Time trends between 2002 and 2017 in correlates of self-reported sitting time in European adults

Socioeconomic Status and Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the J-SHINE

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and optimal movement behaviors including sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), regular leisure-time PA, and less sedentary behavior.

METHODS

We used data from the Japanese Study on Stratification, Health, Income, and Neighborhood conducted in 2012. Activity patterns and SES were measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Version and other self-administered questionnaires. Activity pattern outcomes assessed were sufficient total volume of moderate-to-vigorous PA (≥150 min/wk), regular leisure-time PA (≥1 d/wk), less sedentary time (≤4 h/d), and optimal movement behaviors (meeting all criteria). SES variables were equivalized annual income, educational attainment, and occupation. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

We included 731 men and 852 women. Lower income levels were associated with less leisure-time PA among men and women (men, odds ratio [OR]: 0.60 and 0.65 for Q2 and Q1 [lowest], respectively; women, OR: 0.53 and 0.56 for Q2 and Q1 [lowest]). Lower SES groups associated with less sedentary time (men, OR: 1.82 for blue-collar; women, OR: 1.44 for Q1 income level, 1.61 and 1.53 for junior college, technical school, and high school/junior high school, respectively; 1.89 for unemployed). SES was not significantly associated with optimal movement behavior in both sexes (in men, OR for those with high school or junior high school education vs those with university or graduate school education = 0.81 [0.43-1.53]).

CONCLUSION

Activity patterns varied by SES, with lower income associated with less leisure-time PA and white-collar workers associated with more prevalent sedentary behavior among both sexes.

Work conditions and determinants of health status among industrial shift workers: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

This study investigated potential health status differences among forging, manufacturing, and logistics workers.

Methods

We included 403 participants (age: 41 ± 12 years) from a medium-sized steel company (forge: 64, manufacturing: 299, logistics: 99). Health status was multifactorial assessed: (1) Frequency of musculoskeletal complaints (German Pain Questionnaire). (2) Pain intensity, physical and psychological load [visual analog scales (VAS) 0-100 points]. (3) Occupational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total MVPA, and sedentary behavior [Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)]. (4) Quality of life [Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)]. Between-group effects were analyzed via one-way ANOVAs with post-hoc Tukey correction.

Results

308 workers (76.4%) reported at least one musculoskeletal issue. A significant between-group difference was revealed for left shoulder [F(2,40) = 5.40; p = 0.008; ω2 = 0.17], occupational MVPA [F(2,368) = 9.49; p < 0.001; ω2 = 0.04] and total MVPA [F(2,368) = 6.90; p = 0.001; ω2 = 0.03]. Post-hoc tests revealed a difference (p ≤ 0.007) between manufacturing (left shoulder: n = 22; 42.5 ± 24.8; occupational MVPA: n = 219; 6,978 ± 5,137 METs min/week; total MVPA: n = 219; 8,471 ± 5,390 METs min/week) and logistics workers (left shoulder: n = 14; 70.4 ± 26.3 au; occupational MVPA: n = 96; 9,640 ± 4,605 METs min/week; total MVPA: n = 96; 10,856 ± 4,680 METs min/week). No other between-group differences were observed.

Discussion

Variations in health disparities across work conditions were observed. Yet, clear distinctions between work conditions and health outcomes remain a challenge. Effective interventions should be focused on job-specific and personalized health profiles rather than a stratification of work conditions to enhance health, productivity, and workforce sustainability.

[Evolution of sedentarism prevalence in Spanish population between 1987 and 2020]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sedentary behavior is a predictive factor for numerous diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the evolution of the prevalence of sedentary behavior in the Spanish adult population between 1987 and 2020.

METHODS

The data sources were the National and European Health Surveys. The prevalence of sedentary behavior was assessed in three scenarios (main activity, leisure time and all scenarios). Prevalence of sedentary behavior was estimated overall, by sex and age group. In all scenarios, prevalence was also estimated by Autonomous Community. The prevalence trend was analyzed with the annual percent change (APC) obtained through joinpoint models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sedentary in the main activity ranged from 31.2% in 1987 to 38.4% in 2020 [PCA: 0.7 (0.5-1.0)], being higher in men than in women and higher in younger and older people. The prevalence of sedentary in the leisure time varied between 55.1% in 1993 and 36.4% in 2020 [PCA: -1.4 (-1.9 to -0.9)], being always higher in women, higher in those over 64 years of age and lower in those aged 16-24 years. Cantabria and the Canary Islands were the Autonomous Communities with the lowest prevalence of sedentary behavior in all scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of sedentary behavior in the main activity is increasing in Spain, whereas during leisure time it is decreasing. It is important to implement prevention and health promotion measures aimed at reducing sedentary behavior in the population.

