Trends In Sedentary Behavior Research Articles

Physical activity has decreased in Finnish children and adolescents from 2016 to 2022.

Varying trends in children's and adolescents' physical activity (PA) have been reported during the last 10-20 years. Trends in sedentary behavior (SB) have been studied only rarely. The purpose of the present study was to describe population-based trends in accelerometer-measured PA, standing and SB, among Finnish 7-15-year-old children and adolescents, and to evaluate the potential influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these behaviors. A cross-sectional population-based Finnish school-aged physical activity Study (FSPA) measured daily steps, vigorous (VPA), moderate (MPA), moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), standing, and SB by an accelerometer for seven consecutive days in 2016, 2018, and 2022 (n = 7.080, 57% girls). The data was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. In 2016, participants took on average 10.305 steps per day, and spent 0:15 (h: min) in VPA, 1:37 in MPA, 1:52 in MVPA, 3:48 in LPA, 0:55 in standing and 7:52 in SB. From 2016 to 2018, daily steps, MPA, LPA, and standing increased [229 steps (95% Confidence Interval, CI 70-387), 0:03 (CI 0:01 - 0:04), 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), and 0:07 (CI 0:05 - 0:08), respectively], while VPA and SB decreased [0:01 (CI 0:00-0:02) and 0:20 (CI 0:16 - 0:24), respectively]. From 2018 to 2022, daily PA and standing declined [751 steps (CI 562-939), VPA 0:02 (CI 0:01 - 0:03), MPA 0:09 (CI 0:07 - 0:11), MVPA 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), LPA 0:08 (CI 0:05 - 0:11), and standing 0:01 (CI 0:01 - 0:03)] while SB increased 0:21 (CI 0:16 - 0:25) indicating potential influence of the pandemic. Children and adolescents became physically less active from 2016 to 2022. The potential effects of the COVID-19 were seen as declined PA and increased sedentariness from 2018 to 2022.

Trends in the effects of socioeconomic position on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior among Korean adolescents.

We examined trends in physical activity and sedentary behavior in Korean adolescents, and their association with socioeconomic position (SEP). We used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationwide study involving students aged 12-19 conducted between 2009 and 2021. SEP was assessed based on economic status, parental education attainment, and urbanization. Physical activity was categorized into vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity, and muscle training, and sedentary time was also measured. We conducted the log-binomial regression to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) and prevalence differences. Our analysis included a total of 593,896 students. We observed an increasing trend in physical activity, but a worsening trend in sedentary behavior. A positive association was found between an adolescent's physical activity and SEP indicators, except for urbanization. Adolescents with higher economic status engaged in more vigorous physical activity (high: PR, 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 1.28; middle: PR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.04). Similar associations were observed for father's education (tertiary or above: PR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.13; upper secondary: PR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.07) and mother's education (tertiary or above: PR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.20; upper secondary: PR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.08). Adolescents with higher economic status also showed a higher compliance rate with the guideline restricting sedentary time to 2 hours per day (high: PR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.30; middle: PR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05). Adolescents with higher SEP exhibited more physical activity and less sedentary time than those with lower SEP.

Recent Trends in Sedentary Behaviors among Chinese Children According to Demographic and Social Characteristics

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore trends in sedentary behavior among Chinese children aged 6–17 years per demographic and social characteristics. MethodsA total of 4,341 children aged 6–17 years who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 2004 to 2015 were included. Repeated measures from mixed-effects models were applied to test trends in sedentary behaviors, which were further analyzed after applying stratification according to gender, age, urbanization level, residential area, and region. Random-effects ordinal regression models were used to examine the trends at sedentary levels. ResultsFrom 2004 to 2015, sedentary time among children aged 6–17 years increased from 23.9 ± 0.6 h/week to 25.7 ± 0.6 h/week (P < 0.001). Increases of 3.1 h/week (P < 0.001), 2.3 h/week (P = 0.012), and 1.3 h/week (P = 0.042) were found among the low-, medium-, and high-urbanization groups respectively and increased by 2.0 h/week (P < 0.001) and 1.3 h/week (P = 0.002) among rural and urban children, respectively. The proportion of Chinese children with average daily screen time below 2 hours declined by 10.2% (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.42–0.63, P < 0.001); a decreasing trend was observed in both boys and girls. ConclusionsSedentary time among Chinese children aged 6–17 years showed an upward trend from 2004 to 2015, especially among children residing in rural areas and regions with low urbanization levels.

