Birgit Wallmann-Sperlich

Sitting time in Germany: an analysis of socio-demographic and environmental correlates

BackgroundSedentary behaviour in general and sitting time in particular is an emerging global health concern. The aim of this study was to provide data on the prevalence of sitting time in German adults and to examine socio-demographic and environmental correlates of sitting time.MethodsA representative sample of German adults (n = 2000; 967 men, 1033 women; 49.3 ±17.6 years of age) filled in the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, including one question on overall sitting time and answered questions about the neighbourhood environment, as well as concerning demographics. Daily sitting time was stratified by gender, age group, BMI, educational and income level, as well as physical activity (PA). To identify socio-demographic and environmental correlates of sitting time, we used a series of linear regressions.ResultsThe overall median was 5 hours (299 minutes) of sitting time/day and men sat longer than women (5 vs. 4 hours/day; p < 0.05). In both genders age and PA were negatively and the educational level positively associated with sitting time. The level of income was not a correlate of sitting time in multivariate analyses. Sitting time was significantly positively associated with higher neighbourhood safety for women. The variance of the multivariate model ranged from 16.5% for men to 8.9% for women.ConclusionsThe overall sitting time was unequally distributed in the German adult population. Our findings suggest implementing specific interventions to reduce sitting time for subgroups such as men, younger aged adults and adults with a higher education and lower PA. Future studies should enhance our understanding of the specific correlates of different types and domains of sitting in order to guide the development of effective public health strategies.

Functional High-Intensity Circuit Training Improves Body Composition, Peak Oxygen Uptake, Strength, and Alters Certain Dimensions of Quality of Life in Overweight Women

The effects of circuit-like functional high-intensity training (CircuitHIIT) alone or in combination with high-volume low-intensity exercise (Circuitcombined) on selected cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters, body composition, functional strength and the quality of life of overweight women were compared. In this single-center, two-armed randomized, controlled study, overweight women performed 9-weeks (3 sessions·wk−1) of either CircuitHIIT (n = 11), or Circuitcombined (n = 8). Peak oxygen uptake and perception of physical pain were increased to a greater extent (p < 0.05) by CircuitHIIT, whereas Circuitcombined improved perception of general health more (p < 0.05). Both interventions lowered body mass, body-mass-index, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and enhanced fat-free mass; decreased ratings of perceived exertion during submaximal treadmill running; improved the numbers of push-ups, burpees, one-legged squats, and 30-s skipping performed, as well as the height of counter-movement jumps; and improved physical and social functioning, role of physical limitations, vitality, role of emotional limitations, and mental health to a similar extent (all p < 0.05). Either forms of these multi-stimulating, circuit-like, multiple-joint training can be employed to improve body composition, selected variables of functional strength, and certain dimensions of quality of life in overweight women. However, CircuitHIIT improves peak oxygen uptake to a greater extent, but with more perception of pain, whereas Circuitcombined results in better perception of general health.

Physical activity during work, transport and leisure in Germany - prevalence and socio-demographic correlates.

Background This study aimed 1) to provide data estimates concerning overall moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) as well as MVPA during work, transport and leisure in Germany and 2) to investigate MVPA and possible associations with socio-demographic correlates. Methods A cross-sectional telephone survey interviewed 2248 representative participants in the age of 18–65 years (1077 men; 42.4±13.4 years; body mass index: 25.3±4.5kg•m−2) regarding their self-reported physical activity across Germany. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was applied to investigate MVPA during work, transport and leisure and questions were answered concerning their demographics. MVPA was stratified by gender, age, body mass index, residential setting, educational and income level. To identify socio-demographic correlates of overall MVPA as well as in the domains, we used a series of linear regressions. Results 52.8% of the sample achieved physical activity recommendations (53.7% men/52.1% women). Overall MVPA was highest in the age group 18–29 years (p<.05), in participants with 10 years of education (p<.05) and in participants with lowest income levels <1.500€ (p<.05). Regression analyses revealed that age, education and income were negatively associated with overall and work MVPA. Residential setting and education was positively correlated with transport MVPA, whereas income level was negatively associated with transport MVPA. Education was the only correlate for leisure MVPA with a positive association. Conclusions The present data underlines the importance of a comprehensive view on physical activity engagement according to the different physical activity domains and discloses a need for future physical activity interventions that consider socio-demographic variables, residential setting as well as the physical activity domain in Germany.

