Scoping review of physical activity and sedentary behavior in Brazilian national surveys: a protocol study

This study presents a scoping review protocol aimed at analyzing the methodological and structural characteristics of studies on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) that use the databases of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), the Brazilian National School Health Survey (PeNSE), and the Brazilian Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel). PA, associated with multisectoral health benefits, and SB, linked to deleterious effects, have been widely investigated as part of public policies in Brazil. However, the absence of a centralized repository limits the efficiency of using these data, resulting in redundant publications with limited impact.

The review will be conducted according to the guidelines and checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR, covering studies of any population, operating with broad definitions of PA and SB. In addition, it will seek to identify methodological discrepancies and promote the integration of evidence in an open-access online platform. The sources include four scientific databases (LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science).

This protocol emphasizes the relevance of open science, aligning with UNESCO recommendations to increase transparency and scientific collaboration. The results are expected to guide evidence-based policies and strengthen public health practices. The study is a strategic response to the fragmentation of the literature, proposing to consolidate existing data, optimize its reuse, and foster interdisciplinarity in the field of public health.