Sedentary behavior among breast cancer survivors: a longitudinal study using ecological momentary assessments.

Sedentary behavior (SB) or any waking behavior ≤ 1.5 METs is associated with an increase in body weight and fatigue and poor quality of life among cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to explore longitudinal trends in SB using accelerometers and associated variables via ecological momentary assessments (EMA) among breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors (within 5years post-diagnosis) were recruited for a 12-month observational study. Participants were asked to download an EMA application to their smartphones to receive prompts for 7days and to concurrently wear an Actigraph accelerometer. Participants responded to 35 prompts during each 7-day assessment period at baseline, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12months. Within each prompt, participants were asked questions about their current level of affect, sadness, anxiety, stress, worry and fatigue, and cancer-related symptoms (e.g., neuropathy). Twenty-two survivors (mean age = 51.5years) were recruited and 20 participants completed the study. Mean baseline SB averaged 76.7h/week. Univariate longitudinal models suggested higher levels of sadness, anxiety, stress, worry, and fatigue were associated with more SB while more positive affect was associated with less SB. Additionally, non-leisure context (work) was associated with more SB. Autoregressive models indicated cross-lagged effects of affective valence, fatigue, and SB. More negative affective valence and higher fatigue were associated with more SB. Reducing negative affect valence and offering non-sedentary approaches to manage fatigue may help reduce SB. Specific interventions are needed to reduce SB among cancer survivors-particularly those that target negative affect valence and fatigue.

Secular trends in sedentary behaviors and associations with weight indicators among Chinese reproductive-age women from 2004 to 2015: findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Overweight and obesity are rising among Chinese reproductive-age women, while some studies have focused on the relationship between sedentary behavior and obesity in certain populations, none has focused on Chinese reproductive-age women specifically. This study examined secular trends in leisure time sedentary behaviors (watching television time, computer time and reading time, and the total sedentary time) among Chinese reproductive-age women and the association of those behaviors with five weight indicators-body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity status. A prospective cohort study was conducted with Chinese reproductive-age women aged 15-49 who had participated in two or more rounds of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), and completed the questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The exposure variables were the average weekly time spent on three leisure time sedentary behaviors (watching television, using computer, and reading) and the total sedentary time (the sum of the above three sedentary time and video game time). Mixed-effect linear models were produced to explore the secular trends of the mean hours of these sedentary behaviors and the total sedentary time after adjusting covariates. Models were also produced to study the effects of these types of sedentary behavior levels on BMI and WC. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were produced to study the effects of the sedentary behavior levels on overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity status. The total sedentary time among the reproductive-age women increased over time across most of age, region, educational levels, and income groups from 2004 to 2015. Television hours fluctuated, it increased and then declined over time across most of age, region, and income groups. Computer hours continually increased over time across all age, region, educational level, and income groups. Reading hours gradually decreased over time across most of age, region, educational level, and income groups. Those with a moderate level of television time (14 to <35 h/week) had 1.08 cm larger WCs and were 1.31 times more likely to have abdominal obesity than those with a low level of television time (<14 h/week). Those with a high level of television time (≥35 h/week) had 1.74 cm larger WCs, 0.66 kg/m2 larger BMIs, were 1.50 times more likely to be overweight and were 1.47 times more likely to have abdominal obesity than those with a low level of television time (<14 h/week). Greater computer, reading time, and total sedentary time were not associated with WC, BMI, overweight, obesity, or abdominal obesity. These findings showed that among Chinese reproductive-age women ages 15-49, secular trends of computer time increased rapidly, reading time decreased gradually and television time fluctuated but showed not much difference from 2004 to 2015. The sharp increase in computer time far outweighed the decline in reading time. As a result, the overall sedentary behavior time of Chinese reproductive-age women gradually increased. These findings provided strong evidence that greater television time was significantly associated with higher BMI, WC, and higher risks of overweight, abdominal obesity among Chinese reproductive-age women. Computer, reading, and the total sedentary time were not associated with those weight indicators.