Führt Bewegungsförderung zu einer Reduzierung von sitzendem Verhalten

ZusammenfassungHintergrundLange Sitzzeiten dominieren den menschlichen Alltag. Der daraus resultierende minimale Energieaufwand für die alltägliche Lebensgestaltung hat gravierende Konsequenzen für die Gesundheit der Bevölkerung. Welche Interventionsansätze am besten geeignet sind, den sitzenden Alltag nachhaltig zu verändern, werden noch kontrovers diskutiert.Fragestellung und methodisches VorgehenZiel dieses Beitrags ist es deshalb, empirisch und konzeptionell zu verdeutlichen, dass aus Public-Health-Sicht die Reduzierung sitzenden Verhaltens einen eigenständigen Interventionsfokus benötigt und nicht mit der Förderung moderater und höher intensiver (also gesundheitsförderlicher) körperlicher Aktivität gleichzusetzen ist. Die als Argumentationsgrundlage herangezogenen Daten und Fakten basieren auf einer selektiven Literaturübersicht von Übersichtsarbeiten und dort, wo diese nicht vorlagen, auf aktuellen Primärstudien, die sich vornehmlich auf das Erwachsenenalter beschränken.Ergebnisse und SchlussfolgerungenDie Public-Health-Relevanz der Reduktion von Sitzzeiten ist hoch, da die Prävalenz von sitzendem Verhalten in der Gesellschaft sehr ausgeprägt ist und zugleich gesundheitliche Effekte von ihrer Reduzierung nachgewiesen sind. Empirisch und konzeptionell lässt sich interessanterweise aufzeigen, dass Interventionen, die primär auf eine Steigerung gesundheitsförderlicher körperlicher Aktivität abzielen, Sitzzeiten nicht substanziell reduzieren. Es braucht vielmehr einen spezifischen Interventionsfokus für eine Reduzierung bzw. regelmäßige Unterbrechung von Sitzzeiten mit leicht intensiven Basisaktivitäten. Aus Public-Health-Perspektive sollte deshalb eine Doppelstrategie verfolgt werden, die der Reduktion von Sitzzeiten und der Förderung von Bewegung gleichermaßen Aufmerksamkeit schenkt.AbstractBackgroundDaily life in today’s society is often dominated by sedentary pursuits; therefore, only low energy expenditure is necessary to fulfill the daily tasks and duties with tremendous consequences for the health of the population. The interventions which are best suited to reduce daily sitting times are controversially discussed.Purpose and methodsThe objective of this article is to illustrate from an empirical and conceptual point of view that besides the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity, it is necessary to develop discreet interventions to reduce sedentary behavior. Reducing sitting time is not the same as the promotion of moderate and vigorous intense (i.e. health-enhancing) physical activity. The presented facts and figures are based on a selective collection of current reviews or of currently available primary studies if no reviews exist. The studies included are primarily limited to adults.Results and discussionThe need to reduce sedentary time is high as the prevalence of prolonged sitting is extremely high in today’s society and a reduction of sedentary behavior is linked to better health. From an empirical and conceptual point of view physical activity interventions do not necessarily contribute to a substantial reduction in sedentary behavior. For this purpose specific interventions directly focused on reducing or interrupting prolonged sitting times by light intense physical activities are a priority; therefore, prevention and health promotion should use a dual strategy by reducing the time spent sitting and by promoting moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Physical Activity and the Perceived Neighbourhood Environment — Looking at the Association the Other Way Around

The association between physical activity (PA) and variables of the perceived environment mainly originate from cross-sectional studies that introduced the idea that the environment influences the PA level of residents. However, the direction of cause and effect has not been solved with finality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether residents’ perception of their proximate environment differs depending on their level of PA in transport and recreation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with residents of six different parts of the city of Cologne, Germany. The sample of 470 adults (52.8% females; mean age = 35.5 ± 13.8 years) filled in the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), as well as the European Environmental Questionnaire ALPHA. To distinguish between residents with “low” and “high” PA, we split the samples into two on the basis of the specific median in transport- and recreation-related PA. In the “high” vs. “low” PA group of the overall sample, we noted 4%–16% more “PA favourable” environmental perceptions in seven of the 15 environmental variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of socio-demographic correlates and transport- and recreation-related PA on the dependent variables of the environmental perception. In this case, levels of PA were significant predictors for eight of the 15 items concerning environmental perceptions. Thus, the present study introduces the idea that residents with higher levels of transport and recreational PA may perceive their environment in a more “PA-favourable” way than residents with lower levels.

Self-reported physical activity within and outside the neighborhood: Criterion-related validity of the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire in German older adults

ABSTRACT The Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire allows to assess physical activity within and outside the neighborhood. Study objectives were to examine the criterion-related validity and health/functioning associations of Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire-derived physical activity in German older adults. A total of 107 adults aged ≥60 years completed the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire and Short Form 12 Health Survey. A subsample of 58 participants wore piezoelectric pedometers for 7 consecutive days. Rank correlation coefficients (ρ) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for the criterion-related validity and health/functioning associations of single Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire modules and total physical activity. Criterion-related validity was moderate (ρ ≤ .60) for total physical activity, total walking, and neighborhood walking, but low (ρ ≤ .40) for walking outside the neighborhood. Health/functioning associations were moderate for recreation walking and low for total physical activity, total walking, and walking within as well as outside the neighborhood. The study provides low-to-moderate validity evidence of Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire-derived physical activity in older adults.

