Total Sitting Time Research Articles

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

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

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and cannabis use in 15,822 US adults: cross-sectional analyses from NHANES

ObjectivesThe aim was to analyse the overall and sex-specific associations between cannabis use and physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Study designCross-sectional analyses from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MethodsData on cannabis use and leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour from NHANES cycles 2007–2008 to 2015–2016 were analysed. Multivariable regression models were carried out. ResultsAbout 15,822 participants were analysed (mean age ± standard error = 37.5 ± 0.19 years, range 20–59 years). Significantly higher odds were found for being active and ever used cannabis in the overall sample (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.4) and in males (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.5) and females (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.4), respectively. In respective of sedentary behaviour, ever used cannabis was associated with higher odds of TV viewing ≥2 h/day in the overall sample (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.4). However, this association was observed in males only (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6). Ever used cannabis was associated with total sitting time (beta-coefficient = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.1–0.4), which was more evident in females (beta-coefficient = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1–0.6). ConclusionsCannabis consumption was associated with higher levels of physical activity and sitting time. When intervening to reduce cannabis consumption in the US populations, it may be appropriate to promote physical activity and ensure physical activity is maintained once cannabis consumption is stopped.

Translation of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to Maltese and Reliability Testing

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a widely used self-reported physical activity (PA) measure developed to allow for international cross-country comparisons. Due to its unavailability, the aim of this study was to translate the IPAQ-long to Maltese and undertake reliability testing. The IPAQ-long English version was translated into Maltese following the IPAQ guidelines, which included backwards translation. Maltese-speaking participants, aged between 18 and 69 years, were recruited through convenience sampling (n = 170). Participants completed the IPAQ-long twice within an 8- to 48-hr period. PA was calculated in MET minutes per week, and reliability was calculated using the Spearman correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient, concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman plots. A total of 155 participants completed the questionnaire at two time points. Spearman correlation was .83 (.76–.88) for total PA and .84 (.77–.89) for total sitting time. The intraclass correlation coefficient was .83 (.76–.88) and the concordance correlation coefficient was .75–.87 for total PA. The lowest reliability was for total transport, with a concordance correlation coefficient of .21−.45. Bland–Altman plots highlight that 95% of the differences fell within 2 SDs from the mean. Since the Maltese IPAQ-long has similar reliability to the English version, the authors recommend that health care professionals and PA practitioners use this tool when examining population-level PA among Maltese-speaking individuals.

Sedentary Behavior Counseling Intervention in Aging People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study.

This study examined the feasibility and effect of sedentary behavior (SB) counseling on total sitting time (TST) and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Community-dwelling sedentary adults with T2D (n = 10; 8 women; age 65.6 ± 7.31) completed SB counseling (motivational interviewing-informed education about SB) aided by an activity monitor with a vibrotactile feature (activPAL3TM). The monitor was worn for 7 days, on weeks 1 and 13 (without the vibrotactile feature) and during weeks 5 and 9 (with the vibrotactile feature). Intervention feasibility was determined by study retention rates and activity monitor tolerability, and differences between pre- and post-intervention average daily TST. Paired t-test were performed. The effect size (ES) was calculated using Cohen d. All participants attended all study sessions with only 20% reporting moderate issues tolerating the activity monitor. TST time decreased from 11.8 hours ± 1.76 at baseline to 10.29 hours ± 1.84 at 3 months’ assessment (P < .05) with a large ES (Cohen d = .88). HbA1c was decreased by 0.51% (P < .05) at the end of the intervention. This study found that the intervention was feasible for sedentary adults with type 2 diabetes.

An mHealth Workplace-Based "Sit Less, Move More" Program: Impact on Employees' Sedentary and Physical Activity Patterns at Work and Away from Work.

