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Published on: March 7, 2019
Adult sedentary behavior: a systematic review.
Ryan E Rhodes1, Rachel S Mark, Cara P Temmel
1Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. rhodes@uvic.ca
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|February 21, 2012
Summary
Sedentary behavior is complex and not just the opposite of physical activity. Sociodemographic and health factors are linked to sedentary habits, but more research is needed on cognitive and environmental influences for effective interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Growing evidence highlights health risks of sedentary behavior, independent of physical activity levels.
- Sedentary behavior interventions may require distinct strategies compared to physical activity interventions.
- Understanding correlates of sedentary behavior is crucial for developing targeted public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and appraise existing literature on correlates of sedentary behaviors in adults.
- To identify factors associated with different types of sedentary behaviors.
- To inform the development of effective interventions to reduce sedentary behavior.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search conducted in August 2011 across ten databases.
- Inclusion criteria: English-language, peer-reviewed studies examining sedentary behavior correlates.
- 109 papers (82 independent samples) met eligibility criteria, published between 1982 and 2011.
Main Results:
- Sedentary behavior was predominantly measured as TV viewing or computer use, or time spent sitting.
- Key correlates identified include education, age, employment, gender, BMI, income, smoking, physical activity, attitudes, and depressive symptoms.
- Significant differences in correlates were observed across specific sedentary behaviors (e.g., TV viewing vs. sitting).
Conclusions:
- Sedentary behaviors are specific and not merely the inverse of moderate/vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA).
- Sociodemographic and health factors are consistently associated with sedentary behavior.
- Further research is needed on cognitive, social, and environmental factors to guide anti-sedentary behavior interventions.
