Physical Activity Interventions for Sedentary Behavior Change

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour are considered primary determinants of the health of individuals and society. Ample scientific evidence indicates a beneficial effect of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week) on the circulatory, respiratory and muscular systems. Physical activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, and to improve well-being and quality of life. Conversely, sedentary behaviour, as a distinct health problem, may increase the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. The harmful effects of sedentary behaviour are especially noticeable in individuals who are physically inactive.  

The sitting time of over 50% of the adult population in Europe exceeds 4 hrs 30 minutes per day [Lópes-Valenciano, 2020]. Data published in The Lancet [2016, 2019]  indicate that about 81% of youths and 27.5% of adults are not physically active enough. The situation is exacerbated by an excessive use of electronic devices, especially during time not spent working or studying. Consequently, it seems that one of the key goals set down by the WHO, a 10% relative reduction in the prevalence of insufficient physical activity, may be in danger.

Many studies demonstrate a positive effect of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on limiting sitting time. However, the outcomes seem to be short-term and difficult to maintain in the long-term. Furthermore, a population-wide implementation of physical activity as an effective means of intervention may be problematic.

The goal of this Special Issue, entitled ‘Physical Activity Interventions for Sedentary Behaviour Change’, is to provide an overview of current scientific knowledge about the effect of various forms of physical activity, including its volume and intensity, that underlie intervention and prophylactic programmes designed to limit sitting time among individuals of different ages and from different social groups, communities, and countries.

We cordially invite our readers to submit original research studies and literature reviews, including meta-analyses and systematic reviews. 

References

López-Valenciano, A.; Mayo, X.; Liguori, G.; Copeland, R.J.; Lamb, M.; Jimenez, A. Changes in sedentary behaviour in European Union adults between 2002 and 2017. BMC Public Health 2020, 20, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09293-1.

Dr. Elżbieta Cieśla
Guest Editor

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• physical activity
• sedentary behaviour
• health-related interventions
• intervention
• physical inactivity
• screen time
• sitting time