Following an ever growing body of scientific literature, sedentary behaviour has received considerable public and media attention. Sedentary behaviour is defined as any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs while in a sitting, reclining or lying posture. Within the scientific community there is an ongoing discussion on how sedentary behaviour is related to physical activity, and whether sedentary behaviour is an independent risk factor for cardio-metabolic health. At the 2016 HEPA Europe conference in Belfast (Northern Ireland), this was the subject of a scientific debate.
A recently published paper by Hidde P. van der Ploeg and Melvyn Hillsdon in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity summarizes both the arguments in favour and against the general statement of that debate: “Is sedentary behaviour just physical inactivity by another name?”
Hidde P. van der Ploeg and Melvyn Hillsdon Is sedentary behaviour just physical inactivity by another name? International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity201714:142