Background: Most workplace interventions that aim to reduce sedentary behaviour have 38 focused on employees’ sedentary patterns at-work but less have focused on understanding the 39 impact beyond working time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 13-week m-40 health workplace-based ‘sit less, move more’ intervention (Walk@WorkApp; W@W-App) on 41 physical activity (PA) and sitting in desk-based employees at-work and away from work. Methods: Participants (n = 141) were assigned by hospital to an intervention group (IG; used the W@W-App; n = 90) or an active comparison group (A-CG; monitored occupational activity; n = 51). The W@W-App, installed on the participants´ own smartphones, provided real-time feedback for occupational sitting, standing, and stepping, and gave access to automated strategies to sit less and move more at work. Changes between groups were assessed for total sitting time, sedentary bouts and breaks, and light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (activPAL3TM; min/day) between the baseline and after program completion. Results: Compared to the A-CG, employees that used the W@W-App program increased their number of daily breaks and the time spent on short sedentary bouts (<20 min, p = 0.047) during weekends. Changes in shortest sedentary bouts (5–10 min) during weekends were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). No changes in workday PA or sitting were observed. Conclusion: Desk-based employees seemed to transfer the W@W-App program knowledge outside of work. Evaluating the impact of workplace (mHealth-based or not) interventions at work but also away from work would provide a better understating of the impact of such interventions.

Inadequate Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Are Independent Predictors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

In general, physical activity (PA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have an inverse association. However, studies assessing the impact of the widely accepted Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PA Guidelines) on NAFLD are lacking. We performed a serial, cross-sectional analysis among adults by using the 2007-2016 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were defined by using various noninvasive panels. A PA questionnaire assessed the leisure-time PA, occupation-related PA, transportation-related PA, and total sitting time as sedentary behavior. PA was categorized according to the PA Guidelines. Of the 24,588 individuals (mean age, 47.4years; 47.9% males), leisure-time PA (≥150minutes per week) demonstrated 40% lower odds of NAFLD, whereas transportation-related PA was associated with a 33% risk reduction in NAFLD. Analysis of total PA and sitting times simultaneously showed a dose-response association between sitting time and NAFLD (P for trend<0.001). Compliance with the PA Guidelines was lower in individuals with NAFLD versus those without NAFLD. The trends in compliance with the PA Guidelines for any type of PA remained stable in individuals with NAFLD except for a downtrend in transportation-related PA. In contrast, an improvement in compliance with the PA Guidelines for leisure time was noted in the cohort without NAFLD. Although PA demonstrated a 10% stronger association with risk reduction of NAFLD in women, women showed a lower tendency of meeting the PA Guidelines. Trends in total sitting time increased significantly regardless of NAFLD status. Sedentary behavior emerged as an independent predictor of NAFLD. Overall compliance with the PA Guidelines was lower in the cohort with NAFLD, with sex- and ethnicity-based differences. Implementation of these observations in clinical practice may improve our understanding as well as clinical outcomes.

Sitting Time Predicts Cortisol Levels In Women, Independent Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level

PURPOSE: Research suggests that sitting time may be an independent predictor of negative health outcomes, even after accounting for physical activity (PA) participation. There is limited investigation of the association between sitting time and mental health outcomes, and the mechanisms by which sitting time may increase the risk for mental health disorders are not completely understood. Considering that cortisol [an index of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis regulation] has been shown to be a robust predictive biomarker for depression and anxiety disorder risk, this study aimed to investigate whether sitting time was associated with salivary cortisol levels in women, and whether this relationship remained significant after controlling for indices of physical fitness. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy women [18-45y, mean age: 23.9 +/- 6.3y; mean body mass index (BMI): 23.9 +/- 4.6] who were medication-free and had regular menstrual cycles completed (1) self-report of weekly PA and weekly sitting time; (2) assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) via maximal oxygen consumption during exercise; (3) one-week recording of sleep and activity patterns by wrist actigraphy; and (4) measurement of salivary cortisol levels (collected during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle in order to control for the influence of ovarian cycle hormone fluctuations on salivary cortisol). RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed that greater total sitting time/week significantly predicted higher cortisol levels in women (ß= 0.71, p< 0.001), and this relationship remained significant after controlling for age, BMI, and CRF level (ß= 0.67, p< 0.01). Additionally, greater total sitting time/week was significantly associated with lower actigraph-measured PA (activity counts/min; r = -.57 p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, although greater total sitting time was associated with a reduced amount of daily PA, greater total sitting time may still predict higher salivary cortisol levels, independent of indices of fitness (BMI and CRF). It is possible that the stress-related mechanisms underlying the relationship between sitting time and depression and anxiety risk may be related to sitting time itself, and not a simply a product of reduced daily PA. Further investigation is needed to explore these associations.

