Accelerometry-Assessed Latent Class Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Mortality

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Latent class analysis (LCA) is a statistical method used to identify distinct subgroups within a population based on observed patterns.
• Understanding patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior is crucial for public health initiatives.
• Previous research has linked overall physical activity levels and sedentary time to mortality, but patterns of behavior require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between accelerometer-assessed patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality.
• To identify distinct behavioral patterns using latent class analysis.
• To determine if these identified patterns are associated with differential mortality risks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 4,510 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants (aged ≥40 years) with mortality follow-up through 2011.
• Employed hip-worn accelerometers for 1 week to collect minute-by-minute physical activity and sedentary behavior data.
• Applied latent class analysis to derive behavioral patterns and Cox proportional hazards models to assess mortality risk.

Main Results:

• During an average 6.6-year follow-up, 513 deaths occurred.
• More active latent classes showed a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to the least active class.
• The class with the highest percentage of sedentary bouts demonstrated a substantially increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.10).

Conclusions:

• Time spent in physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
• Accumulating sedentary behavior, particularly in prolonged bouts, is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
• Latent class analysis effectively elucidated the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior patterning on mortality outcomes.