Sedentary Behavior among National Elite Rowers during Off-Training—A Pilot Study

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the off-training physical activity (PA) profile in national elite German U23 rowers during 31 days of their preparation period. The hours spent in each PA category (i.e., sedentary: <1.5 metabolic equivalents (MET); light physical activity: 1.5–3 MET; moderate physical activity: 3–6 MET and vigorous intense physical activity: >6 MET) were calculated for every valid day (i.e., >480 min of wear time). The off-training PA during 21 weekdays and 10 weekend days of the final 11-week preparation period was assessed by the wrist-worn multisensory device Microsoft Band II (MSBII). A total of 11 rowers provided valid data (i.e., >480 min/day) for 11.6 week days and 4.8 weekend days during the 31 days observation period. The average sedentary time was 11.63 ± 1.25 h per day during the week and 12.49 ± 1.10 h per day on the weekend, with a tendency to be higher on the weekend compared to weekdays (p = 0.06; d = 0.73). The average time in light, moderate and vigorous PA during the weekdays was 1.27 ± 1.15, 0.76 ± 0.37, 0.51 ± 0.44 h per day, and 0.67 ± 0.43, 0.59 ± 0.37, 0.53 ± 0.32 h per weekend day. Light physical activity was higher during weekdays compared to the weekend (p = 0.04; d = 0.69). Based on our pilot study of 11 national elite rowers we conclude that rowers display a considerable sedentary off-training behavior of more than 11.5 h/day.

Aufstehen, Hingehen, Treppensteigen – die gesundheitliche Relevanz von Alltagsaktivitäten

Zusammenfassung: Lange Sitzzeiten und zu wenig Bewegung stellen zentrale Public Health-Probleme dar. Die epidemiologische Studienlage unterstreicht, dass bei einem vorwiegend sitzend geprägten Lebensstil eine Reduzierung und Unterbrechung von Sitzzeiten durch eine Förderung alltäglicher Ativitäten (z.B. Stehen am Arbeitsplatz), präventiv und eigenständig auf viele chronisch-degenerative Erkrankungen und lebensverlängernd wirkt. Public Health Initiativen sollten dies verstärkt berücksichtigen.

A 4-Week Intervention Involving Mobile-Based Daily 6-Minute Micro-Sessions of Functional High-Intensity Circuit Training Improves Strength and Quality of Life, but Not Cardio-Respiratory Fitness of Young Untrained Adults

The present study was designed to assess the psycho-physiological responses of physically untrained individuals to mobile-based multi-stimulating, circuit-like, multiple-joint conditioning (CircuitHIIT) performed either once (1xCircuitHIIT) or twice (2xCircuitHIIT) daily for 4 weeks. In this single-center, two-arm randomized, controlled study, 24 men and women (age: 25 ± 5 years) first received no training instructions for 4 weeks and then performed 4 weeks of either 1xCircuitHIIT or 2xCircuitHIIT (5 men and 7 women in each group) daily. The 1xCircuitHIIT and 2xCircuitHIIT participants carried out 90.7 and 85.7% of all planned training sessions, respectively, with average heart rates during the 6-min sessions of 74.3 and 70.8% of maximal heart rate. Body, fat and fat-free mass, and metabolic rate at rest did not differ between the groups or between time-points of measurement. Heart rate while running at 6 km⋅h-1 declined after the intervention in both groups. Submaximal and peak oxygen uptake, the respiratory exchange ratio and heart rate recovery were not altered by either intervention. The maximal numbers of push-ups, leg-levers, burpees, 45°-one-legged squats and 30-s skipping, as well as perception of general health improved in both groups. Our 1xCircuitHIIT or 2xCircuitHIIT interventions improved certain parameters of functional strength and certain dimensions of quality of life in young untrained individuals. However, they were not sufficient to enhance cardio-respiratory fitness, in particular peak oxygen uptake.

Prolonged Sitting Interrupted by 6-Min of High-Intensity Exercise: Circulatory, Metabolic, Hormonal, Thermal, Cognitive, and Perceptual Responses

The aim was to examine certain aspects of circulatory, metabolic, hormonal, thermoregulatory, cognitive, and perceptual responses while sitting following a brief session of high-intensity interval exercise. Twelve students (five men; age, 22 ± 2 years) performed two trials involving either simply sitting for 180 min (SIT) or sitting for this same period with a 6-min session of high-intensity exercise after 60 min (SIT+HIIT). At T0 (after 30 min of resting), T1 (after a 20-min breakfast), T2 (after sitting for 1 h), T3 (immediately after the HIIT), T4, T5, T6, and T7 (30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the HIIT), circulatory, metabolic, hormonal, thermoregulatory, cognitive, and perceptual responses were assessed. The blood lactate concentration (at T3–T5), heart rate (at T3–T6), oxygen uptake (at T3–T7), respiratory exchange ratio, and sensations of heat (T3–T5), sweating (T3, T4) and odor (T3), as well as perception of vigor (T3–T6), were higher and the respiratory exchange ratio (T4–T7) and mean body and skin temperatures (T3) lower in the SIT+HIIT than the SIT trial. Levels of blood glucose and salivary cortisol, cerebral oxygenation, and feelings of anxiety/depression, fatigue or hostility, as well as the variables of cognitive function assessed by the Stroop test did not differ between SIT and SIT+HIIT. In conclusion, interruption of prolonged sitting with a 6-min session of HIIT induced more pronounced circulatory and metabolic responses and improved certain aspects of perception, without affecting selected hormonal, thermoregulatory or cognitive functions.