Sedentary Behavior

This book addresses the origins, determinants and magnitude of the global problem of sedentary behaviour, along with concise yet in-depth solutions for tackling it. As a consequence of major technological advances in modern society, many people find themselves in environments characterized by prolonged sedentary behaviour. Although inadequate exercise has long been known to cause adverse health consequences, sedentary behaviour has recently emerged as a risk factor for the development of numerous chronic diseases and health conditions. Building on the contributions of leading experts in the field, this book presents current knowledge about sedentary behaviour, its medical and public health significance, its correlates and determinants, measurement techniques, and recommendations for addressing this behaviour at the individual, community, environmental, and policy level. Applying a cross-disciplinary methodology, the book avoids considering physical activity and sedentary behavior as a single continuum, which potentially hampers progress in confronting widespread levels of sedentariness. Rather, the book helps readers better understand how sedentary and physically active behavior co-occur and how the two behaviours have distinct contributing factors. Building on the contributions of distinguished international experts in the field, this thorough resource is a valuable asset and challenges professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners alike to adopt new strategies and expand their reach.

"Using a multidisciplinary approach, Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior breaks away from traditional thinking that places activity and sedentary behavior on a single continuum, which may limit progress in addressing youth inactivity. Instead, the authors encourage readers to focus on how sedentary and physically active behaviors coexist and consider how the two behaviors may have different determinants." "Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Challenges and Solutions considers current research about youth physical activity and sedentary behavior across a range of personal factors as well as cultural and social influences. The text communicates the knowledge base on developmental, economic, psychological, and social factors related to youth physical activity and sedentary behavior and provides an overview of youth-specific approaches to addressing the problem of inactivity among youth."--BOOK JACKET.

From office jobs and long commutes to passive entertainment like television and video games, humans are sitting more than ever. Though lack of exercise has major health consequences, researchers are now examining the additional and widespread health risk of the simple act of sitting for extended periods. With research from leading scientists, Sedentary Behavior and Health: Concepts, Assessments, and Interventions presents evidence on sedentary behavior, its apparent health risks, and suggestions on measuring and altering this behavior. The highly respected international author team provides an interdisciplinary review of current research, examining scientific, public health, and broader social questions about the implications of sedentary behavior. These topics include humans’ physiological predispositions, exacerbation of current health conditions like obesity and diabetes, and the design and ergonomics of offices and chairs. To examine the many facets of this developing area of study, Sedentary Behavior and Health is divided into five parts: • “Sedentary Behavior Concepts and Context” reviews the physiology of sedentary behavior, investigating current habits from the perspectives of evolution, industrial engineering, and design. • “Sedentary Behavior and Health” explores the relationship between sedentary behavior and several major chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and low-back pain. • “Measuring and Analyzing Sedentary Behavior” explains research methods for understanding and measuring sedentary behavior in order to recognize patterns and design interventions. • “Sedentary Behavior and Subpopulations” covers issues, risks, and behaviors in groups such as children, working adults, older adults, and minorities. • “Changing Sedentary Behavior” provides methods and recommendations for improvement with environmental, social, community, worksite, and technology-based interventions. Included in this groundbreaking text are learning objectives, key concepts, and study questions to focus attention on key issues and reinforce concepts. Reviews of the literature in the field are presented, many with comparisons in table form, to provide the full scope of research. Sidebars throughout the text apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Inactivity is mismatched with many aspects of humans’ genetic makeup. While it is becoming the new norm, the consequences of this behavior are emerging as a public health threat. Sedentary Behavior and Health will serve as a key reference for the rapidly emerging research area of sedentary behavior.

With research from leading scientists, Sedentary Behavior and Health: Concepts, Assessments, and Intervention presents evidence on sedentary behavior, its apparent health risks, and suggestions on measuring and altering this behavior.

Nowadays, the increasing availability of technology and the transition towards more sedentary occupations and recreation activities make sedentary behaviours an emerging research topic in behavioural epidemiology. This is particularly important because the available evidence consolidates the harmful relationship between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic risk markers and health outcomes. While the feasibility and benefits of changing sedentary behaviours have been demonstrated, this knowledge underpins the need for intersectoral public health interventions in workplaces and school settings. This book examines sedentary behaviours, current methods of assessment, the risk these behaviours present to individual health, and the importance of their interruption.

"Psychology of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior focuses on the psychological effects of physical activity. The text explores all areas of exercise psychology, including personal motivation, the benefits of exercise, and the theories, pioneers, and ongoing research. The book is intended to help prepare the exercise science professional for future career opportunities in the public and private sector"--

Written for the upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level courses in exercise psychology and behavioral physical activity, Exercise Psychology: The Psychology of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior focuses on the psychological effects of physical activity in a variety of special populations. The first text of its kind to focus on both the psychology of exercise and sedentary behavior, it provides a strong theoretical and applied focus to the field, and includes interesting vignettes and critical thinking activities to engage readers in the learning process. With an engaging, student-friendly approach, the authors provide complete and comprehensive information that examines research on behavioral physical activity and translating research into practice. The text also looks at sedentary behavior and the recent paradigm shift examining the health effects of sedentary behavior.