The influence of sedentary behaviour on lumbar-pelvic kinematics during squatting and forward bending among physically active students

Prolonged sitting may involve several mechanisms that make it a risk factor for low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate lumbar-pelvic kinematics and multifidus muscle (MF) activity during squatting and forward bending in relation to the sedentary behaviour of physically active students. Sixty-three students were divided into two groups according to the time spent in a sitting position during the day: 'high' (>7 h/day); 'low' (≤7 h/day). Lumbar-pelvic ratios, ranges of motion, angular velocities, and MF flexion-relaxation phenomenon were investigated. Data were obtained using the optical motion analysis system, and surface electromyography. The results indicated that lumbar-pelvic ratios during both tasks and velocity of lumbar spine during squatting were significantly greater in the 'high' than in the 'low' sitting group. Muscle activity showed no differences between groups. Prolonged sitting can be considered a factor that slightly, but statistically significantly influences the lumbar-pelvic kinematics in physically active people.Practitioner summary: Lumbar-pelvic kinematics can be altered by prolonged sitting in physically active students. Lumbar-pelvic ratios during squatting and forward bending and lumbar spine velocity during squatting were significantly greater in the 'high' than in the 'low' sitting group. Sedentary behaviour should be considered during an assessment of movement patterns.Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; ERR: extension-relaxation ratio; FRP: flexion-relaxation phenomenon; FRR: flexion-relaxation ratio; IPAQ: International Physical Activity Questionnaire; LBP: low back pain; METs: metabolic equivalent of tasks; MF: multifidus muscle; PA: physical activity; ROM: range of motion; sEMG: surface electromyography.

Device-measured physical activity and sedentary time in a national sample of Luxembourg residents: the ORISCAV-LUX 2 study

BACKGROUND

Existing information about population physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary time in Luxembourg are based on self-reported data.

METHODS

This observational study included Luxembourg residents aged 18-79y who each provided ≥4 valid days of triaxial accelerometry in 2016-18 (n=1122). Compliance with the current international PA guideline (≥150 min moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per week, irrespective of bout length) was quantified and variability in average 24h acceleration (indicative of PA volume), awake-time PA levels, sedentary time and accumulation pattern were analysed by linear regression. Data were weighted to be nationally representative.

RESULTS

Participants spent 51% of daily time sedentary (mean (95% confidence interval (CI)): 12.1 (12.0 to 12.2) h/day), 11% in light PA (2.7 (2.6 to 2.8) h/day), 6% in MVPA (1.5 (1.4 to 1.5) h/day), and remaining time asleep (7.7 (7.6 to 7.7) h/day). Adherence to the PA guideline was high (98.1%). Average 24h acceleration and light PA were higher in women than men, but men achieved higher average accelerations across the most active periods of the day. Women performed less sedentary time and shorter sedentary bouts. Older participants (aged ≥55y) registered a lower average 24h acceleration and engaged in less MVPA, more sedentary time and longer sedentary bouts. Average 24h acceleration was higher in participants of lower educational attainment, who also performed less sedentary time, shorter bouts, and fewer bouts of prolonged sedentariness. Average 24h acceleration and levels of PA were higher in participants with standing and manual occupations than a sedentary work type, but manual workers registered lower average accelerations across the most active periods of the day. Standing and manual workers accumulated less sedentary time and fewer bouts of prolonged sedentariness than sedentary workers. Active commuting to work was associated with higher average 24h acceleration and MVPA, both of which were lower in participants of poorer self-rated health and higher weight status. Obesity was associated with less light PA, more sedentary time and longer sedentary bouts.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to recommended PA is high in Luxembourg, but half of daily time is spent sedentary. Specific population subgroups will benefit from targeted efforts to replace sedentary time with PA.

