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Too much sitting and all-cause mortality: is there a causal link?
Stuart J H Biddle1,2, Jason A Bennie3, Adrian E Bauman4
1Active Living & Public Health, Institute of Sport, Exercise & Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Footscray Park, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia. stuart.biddle@vu.edu.au.
BMC Public Health
|July 27, 2016
Summary
Sedentary behavior, like prolonged sitting, is likely a cause of premature death. Evidence supports a causal link between sitting time and all-cause mortality, based on consistency and temporality.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Sedentary behaviors are linked to adverse health outcomes, including premature death.
- The causal relationship between sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality requires further investigation.
- Epidemiological studies are crucial for understanding this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the causal relationship between sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality.
- To apply Bradford Hill's criteria to existing systematic reviews and primary studies.
- To determine the likelihood of a causal link using established epidemiological principles.
Main Methods:
- Systematic reviews and primary studies on sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality were analyzed.
- Bradford Hill's criteria (strength, consistency, temporality, dose-response) were employed.
- A traffic light system (green, amber, red) assessed evidence for causality.
Main Results:
- Eight systematic reviews and 17 primary studies were analyzed.
- Consistent evidence for temporality and strength of association was found.
- No clear dose-response relationship was identified, but overall evidence supported causality.
Conclusions:
- There is substantial evidence suggesting a likely causal relationship between sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality.
- The findings are based on epidemiological criteria including strength of association, consistency, and temporality.
- Reducing sedentary time may be important for preventing premature death.
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