Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews

Abstract

The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the relationship between different types and patterns of sedentary behaviour and selected health outcomes in adults and older adults. Five electronic databases were last searched in May, 2019, with a 10-year search limit. Included reviews met the a priori population (community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older), intervention/exposure/comparator (various types and/or patterns of sedentary behaviour), and outcomes criteria. Eighteen systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis. High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with cognitive function, depression, function and disability, physical activity levels, and physical health-related quality of life in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Total sedentary behaviour and TV viewing were most consistently associated with unfavourable health outcomes, while computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function for older adults. The quality of evidence within individual reviews (as assessed by review authors) varied from low to high, while the certainty of evidence was low to very low. These findings have important public health implications, suggesting that adults should avoid high levels of sedentary behaviour and break-up periods of prolonged sitting. (PROSPERO registration nos.: CRD42019123121 and CRD42019127157.) Novelty High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with important health outcomes in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function in older adults.

A compositional analysis of time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity with all-cause mortality risk

“…Sleep, sedentary behaviour (SED), light intensity physical activity (LIPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) are movement behaviours and time spent in these behaviours adds up to a constant 24h per day sum [1,2]. Short and long sleep durations and greater time spent in SED have been associated with an increased risk of mortality whereas more time spent being physically active has been associated with reduced mortality risk [3][4][5]. Previous studies have largely explored associations between individual movement behaviours and mortality in isolation.…”

Changes in Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep across the COVID-19 National Lockdown Period in Scotland

“…Changes in 24-hour movement behaviors may further compound the negative changes reported in mental and physical health during the pandemic. Prior to the COVID-19 epidemic, it was already well documented that 24-hour movement behaviors are associated with physiological and mental health [5][6][7]. Since then, it has been suggested that changes in physical activity due to COVID-19 increase the risk of cardiovascular disease [8].…”

Physical activity guidelines 2020: comprehensive and inclusive recommendations to activate populations

“…3 By 2000, estimated global measles mortality was 539 000 deaths per year. 4 Further declines followed the introduction of catch-up vaccination cam paigns to immunise children missed by routine immunisation. Measles cases declined through 2008, and regional elimination targets for measles were established thereafter.…”

“…5 In 2016, when measles elimination was verified for the Americas, the global number of reported measles cases reached a low of 132 490. 4 But measles is extremely infectious, with a basic reproduction number of 12−18. 6 At least 95% vaccination coverage is required for herd immunity.…”

“…Finally, the 2020 WHO guidelines provide general recommendations to reduce sitting time, which accords with growing interest in the health effects of sedentary behaviour. 4 The launch of the 2020 WHO guidelines follows other major physical activity guidelines, most recently in the USA 5 and UK. 6 These guidelines provide similar recommendations for the types, intensity, volume, and duration of physical activity for both general and specific populations.…”