Temporal trends in leisure-time sedentary behavior among adolescents aged 12-15 years from 26 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Americas

BackgroundMulti-country studies examining trends in sedentary behaviors among adolescents have mainly focused on high-income or Western countries, and almost no data exists for the rest of the world. Thus, this study aims to examine temporal trends in adolescents’ leisure time sedentary behavior (LTSB) employing nationally representative datasets from 26 countries from five WHO-defined geographical regions.MethodsData from the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2003–2017 were analyzed in 17,734 adolescents [mean (SD) age: 13.7 (1.0) years; 49.0% boys]. LTSB was self-reported and included all types of sedentary behaviors, excluding time spent at school or doing homework. The prevalence and 95%CI of high LTSB (i.e., ≥3 h/day) was calculated for the overall sample and by sex for each survey. Crude linear trends in high LTSB were assessed by linear regression models. Interaction analyses were conducted to examine differing trends among boys and girls.ResultsTemporal variations in LTSB substantially diverged across countries, with results showing increasing (6/26 countries), decreasing (4/26) and stable trends. The sharpest increases in LTSB occurred in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Thailand. Some countries did not show an increase in LTSB prevalence over time but had very high levels of LTSB (i.e., > 40%) across multiple years. Most countries showed no differences in LTSB trends between boys and girls.ConclusionsData from our study may serve as an important platform for policymakers, as well as local and national stakeholders, to establish country-specific and tailored strategies for reducing LTSB.

Temporal Trends and Recent Correlates in Sedentary Behaviors among Chinese Adults from 2002 to 2010-2012.

Evidence suggests that more time spent in sedentary behaviors (SB) increases health risk independent of physical activities. Trends in SB among adults have not been fully described in China, and the sociodemographic correlates of SB have not been systematically evaluated either. This study examined the temporal trends of SB among 184,257 adults (2002: n = 52,697, 2010–2012: n = 131,560) using data from the China National Nutrition and Health Survey in 2002 and 2010–2012, and analyzed the recent correlates of SB in Chinese adults. Overall, an increase (+0.29 h/d) was seen in total SB across the survey years, and there was a slight increase (+0.14 h/d) in leisure time SB and a decrease (−0.39 h/d) in occupational SB. From 2002 to 2012, the proportion of Chinese adults whose total SB time over 4 h/d increased from 35.4% to 43.0%, and the proportion of leisure SB time over 3 h/d increased from 42.0% to 48.0%, and the proportion of occupational SB time over 4 h/d decreased from 63.4% to 53.0%. Male, urban areas, employed, unmarried, and with higher educational and family economic level were all positively associated with high sedentary time (HST) in 2010–2012. These trends and correlates are important for health policy in China and other countries that are facing similar challenges.

Trends in Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Motivation during a Classroom-Based Active Video Game Program.

The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate trends in children’s sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA), and motivation during a 12 week classroom-based Active Video Game (AVG) program. A sample of 16 children, recruited from an elementary school, participated in AVG for 30 minutes per school day for 12 consecutive weeks. School day time in SB and PA, in addition to step counts, were assessed across 12 weeks using accelerometers and motivation was assessed via questionnaires. Mixed effects models with a quadratic time parameter were employed to examine time trends. A significant negative trend was observed for SB, while light and vigorous PA and step counts yielded positive trends until approximately 8–9 weeks where a quadratic inflection point was observed (p < 0.001). Regarding motivational variables, enjoyment and social support from teachers significantly increased across 12 weeks (p < 0.05). A 12 week classroom AVG program yielded a positive trend in school day light and vigorous PA and step counts, and a negative trend in SB until 8–9 weeks into the program. This study supports the use of low-cost classroom-based AVG programs to improve children’s physical and mental health, but favorable PA trends were attenuated past 8–9 weeks.

Increasing socioeconomic disparities in sedentary behaviors in Chinese children

BackgroundSedentary behaviors are prevalent in Chinese children, however, the studies on their trends and socioeconomic disparities are scarce. We examined the time trends of daily television (TV) viewing and video game playing and the associated socioeconomic factors in Chinese children in Hong Kong, the most developed and westernized city in China.MethodsIn a panel data study involving 538,300 primary four and 510,294 primary six students from 1999/2000 to 2008/09, data on socioeconomic status, sedentary behaviors (TV viewing and video game playing) and other lifestyle habits were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Trends in sedentary behaviors over time were assessed. Their socioeconomic disparities were examined by interactions in generalized estimating equations with the adjustment for weight status and extracurricular physical activities.ResultsThe age and sex-standardized prevalence of ≥2 h daily TV viewing decreased from 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.1–51.8%) in 1999/2000 to 43.8% (95% CI 43.4–44.2%) in 2008/09 (P for trend < 0.001), whereas that of ≥1 h daily video game playing increased from 8.2% (95% CI 7.9–8.4%) to 22.4% (95% CI 22.0–22.7%). Both sedentary behaviors were more prevalent in boys than girls, but the disparities decreased over time (Ratio of odds ratio [ROR] = 0.996 and 0.924 for TV viewing and video game playing, respectively). In contrast, both sedentary behaviors were increasingly more prevalent in children whose parents had lower education levels or non-managerial/professional occupations (ROR 1.006–1.082).ConclusionsChildren in lower socioeconomic families in Hong Kong were increasingly at risk of having sedentary behaviors over years and thus deserve more attention. Effective strategies targeting children and/or their parents of lower socioeconomic status are needed to reduce sedentary behaviors.

