Optimizing Sedentary Behavior Interventions to Affect Acute Physiological Changes

Optimizing Sedentary Behavior Interventions to Affect Acute Physiological

An emerging body of epidemiological evidence suggests that various forms of sedentary behavior, including TV viewing, occupational sitting, and total daily sitting, may be associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression and psychological well-being. Importantly, many of these associations were independent of participation in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. We propose a pilot study to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of two interventions targeting sedentary behavior. Since it is currently unknown what component of sedentary behavior exposure presents the greatest risk to health, we propose separate interventions to reduce overall sedentary time and to promote breaks in sedentary time.

Primary aim: To determine the acceptability and feasibility of selected personal, social and environmental strategies to reduce overall sitting time and increase the number of times participants stand up in a day.

Secondary aim: To assess whether existing and new measurement approaches can detect specific changes in sedentary behavior.

Exploratory aim: To establish whether specified intervention strategies were efficacious in reducing sedentary behavior and whether intervention effects were specific to the targeted sedentary behavior construct (e.g. decreased overall sitting time or increased number of breaks in sitting).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males or females 50 -70 years of age
2. Able to attend 4 measurement visits with study staff in 3 consecutive weeks
3. Spend at least 8 hours per day sitting
4. Willing and able to wear study device for 21 days
5. Able to read and write in English
6. Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Do not sit for at least 8 hours per day
2. Unable to attend 4 visits
3. Diagnosis of serious chronic condition that would limit the ability to stand