Abst D-FreeCommPosters

Abstract

Exercise training studies have been conducted to increase physical activity (PA) in overweight, sedentary individuals. More recently, sedentary time reduction (STR) interventions have targeted decreases in sedentary behavior (SB). Short-term changes in these behaviors may occur; however, follow-up evaluations are not commonly done. PURPOSE : To determine if maintenance in PA and SB 3-months following a training study is better in a STR, exercise only (EX), or exercise and STR (EX-STR) group. METHODS: Overweight/obese (n=47) individuals completed a 3-month training study. Participants were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: 1) STR: met weekly with a researcher who gave recommendations to reduce SB and increase PA, 2) EX: exercised 5 days/week, and 3) EX-STR: combination of EX and STR. The interventions were effective in eliciting behavioral change from baseline to 3-months. Thirty-one participants (BMI= 33.6+ 4.58 kg∙m-2; age= 45.2+10.19 years) agreed to the followup. Participants wore an activPAL(AP) monitor at end of study (M3) and 3-months post-study (M6). The AP recorded time spent sitting/lying, standing, and stepping. Percent sedentary (%SED) was calculated as sitting time/monitor wear time. Steps/day (surrogate for PA) were also determined. Linear mixed effects models were used to test for differences in %SED and steps within and between groups. RESULTS : EX and STR maintained %SED and EX-STR did not. %SED was significantly higher in EX than STR at M6. The % change from M3 to M6 in steps/day for STR, EX, and EX- STR was 22.8, 26, and 43.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION : These data suggest it may be more feasible to sustain reductions in %SED following an STR than maintaining an increase in PA following exercise training.