Secular Trends in Sedentary Behavior Among High School Students in the United States, 2003 to 2015.

To evaluate secular trends in recreational sedentary behavior among high school students in the United States between 2003 and 2015. A series of cross-sectional assessments over a 12-year period. Data from the 2003 to 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was used. Samples of 10 978 to 14 894 adolescents, drawn every 2 years: 2003 to 2015. The evaluated recreational self-reported sedentary behaviors included TV hours and computer hours that are not schoolwork. For the entire sample, and using polynomial orthogonal coefficients via regression modeling, there was an upward linear trend for total sedentary behavior hours (β = 0.03; p = .001), a downward linear trend in TV watching (β = -0.06; p < .001), and an upward linear trend in computer use (β = 0.08; p < .001) from 2003 to 2015. Similar linear trends (p < .001) were observed across several subpopulations, including the groups by gender, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. However, various subpopulations differed in TV watching, with black or African American, and obese adolescents having the highest TV watching hours, respectively (eg, 3.82 h/d vs 3.13 h/d in 2015; blacks vs whites; p < .05). Various subpopulations also differed in computer use, with obese adolescents (4.26 h/d in 2015) having the highest computer use. There were significant changes from 2003 to 2015 in sedentary behavior patterns in the US adolescent population. Total recreational sedentary behavior increased in this period. Specifically, TV viewing decreased while computer use increased. Continued monitoring of sedentary behavior trends is needed to better understand the changing behaviors of American adolescents and how they relate to changes chronic disease risk.

Secular Trends in Sedentary Behaviors and the Associations with Weight Gain Related Indicators Among Chinese Reproductive Women (P21-053-19)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe secular trends in sedentary behaviors and to examine the associations with the sedentary behaviors and weight gain related indicators among Chinese reproductive women. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted with Chinese reproductive women aged 15 to 49 who had participated in two or more rounds of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), completing the questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Mixed-effect linear models were produced to study the effects of sedentary behavior levels on BMI and WC. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were produced to study the effects of the sedentary behavior levels on overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity status. ResultsThose with a moderate level of television time (14- <35 h/w) had 1.08 cm larger WCs and were 1.31 times more likely to have abdominal obesity than those with a low level of television time (<14 h/w). Those with a high level of television time (≥35 h/w) had 1.74 cm larger WCs, 0.66 kg/m2 larger BMIs, were 1.50 times more likely to be overweight and were 1.47 times more likely to have abdominal obesity. There were no significant differences on WC, BMI and overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity status based on levels of computer and reading time. ConclusionsThese findings showed that the sharp increase in computer time far outweighed the decline in reading time. The overall sedentary behavior time of Chinese reproductive women gradually increased. These findings provided strong evidence of positive associations between time spent watching television and an increase in BMI, WC and overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity status among Chinese reproductive women. Computer and reading were not associated with those weight gain indicators. Funding SourcesSurvey received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (R01-HD30880, DK056350, R24 HD050924, and R01-HD38700) from 1989 to 2015.

