Students are vulnerable to excess sedentary time whilst at university; this is motivating scholars to develop new ways of encouraging students to get moving during their waking hours.
Sedentary Behaviour (SB)
Public health guidelines are constantly imploring individuals to reduce their overall sedentary time and to avoid long-stretches of sedentary behaviour.
Too much sedentary behaviour can lead to heart disease, obesity, and back problems amongst other issues. These issues are especially likely if it starts at an early age.
Important Research into SB
A research paper from February 2021 uses a theory-driven framework known as the ‘Behaviour Change Wheel’ (BCW) to provide a systematic way of developing interventions into periods of sedentary behaviour.
The study used 9 undergraduate students from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), who undertook a 12-day assessment split up by a one-on-one intervention session in the middle. In the latter 6 days, automated daily text messages were sent to remind the individuals to do some form of exercise.
From baseline to post-intervention, the study found a statistically significant decrease in total and prolonged sedentary time during weekend days, as well as a statistically significant increase in time spent standing and stepping during waking hours.
To read the full research paper, visit: https://eprints.usq.edu.au/42138/
