wear-time per day) for each week of data collection were required. RESULTS: 9 children (6 female, 3 male) (9.2 ± 0.2 years, 139.2 ± 4.5 cm, 36.8 ± 5.8 kg) provided valid data. TDEE or AEE did not change during the experiment. Sedentary time (<1.5 METs) was significantly higher during the baseline measurement compared to the post-measurement (F=3.86, p<0.01). While no differences occurred at moderate intensities, significantly more time was spent in vigorous (6-8.9 METs) and very vigorous (>9 METs) intensities during the post-measurements (F=8.98, p=0.01 and F=11.59, p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Results show that the utilization of balance balls in place of chairs can decrease time spent in sedentary behaviors despite no significant change in TDEE. The higher levels of vigorous and very vigorous activity might be explained by seasonal variation. Redesign of the classroom physical environment may help to reduce sedentariness in children.

A 4-Year Cluster-Randomised Controlled Intervention Study on Physical Activity Pattern and Sedentary Behaviour in Children

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a cluster-randomised, controlled school-based intervention (the STOPP-study) on objectively measured sedentary time, time spent in light intensity activity and in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). METHODS: A total of 1538 children in grades 1-4 from ten selected schools in Stockholm county area were included. Schools were randomised as intervention (n=5) or control (n=5). Physical activity was aimed to increase by 30 min -1day during school time and sedentary behavior was restricted during after school care time. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Percentage of time spent sedentary (below 1.5 METs), in light (between 1.5 and 3 METs), and in MVPA (above 3 METs) were primary outcome variables. RESULTS: Adjusted for age, gender and calendar year, children in intervention schools spent less time sedentary, compared to children in control schools (32.3% vs. 33.4% of registered time, P=0.03) and more time in MVPA (28.5% vs. 27.6%, P=0.05). Children in the intervention group spent more time in MVPA (37.2% vs. 34.9%, P=0.002) and less time sedentary (22.0% vs. 24.3%, P<0.001) during after school care time. Normal weight and overweight children in intervention schools spent more time in MVPA and less time sedentary during after school care time compared to children in the control schools. Overweight children in the intervention group spent more time in light intensity activity during evening time. There was a trend for less sedentary activities in overweight intervention children during evening time. The results were attenuated after adjustment for the sampling variation between schools. CONCLUSIONS: There were indications of differences between intervention and control groups in time spent sedentary and in MVPA among normal weight and overweight children. Although differences were not statistically significant after adjustment for the cluster effect, the present paper provides argument for school-based interventions in order to decrease sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity. Supported by Signhild Engkvist Foundation

Relationship between young peoples' sedentary behaviour and biomedical health indicators: a systematic review of prospective studies

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the prospective relationship between childhood sedentary behaviour and health indicators. We identified prospective studies from searches in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo and Cochrane, from January 1989 through April 2010. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts for eligibility, rated the methodological quality of the studies, and extracted data. We identified 31 papers, examining 27 different cohorts. The quality score of the studies ranged from 38 to 88%. Nine studies were scored as high quality. According to the best evidence synthesis we found insufficient evidence for a longitudinal positive relationship between 'sedentary time'- mainly TV viewing - and body mass index (BMI) and more specific indicators of fat mass. One high quality and two low quality studies found a significant inverse relationship between sedentary time - mainly TV viewing - and aerobic fitness, leading to moderate evidence for this inverse relationship. There was insufficient evidence for a longitudinal relationship between sedentary time and blood pressure, blood lipids or bone mass. Our systematic review suggests that there is moderate evidence for a longitudinal inverse relationship between screen time and aerobic fitness during childhood. Thus there is evidence to limit screen time in young people in order to prevent low levels of fitness. The possible detrimental health effects of prolonged or excessive sitting on other health indicators needs further study.

Is the Neighbourhood Environment Associated with Sedentary Behaviour Outside of School Hours Among Children?

Little is known about neighbourhood environments and children's sedentary behaviour outside school hours. This study aims to examine the associations between public open spaces (POS), parent perceptions of the neighbourhood and children's sedentary behaviours. Parents reported their child's television viewing and computer/electronic game time and their perceptions of the physical and social neighbourhood. Children's sedentary time was objectively assessed. The closest POS was audited. Cross-sectionally, living near a POS with a water feature and greater parental satisfaction with POS quality were negatively associated with computer/e-games; greater POS area was negatively associated with TV viewing. Longitudinally, living in a cul-de-sac and greater satisfaction with POS quality were negatively associated with computer/e-games and TV viewing, respectively. A walking path in the POS was positively associated with computer/e-games. Neighbourhood features appear to positively and negatively influence children's sedentary behaviours, highlighting the complexity of urban planning on behaviour. Further age- and context-specific studies are required.

Does Birth Weight Influence Physical Activity in Youth? A Combined Analysis of Four Studies Using Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Animal models suggest growth restriction in utero leads to lower levels of motor activity. Furthermore, individuals with very low birth weight report lower levels of physical activity as adults. The aim of this study was to examine whether birth weight acts as a biological determinant of physical activity and sedentary time. This study uses combined analysis of three European cohorts and one from South America (n = 4,170). Birth weight was measured or parentally reported. Height and weight were measured and used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). PA was objectively measured using accelerometry for ≥3 days, ≥10 hours day. Data was standardized to allow comparisons between different monitors. Total physical activity was assessed as counts per minute (cpm), with time spent above moderate activity (MVPA) >2,000 counts and time spent sedentary (<100 counts). There was no evidence for an association between birth weight and total physical activity (p = 0.9) or MVPA (p = 0.7). Overall there was no evidence for an association between birth weight and sedentary time (p = 0.8). However in the Pelotas study we did find an association between higher birth weight (kg) and lower overall physical activity (cpm) (β = −31, 95%CI: −58, −46, p = 0.03) and higher birth weight and greater sedentary time (mins/day) (β = 16.4, 95%CI: 5.3, 27.5, p = 0.004), although this was attenuated and no longer significant with further adjustment for gestational age. Overall this combined analysis suggests that birth weight may not be an important biological determinant of habitual physical activity or sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents.

Longitudinal study of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children.

Physical activity is thought to decline during childhood, but the extent of the decline is unknown. We made objective measures of 2-year changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior in English children who participated in the Gateshead Millennium Study to explore the nature, timing, and extent of changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior before adolescence. We conducted a longitudinal study of 405 children (207 girls), aged 7 years, in 2006/2007 and again 24 months later. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with the Actigraph GT1M accelerometer. Data were analyzed in 2010. Changes in total volume of physical activity (accelerometer counts per minute [cpm]), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior were quantified. Factors associated with changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior were tested by using linear regression. Tracking of physical activity and sedentary behavior over the 2-year period was assessed by rank-order correlation. Mean daily volume of physical activity declined by 83 cpm (interquartile range [IQR]: -189 to 31) over 2 years; the percentage of daily time spent in MVPA was low at baseline and declined by 0.3% (IQR: -1.4 to 0.9). The percentage of daily time in sedentary behavior was high at baseline and increased from 78.0% to 81.1% of the day (change 3.1% [IQR: -0.3 to 6.0]). The decline in MVPA and increase in sedentary behavior were significantly greater in girls and in those with higher BMI z scores at baseline. Physical activity and sedentary behavior showed moderate tracking over the 2-year period. We report here new evidence of low and declining levels of physical activity and MVPA and increasing sedentary behavior before adolescence.