Temporal dynamics of sitting behavior at work

Sitting for prolonged periods of time impairs people's health. Prior research has mainly investigated sitting behavior on an aggregate level, for example, by analyzing total sitting time per day. By contrast, taking a dynamic approach, here we conceptualize sitting behavior as a continuous chain of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transitions. We use multilevel time-to-event analysis to analyze the timing of these transitions. We analyze ∼30,000 objectively measured posture transitions from 156 people during work time. Results indicate that the temporal dynamics of sit-to-stand transitions differ from stand-to-sit transitions, and that people are quicker to switch postures later in the workday, and quicker to stand up after having been more active in the recent hours. We found no evidence for associations with physical fitness. Altogether, these findings provide insights into the origins of people's stand-up and sit-down decisions, show that sitting behavior is fundamentally different from exercise behavior, and provide pointers for the development of interventions.

Natural Patterns of Sitting, Standing and Stepping During and Outside Work-Differences between Habitual Users and Non-Users of Sit-Stand Workstations.

Sit–stand workstations have shown to reduce sitting time in office workers on a group level. However, movement behaviour patterns might differ between subgroups of workers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine sitting, standing and stepping outcomes between habitual users and non-users of sit–stand workstations. From an international office population based in the Netherlands, 24 users and 25 non-users of sit–stand workstations were included (all had long-term access to these workstations). Using the ActivPAL, sitting, standing and stepping were objectively measured during and outside working hours. Differences in outcomes between users and non-users were analysed using linear regression. During working hours, users sat less (−1.64; 95% IC= −2.27–−1.01 h/8 h workday) and stood more (1.51; 95% IC= 0.92–2.10 h/8 h workday) than non-users. Attenuated but similar differences were also found for total sitting time over the whole week. Furthermore, time in static standing bouts was relatively high for users during working hours (median= 0.56; IQR = 0.19−1.08 h/8 h workday). During non-working hours on workdays and during non-working days, no differences were found between users and non-users. During working hours, habitual users of their sit–stand workstation sat substantially less and stood proportionally more than non-users. No differences were observed outside working hours, leading to attenuated but similar differences in total sitting and standing time between users and non-users for total days. This indicated that the users of sit–stand workstations reduced their sitting time at work, but this seemed not to be accompanied by major carry-over or compensatory effects outside working hours.

The Effect of Domain-Specific Sitting Time and Exercise Habits on Metabolic Syndrome in Japanese Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The effects of domain-specific (i.e., occupational, leisure-time on workday, and holiday) sitting time (ST), and exercise on metabolic syndrome (MetS) development are insufficiently studied. The present study aimed to examine the single and combined effects of each domain-specific ST and exercise habits on MetS. The total and domain-specific STs of 5530 participants were collected using a validated questionnaire. The multiple logistic regression analyses determined the effects of each domain-specific ST and exercise habit on MetS. Of all participants, 7.8% had MetS. Odds ratios (ORs) for MetS were significant only in the group with the longest leisure-time ST on holidays (OR, 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.83); we found no significant associations with any other domain-specific ST after statistical adjustment for confounders. The no-habitual-exercise group clearly had a higher risk for MetS (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15–1.80). The significantly higher ORs for MetS was shown in only the combined longer total ST (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.12–2.39) and holiday ST (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.30–2.59) with no habitual exercise. These findings suggested that accumulated daily total ST, particularly leisure-time ST on holidays with no-habitual exercise, can increase the risk of MetS and it could possibly be mitigated by habitual exercise.