Trends in Sedentary Behavior Among the US Population, 2001-2016

Prolonged sitting, particularly watching television or videos, has been associated with increased risk of multiple diseases and mortality. However, changes in sedentary behaviors over time have not been well described in the United States. To evaluate patterns and temporal trends in sedentary behaviors and sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates in the US population. A serial, cross-sectional analysis of the US nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) among children aged 5 through 11 years (2001-2016); adolescents, 12 through 19 years (2003-2016); and adults, 20 years or older (2003-2016). Survey cycle. Prevalence of sitting watching television or videos for 2 h/d or more, computer use outside work or school for 1 h/d or more, and total sitting time (h/d in those aged ≥12 years). Data on 51 896 individuals (mean, 37.2 years [SE, 0.19]; 25 968 [50%] female) were analyzed from 2001-2016 NHANES data, including 10 359 children, 9639 adolescents, and 31 898 adults. The estimated prevalence of sitting watching television or videos for 2 h/d or more was high among all ages (children, 62% [95% CI, 57% to 67%]; adolescents, 59% [95% CI, 54% to 65%]; adults, 65% [95% CI, 61% to 69%]; adults aged 20-64 years, 62% [95% CI, 58% to 66%]; and ≥65 years, 84% [95% CI, 81% to 88%] in the 2015-2016 cycle). From 2001 through 2016, the trends decreased among children over time (difference, -3.4% [95% CI, -11% to 4.5%]; P for trend =.004), driven by non-Hispanic white children; were stable among adolescents (-4.8% [95% CI, -12% to 2.3%]; P for trend =.60) and among adults aged 20 through 64 years (-0.7% [95% CI, -5.6% to 4.1%]; P for trend =.82); but increased among adults aged 65 years or older (difference, 3.5% [95% CI, -1.2% to 8.1%]; P for trend =.03). The estimated prevalence of computer use outside school or work for 1 h/d or more increased in all ages (children, 43% [95% CI, 40% to 46%] to 56% [95% CI, 49% to 63%] from 2001 to 2016; difference, 13% [95% CI, 5.6% to 21%]; P for trend <.001; adolescents, 53% [95% CI, 47% to 58%] to 57% [95% CI, 53% to 62%] from 2003 to 2016, difference, 4.8% [95% CI, -1.8% to 11%]; P for trend =.002; adults, 29% [27% to 32%] to 50% [48% to 53%] from 2003 to 2016, difference, 21% [95% CI, 18% to 25%]; P for trend <.001). From 2007 to 2016, total hours per day of sitting time increased among adolescents (7.0 [95% CI, 6.7 to 7.4] to 8.2 [95% CI, 7.9 to 8.4], difference, 1.1 [95% CI, 0.7 to 1.5]) and adults (5.5 [95% CI, 5.2 to 5.7] to 6.4 [95% CI, 6.2 to 6.6]; difference, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.7 to 1.3]; P for trend <.001 for both). In this nationally representative survey of the US population from 2001 through 2016, the estimated prevalence of sitting watching television or videos for at least 2 hours per day generally remained high and stable. The estimated prevalence of computer use during leisure-time increased among all age groups, and the estimated total sitting time increased among adolescents and adults.

Trends in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of United States Youth.

Increases in childhood and adolescent obesity are a growing concern in the United States (U.S.), and in most countries throughout the world. Declines in physical activity are often postulated to have contributed to the rise in obesity rates during the past 40 years. We searched for studies of trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviors of U.S. youth, using nontraditional data sources. Literature searches were conducted for active commuting, physical education, high-school sports, and outdoor play. In addition, trends in sedentary behaviors were examined. Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and other national surveys, as well as longitudinal studies in the transportation, education, electronic media, and recreation sectors showed evidence of changes in several indicators. Active commuting, high school physical education, and outdoor play (in 3- to 12-year-olds) declined over time, while sports participation in high school girls increased from 1971 to 2012. In addition, electronic entertainment and computer use increased during the first decade of the 21st century. Technological and societal changes have impacted the types of physical activities performed by U.S. youth. These data are helpful in understanding the factors associated with the rise in obesity, and in proposing potential solutions.

Associated Trends in Sedentary Behavior and BMI Among Chinese School Children and Adolescents in Seven Diverse Chinese Provinces

Overweight and obesity is becoming a public health concern in China. We examined associated trends in sedentary behavior and body mass index (BMI) among school children and adolescents from seven diverse Chinese provinces from 1997 to 2004. Sequential multiple regressions were conducted with combined cross-sectional data derived from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (N = 5,497) to assess relationships between sedentary behavior and BMI. Between 1997 and 2004, the amount of time children (6- to 11-year-olds) spent engaging in sedentary behavior increased from 1.71 to 3.14h/day (p < 0.05), while the amount of time adolescents (12- to 18-year-olds) spent engaging in sedentary behavior increased from 1.71 to 3.50h/day (p < 0.05). Studying before and after school and watching TV/videos each accounted for about half the increase in sedentary behavior. Both watching TV/videos and studying before and after school were significantly and positively associated with BMI in males, but not in females. With the growing amount of time Chinese school children and adolescents study outside of school and watch TV/videos, Chinese youth are increasingly likely to become more overweight unless population-based prevention actions are taken.