The effects of long-term physical activity interventions in communities: Scoping review in the Nordic countries

Aims: Physical activity (PA) is an important part of maintaining good overall health. Currently, the number of insufficiently physically active adults and children is alarmingly high worldwide. To tackle the challenge, several interventions have been conducted, however, current knowledge on intervention effectiveness is still inconclusive. This scoping review aimed to summarize the effects of long-term PA interventions across all age groups in the Nordic countries. Methods: A scoping review was conducted by including all age groups and interventions lasting more than 12 months. The aims of the interventions had to focus on increasing PA and/or fitness. The Behaviour Change Wheel framework was used to describe components of the intervention functions. Results: Initially, 1937 studies were identified. Twelve intervention studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. From the included studies, seven focused on children and/or their parents and five on working-age adult populations. Most of the studies built on theoretical backgrounds and included several behaviour change functions. A hindering factor for synthesis was variation in measurement methods: both subjective and objective outcome measures were reported. Among all age groups, intervention effects on PA were modest. Conclusions: There was no clear evidence of increased PA or fitness from long-term interventions in communities. However, even small improvements in PA are important for increasing PA at a population level and enhancing public health. More research is required for evidence-based community and public health planning.

Do skeletal muscle composition and gene expression as well as acute exercise-induced serum adaptations in older adults depend on fitness status?

Background

Inactive physical behavior among the elderly is one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, immobility and increased all-cause mortality. We aimed to answer the question whether or not circulating and skeletal muscle biomarkers are differentially expressed depending on fitness status in a group of elderly individuals.

Methods

Twenty-eight elderly individuals (73.36 ± 5.46 years) participated in this exploratory study after participating as part of the multinational SITLESS-clinical trial (implementation of self-management and exercise programs over 16 weeks). A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) and resting skeletal muscle biopsy were performed to determine individual physiological performance capacity. Participants were categorized into a high physical fitness group (HPF) and a low physical fitness group (LPF) depending on peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). Serum blood samples were taken before (pre) and after (post) CPX and were examined regarding serum BDNF, HSP70, Kynurenine, Irisin and Il-6 concentrations. Skeletal muscle tissue was analyzed by silver staining to determine the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition and selected genes by qRT-PCR.

Results

HPF showed lower body weight and body fat, while skeletal muscle mass and oxygen uptake at the first ventilatory threshold (VO₂T1) did not differ between groups. There were positive associations between VO₂peak and VO₂VT1 in HPF and LPF. MyHC isoform quantification revealed no differences between groups. qRT-PCR showed higher expression of BDNF and BRCA1 in LPF skeletal muscle while there were no differences in other examined genes regarding energy metabolism. Basal serum concentrations of Irisin were higher in HPF compared to LPF with a trend towards higher values in BDNF and HSP70 in HPF. Increases in Il-6 in both groups were observed post.

Conclusions

Although no association between muscle composition/VO₂peak with fitness status in older people was detected, higher basal Irisin serum levels in HPF revealed slightly beneficial molecular serum and muscle adaptations.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02629666. Registered 19 November 2015.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02666-0.

Physical inactivity and sitting time prevalence and trends in Mexican adults. Results from three national surveys

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity and high sitting time are directly related to mortality and morbidity of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Thus, improved understanding of the prevalence and trends of these behaviors could support the design of policies and interventions for NCDs prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the current prevalence of physical inactivity and high sitting time, to analyze the trends, and to estimate the association of meeting/not meeting physical activity recommendations and low/high sitting time with sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index categories.

METHODOLOGY

Data from the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey were used. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sitting minutes per week were calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ). In total, 38,033 questionnaires of adults aged 20 to 69-year-old were analyzed. Adults were classified as physically inactive if they achieved less than 150 minutes per week of MVPA and as with high sitting time if they accumulated more than 420 minutes of sitting per day. Health and Nutrition National Surveys (ENSANUT) 2006, 2012 and 2018 were used to estimate the trends.

RESULTS

In total, 16.5% were classified as physically inactive and 11.3% within the high sitting time category. Both prevalences increased more than 40% during the 12-y period (2006-2018). In 2018, men, younger adults, those living in urban areas, and people within the highest socioeconomical status and educational levels were more likely to not achieve physical activity recommendations and to be classified in the highest sitting time category.

CONCLUSION

To stop current increased trends and achieve global targets, stronger and more concerted efforts to promote physical activity and reduce sitting time are required. Thus, continued surveillance of these behaviors is necessary.