Feasibility of Measuring Sedentary Time Using Data From a Thigh-Worn Accelerometer.

In large-scale cohort studies, sedentary behavior has been routinely measured using self-reports or devices that apply a count-based threshold. We employed a gold standard postural allocation technique using thigh inclination and acceleration to capture free-living sedentary behavior. Participants aged 46.8 (standard deviation (SD), 0.7) years (n = 5,346) from the 1970 British Cohort Study (United Kingdom) were fitted with a waterproofed thigh-mounted accelerometer device (activPAL3 micro; PAL Technologies Ltd., Glasgow, United Kingdom) worn continuously over 7 days; data were collected in 2016–2018. Usable data were retrieved from 83.0% of the devices fitted, with 79.6% of the sample recording at least 6 full days of wear (at least 10 waking hours). Total daily sitting time (average times were 9.5 (SD, 2.0) hours/day for men and 9.0 (SD, 2.0) hours/day for women) accounted for 59.4% and 57.3% of waking hours in men and women, respectively; 73.8% of sample participants recorded ≥8 hours/day of sitting. Sitting in prolonged bouts of 60 continuous minutes or more accounted for 25.3% and 24.4% of total daily sitting in men and women, respectively. In mutually adjusted models, male sex, underweight, obesity, education, poor self-rated health, television-viewing time, and having a sedentary occupation were associated with higher device-measured sitting times. Thigh-worn accelerometry was feasibly deployed and should be considered for larger-scale national surveys.

P354 Objectively measured time spent sitting, standing upright, and stepping is associated with disease severity and faecal calprotectin in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract Background Sitting, lying down, standing upright, and stepping is predominant behaviours occurring throughout the 24-day, yet have not been explored in ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of this study was to explore whether objectively measured time spent sitting, lying down, standing upright, and stepping was associated with endoscopic and biomarker-based disease severity in UC patients. Methods Patients were recruited from the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary, Alberta. Each patient wore an activPAL™ inclinometer (PAL Technologies Limited, Glasgow, UK) for 7 days (minimum 4 days, and on at least one weekend day). Disease severity was measured using Mayo endoscopic subscore and classified as either normal/mild or moderate/severe. Stool samples were collected and faecal calprotectin (FCP), a measure of gut inflammation, was measured. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP)], a marker of systemic inflammation, was collected. Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine associations between activPALTM behavioural variables, Mayo endoscopic subscore, FCP (&amp;lt; or &amp;gt;250 mg/g) and CRP (&amp;lt; or &amp;gt;5 mg/l). All models were controlled for age, gender, body mass index, and antibiotic use. Results 21 patients (9 female, 12 male) consented to participate. Patients on average were 36 years of age (SD=8.9) and had a body mass index of 25.7 (2.4). For Mayo endoscopic subscore, 10 patients were normal/mild while 11 patients were moderate/severe. Mean FCP was 2288.6 (5453.9) and mean CRP was 4.9 (10.5). Per day, patients averaged 8443 (2731) steps, 497.6 (149.9) min sitting, 233.4 (72.9) min standing upright, and 536.3 (110.9) min lying down. Mayo endoscopic subscore was negatively associated with total number of steps (D=−3,331 steps, 95% CI: 5,450 to −1,212, p &amp;lt; .01), trended toward decreased upright standing time (D = −108 min/day, 95% CI: −208.2 to −7.7, p = 0.09), and positively with total sitting time (D = 121.2 min/day, 95% CI: −23.5 to 266, p = 0.09). FCP was negatively associated with standing time (D = −102.4 min/day, 95% CI: −206.3 to 1.6, p = .05), trended toward decreased total number of steps (D=−1,956 steps, 95% CI: −4,482 to 569, p = .12), and was not associated with total sitting time (D = 63.8 min/day, 95% CI: −87.8 to 215.4, p = .38). CRP was not associated with any of the activPALTM variables. Time spent lying down was not associated with any UC outcomes. Conclusion There was an association between objective measures of daily activity behaviours including total steps, standing time, sitting time and UC biomarkers of disease activity. Future studies should continue to examine daily activity behaviours and UC health outcomes in larger sample sizes.

