The association between accelerometer-measured patterns of sedentary time and health risk in children and youth: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey

Abstract

Background: Self-reported screen time is associated with elevated health risk in children and youth; however, research examining the relationship between accelerometer-measured sedentary time and health risk has reported mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between accelerometer-measured patterns of sedentary time and health risk in children and youth. Methods. The results are based on 1,608 children and youth aged 6 to 19years from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007-2009). Sedentary time was measured using the Actical accelerometer. Breaks in sedentary time and prolonged bouts of sedentary time lasting 20 to 120minutes were derived for all days, weekend days and during the after-school period (i.e., after 3pm on weekdays). Regression analyses were used to examine the association between patterns of sedentary time and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure and non-HDL cholesterol. Results: Boys accumulated more sedentary time on weekdays after 3pm and had a higher number of breaks in sedentary time compared to girls. Overweight/obese boys (aged 6-19years) accumulated more sedentary time after 3pm on weekdays (282 vs. 259min, p