Risk factors of overweight/obesity-related lifestyles in university students: Results from the EHU12/24 study

This paper investigates the prevalence and interaction of overweight/obesity-related lifestyles (specifically, examining whether subjects meet the recommended criteria), in a representative sample of university students. This study is part of the project EHU12/24, an observational cross-sectional study, designed to assess the prevalence of excess body fat (BF) and major risk of developing overweight/obesity, according to a standardised protocol. In a cohort of 603 students, aged between 18 and 28 years, of the University of the Basque Country, information about meal patterns, diet quality, physical activity, sitting time, sleeping time, toxic habits and anthropometric measurements were collected. Sampling took place from February 2014 to May 2017. Binary logistic regression models adjusted for the covariates were utilised to test the association between lifestyles and risk of excess adiposity. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, according to BF percentage, was 14·4 %. The variables analysed related to meal pattern were associated with diet quality, and less healthy food habits were associated with other less health-related behaviours. Among men, moderate/low physical activity, breakfast skipping, non-adequate breakfast duration, number of eating occasions and eating breakfast alone/depending on the occasion were associated with excess BF, while among women, low MedDietScore, moderate/high alcohol consumption, non-adequate sleep duration, eating breakfast and lunch alone/depending on the occasion. Results suggest that certain unhealthy lifestyle behaviours coexist, interact with one another and increase the risk of overweight/obesity in this population. Sex-specific differences in risk factors of obesity have implications for interventions for primary prevention of obesity within this environment.

No changes in adolescent's sedentary behaviour across Europe between 2002 and 2017

BACKGROUND

Public health organizations have been alerted to the high levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) among adolescents as well as to the health and social consequences of excess sedentary time. However, SB changes of the European Union (EU) adolescents over time have not been reported yet. This study aimed to identify SB of the EU adolescents (15-17 years) in four-time points (2002, 2005, 2013 and 2017) and to analyse the prevalence of SB according to the sex.

METHODS

SB of 2542 adolescents (1335 boys and 1207 girls) as a whole sample and country-by-country was analysed in 2002, 2005, 2013, and 2017 using the Sport and Physical Activity EU Special Eurobarometers' data. SB was measured using the sitting time question from the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), such that 4h30min of daily sitting time was the delineating point to determine excess SB behaviour (≥4h30min of sitting time) or not (≤4h30min of sitting time). A χ2 test was used to compare the prevalence of SB between survey years. Furthermore, SB prevalence between sexes was analysed using a Z-Score test for two population proportions.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SB among EU adolescents across each of the four survey years ranged from 74.2 and 76.8%, rates that are considered high. High levels of SB were also displayed by both sexes (girls: 76.8 to 81.2%; boys: 71.7 to 76.7%). No significant differences in the prevalence of SB among years (p > 0.05) were found for the whole sample, and for either girls or boys. Also, no significant differences in the prevalence of SB between girls and boys were found.

CONCLUSION

The SB prevalence in European adolescents is extremely high (76.8% in 2017) with no differences between girls and boys. No significant improvements have been seen between 2002 and 2017. Eurobarometer should increase the adolescents' sample to make possible benchmarking comparisons among the EU countries and extend the survey to the younger children population.

Changes in sedentary behaviour in European Union adults between 2002 and 2017

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviour (SB) has been identified as an important mortality risk factor. Health organizations have recognised SB as a public health challenge with major health, social, and economic consequences. Researchers have alerted the need to develop specific strategies, to monitor, prevent, and reduce SB. However, there is no systematic analysis of the SB changes in European Union adults. We aimed to examine SB changes between 2002 and 2017 in the European Union (EU) adult population.

METHODS

SB prevalence (>4h30mins of sitting time/day) of 96,004 adults as a whole sample and country-by-country was analysed in 2002, 2005, 2013, and 2017 of the Sport and Physical Activity EU Special Eurobarometers' data. The SB question of a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was considered. SB prevalence between countries and within years was analysed with a χ2 test, and SB between genders was analysed with the Z-Score test for two population proportions.

RESULTS

An association between the SB prevalence and the years was found (p <  0.001), with increases for the whole sample (2002: 49.3%, 48.5-50.0 95% confidence interval (CI); 2017: 54.5%, 53.9-55.0 95% CI) and men (2002: 51.2%, 50.0-52.4 95% CI; 2017: 55.8%, 55.0-56.7 95% CI) and women (2002: 47.6%, 46.6-48.7 95% CI; 2017: 53.4%, 52.6-54.1 95% CI) separately. The adjusted standardised residuals showed an increase in the observed prevalence versus the expected during 2013 and 2017 for the whole sample and women and during 2017 for men. For all years, differences were observed in the SB prevalence between countries for the whole sample, and men and women separately (p <  0.001). Besides, the SB prevalence was always higher in men versus women in the overall EU sample (p <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SB prevalence increased between 2002 and 2017 for the EU as a whole and for both sexes separately. Additionally, differences in SB prevalence were observed for all years between EU countries in the whole sample and both sexes separately. Lastly, SB was consistently higher in men than women. These findings reveal a limited impact of current policies and interventions to tackle SB at the EU population level.