Effectiveness of the multi-component dynamic work intervention to reduce sitting time in office workers – Results from a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveProlonged sitting, which is highly prevalent in office workers, has been associated with several health risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Dynamic Work intervention by determining its effect on total sitting time at the 8-month follow-up in comparison to the control. MethodsThis two-arm pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial included 244 office workers from 14 different departments of a large, Dutch insurance company. The Dynamic Work intervention was a real-life, worksite intervention that included environmental components (i.e. sit-stand workstations), organisational components (i.e. group sessions), and individual components (e.g. activity/sitting trackers). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4-month follow-up, and 8-month follow-up. The primary outcome was total sitting time per day, objectively assessed using the activPAL activity monitor at 8-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included other total and occupational movement behaviour outcomes, health-related outcomes, and work-related outcomes. Data analyses were performed using linear and logistic mixed models. ResultsTotal sitting time did not differ between the intervention and control group at the 8-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes also showed no difference between the intervention and control group at either the 4-month or at 8-month follow-up, with the exception of number of occupational steps, which showed a statistically significant effect at 4-month follow-up (but not at 8-month follow-up) of 913 (95% CI = 381–1445) steps/8-h working day. ConclusionsThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a real-life worksite intervention to reduce sitting time and showed little to no effect. This may be due to the relatively low intensity of the intervention, i.e. that it only involved the replacement of 25% of sitting workstations with sit-stand workstations. Future research should focus on the evaluation of more intensive real-life worksite interventions that are still feasible for implementation in daily practice. Clinicaltrials.gov, registration numberNCT03115645.

Time trends between 2002 and 2017 in correlates of self-reported sitting time in European adults.

This study explores trends in the prevalence of high sitting time and its correlates among "high sitting" and "high sitting-least active" European adults from 2002 to 2017. Both groups have merit for future public health interventions to prevent development of a range of prevalent non-communicable diseases. Data collected in the 2002 (15 countries), 2005 (30 countries), 2013 (28 countries) and 2017 (28 countries) Eurobarometer surveys were used, including around 15,000 respondents in 2002 and >26,000 respondents in the other years. Sitting time and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity were measured with the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short. High sitting was defined as >7.5 hours per day. Respondents in the lowest quartile of total reported days of physical activity (i.e. days walking, days in moderate activity, and days in vigorous activity) were defined as least active. Multivariate odds ratios of high sitting, and high sitting-least active were assessed by country and socio-demographic characteristics for each survey year using binary logistic regression analyses. Trends in sitting time were relatively stable over a 15-year period, although this time trend was limited by a change in the sitting question between 2005 and 2013. Men, higher educated people, students, retired people, white collar workers, people living in urban areas, people with lower physical activity levels, and people living in the Czech Republic, Denmark or the Netherlands were consistently more likely to be in the high sitting group across all four survey years. Similarly, men, students, retired people, unemployed people, white collar workers, and people living in the Czech Republic or Denmark were consistently more likely to be in the high sitting-least active group across all four surveys. This study identified population sub-groups that need special attention in public health interventions to lower total sitting time.

