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Introduction to Sedentary Behaviour Epidemiology

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Sedentary Behaviour Epidemiology

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Epidemiology and Public Health ((SSEH))

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Abstract

Sedentary behaviour epidemiology is the study of the distribution, determinants and health consequences of sedentary behaviours in the population. It seeks to identify biological, psychosocial, environmental and genetic factors that affect sedentary behaviour. The term sedentary behaviour describes any waking behaviour characterised by an energy expenditure <1.5 metabolic equivalents of task (METs) while in a sitting or reclining posture. From an evolutionary perspective, sedentary behaviour is a relatively new phenomenon in human history, and it is strongly linked to the technical advances of the Industrial Revolution. In addition, sociocultural aspects fundamentally influence our understanding and perception of sedentary behaviours. Understanding these influences on modern sitting behaviour is crucial for successfully develo** and implementing sedentary behaviour recommendations. Several countries have provided guidelines on sedentary behaviour for health. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) incorporated recommendations on sedentary behaviour in the current Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. These guidelines provide recommendations for all age groups and for specific population subgroups such as pregnant women or adults living with chronic conditions. Strengthening the evidence base regarding quantified thresholds for sedentary time or regarding sedentary break and bout accumulation patterns is critical for future sedentary behaviour recommendations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    Carmen Jochem, Andrea Weber & Michael F. Leitzmann

  2. Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria

    Daniela Schmid

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  1. Carmen Jochem
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  2. Daniela Schmid
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  4. Michael F. Leitzmann
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Correspondence to Carmen Jochem .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    Michael F. Leitzmann

  2. Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    Carmen Jochem

  3. Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Tirol, Austria

    Daniela Schmid

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Jochem, C., Schmid, D., Weber, A., Leitzmann, M.F. (2023). Introduction to Sedentary Behaviour Epidemiology. In: Leitzmann, M.F., Jochem, C., Schmid, D. (eds) Sedentary Behaviour Epidemiology. Springer Series on Epidemiology and Public Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41881-5_1

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