SITTING PATTERNS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTS

We examined cross-sectional associations between physical function and device-based (activPAL) sedentary patterns and physical activity. Physical function tasks included time to complete 5 chair stands and walk a 10-foot gait speed course. We estimated associations using linear regression models adjusting for age and sex; coefficients represent estimated change in mean activPAL measures associated with each second increase in gait/chair stands time. Longer gait speed times were associated with more total sitting time (b=0.19, p < 0.01), fewer steps (b=-788.0, p<0.001), fewer sitting breaks (b=-1.7, p<0.01), and more prolonged sitting bouts (b=0.19, p<0.01). Longer chair stand times were associated with more total sitting time (b=0.06, p<0.001), less standing time (b=-0.04, p<0.01), fewer steps (b=-176.8, p<0.001), fewer sitting breaks (b=-0.45, p<0.01), and more prolonged sitting bouts (b=0.07, p<0.001). Prolonged patterns of sitting time and higher total sitting time, in addition to lower physical activity, were consistently associated with worse physical function.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND SITTING PATTERNS IN OLDER ADULTS

Neighborhood characteristics are associated with self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) in older adults. However, self-report measures are not able to accurately assess total sitting time nor detailed patterns of SB. This analysis explores the relationship between device-based SB variables from activPAL and neighborhood characteristics (demographics) in the ACT cohort. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed with the modified Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES; scored 1.0-4.0, higher score, higher walkability). Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for demographic factors. Higher PANES score was associated with higher daily steps (+1180 daily steps/point on PANES, p<0.001) and sit-to-stand transitions (+2.7 daily transitions/point on PANES, p=0.004). Confirming other studies, neighborhood walkability promotes physical activity. A novel finding was that sitting interruptions, which can only be assessed with devices, were also associated with higher neighborhood walkability, while total sitting time was not.

Validation study of the Spanish version of the Last-7-d Sedentary Time Questionnaire (SIT-Q-7d-Sp) in young adults.

There are few valid instruments to assess domain-specific sedentary behaviours (SB) among Spanish-speaking populations. This study validated the original English version of the last 7 days SB questionnaire (SIT-Q-7d) into Spanish (Castilian). A total of 151 undergraduates (52% male, 21.19±2.57 yrs.) wore an activPAL3M (AP3M) for 7 days and subsequently completed the Spanish version of the SIT-Q-7d (SIT-Q-7d-Sp). A subsample of 30 participants (70% male, 22.89±1.54 yrs.) simultaneously wore the AP3M and used a domain-log to register the context where the SB occurred. The SIT-Q-7d-Sp differed significantly from the AP3M, overestimating sitting time by an average of 60.69 mins.d-1 (all p<0.016). No significant differences were observed between the two measures for weekend total sitting time. The SIT-Q-7d-Sp did not differ significantly from the AP3M +Log for meal, work, and transportation-based sitting time (all p>0.016). However, screen-based and other leisure-based sitting activities were significantly overestimated (ranging from 94.68 mins.d-1 to 234.08 mins.d-1, p<0.001). The SIT-Q-7d-Sp appears to provide acceptable estimates of sitting time during transportation, occupational and meal-based domains. The SIT-Q-7d-Sp is not an appropriate measure of SB when examining total sitting time and leisure-based SB in young adults. For total sitting time and leisure-based SB, the use of objective measures is recommended.

Low total physical activity, high total sitting time and high sitting time on a work day are correlated with low fitness in male working adults: a cross sectional study

Background : Low fitness is an emerging factor for cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity and sitting time are arising factors that influence fitness level. There are some debates on what domain of physical activity and sitting time that have more influences on fitness level. The aims of this study were to (1) explore each domain of physical activity &amp; sitting time and analyze their associations with low fitness in male working adults and (2) explore the differences between sitting time on a working day and a day-off.&#x0D; Method :In this cross-sectional study, a total of 31 healthy male staffs were recruited. Participants used International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long version to recall their physical activity and sitting time, and their fitness level was measured by a submaximal exercise test. Data were analyzed both by univariate and multivariate techniques. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to calculate Odds Ratio (OR) of low fitness by each domain of physical activity and sitting time.&#x0D; Result : Data of 27 participants were considered for analysis. Total physical activity was inversely associated with low fitness [OR 0.961, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.928 – 0.995]. Total sitting time and sitting time on a working day were positively associated with low fitness (total sitting time: OR 1.101, 95% CI 1.001-1.211; sitting time on a working day: OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.019). We also observed that sitting on a working day was significantly higher than sitting time on a day-off (p = 0.004).&#x0D; Conclusion : The results support association of total physical activity, total sitting time and sitting time on a working day with fitness level. There were also difference between sitting time on a working day and a day-off.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(2) 2019 p.279-287

Prolonged Sitting, Its Combination With Physical Inactivity and Incidence of Lung Cancer: Prospective Data From the HUNT Study.

Background: Prolonged sitting as a major sedentary behavior potentially contributes to illness, but its relation with lung cancer risk is unclear. Prolonged sitting can be presented in physically active or inactive individuals. Those who are extendedly seated and also physically inactive may represent the most sedentary people. We therefore aimed to prospectively examine if total sitting time daily itself or in combination with physical activity is associated with lung cancer incidence overall and histologic types.Methods: We included 45,810 cancer-free adults who participated in the second survey of HUNT Study in Norway (1995–97), with a median follow-up of 18.3 years. Total sitting time daily and physical activity were self-reported at baseline. Lung cancer cases were ascertained from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: In total, 549 participants developed lung cancer during the follow-up. Total sitting time daily was not associated with the incidence of lung cancer overall and histologic subtypes. Compared with participants sitting < 8 h daily and being physically active, those sitting ≥8 h daily (prolonged sitting) and being physically inactive had an increased incidence of lung cancer (overall: adjusted HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.07–1.94; small cell lung cancer: adjusted HR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.23–5.41). Prolonged sitting only or physical inactivity only was not associated with the incidence of lung cancer.Conclusions: Our study suggested that prolonged sitting was not independently associated with lung cancer incidence. The combination of prolonged sitting and physical inactivity might increase the risk of lung cancer. However, residual confounding by smoking cannot be excluded completely even though smoking was adjusted for with detailed information.

The Dynamic Work study: study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial of an occupational health intervention aimed at reducing sitting time in office workers

BackgroundLarge volumes of sitting time have been associated with multiple health risks. To reduce sitting time of office workers working for a Dutch insurance company, the Dynamic Work intervention was developed. The primary objective of this paper is to describe the study protocol of the Dynamic Work study, which aims to evaluate if this multicomponent intervention is (cost-)effective in reducing total sitting time on the short-term (≈3 months) and longer-term (≈12 months) compared to usual practice.Methods/designThis two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial will recruit 250 desk-based office workers working at different locations of an insurance company in the Netherlands. After baseline measurements, departments will be matched in pairs and each pair will be randomly assigned to the control or intervention condition. The multicomponent intervention contains organizational (i.e. face to face session with the head of the department), work environmental (i.e. the introduction of sit-stand desks and cycling workstations), and individual elements (i.e. counselling and activity/sitting tracker with a self-help program booklet). The counselling involves two group intervention sessions and four on-site department consultations with an occupational physiotherapist. Sitting time (primary outcome), upright time and step counts will be assessed objectively using the activPAL activity monitor at baseline, short-term (approximately 3 months) and longer-term (12 months). Other outcomes will include: self-reported lifestyle behaviours, anthropometrics, work-related outcomes (i.e. absenteeism, presenteeism, work performance, work-related stress), health-related outcomes (i.e. vitality, musculoskeletal symptoms, need for recovery, quality of life), and costs from both company and societal perspective. The study will include economic and process evaluations.DiscussionThis study will assess the longer-term (cost-) effectiveness of a multicomponent workplace intervention aimed at reducing sitting time in comparison with usual practice. Furthermore, the process evaluation will provide insights in factors associated with successful implementation of this intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03115645; Registered 13 April 2017. Retrospectively registered.