The prevalence of upright non-stepping time in comparison to stepping time in 11–13 year old school children across seasons

McCrorie, P.R.W. , Duncan, E., Granat, M.H. and Stansfield, B.W. (2012) The prevalence of upright non-stepping time in comparison to stepping time in 11–13 year old school children across seasons. Physiological Measurement, 33(11), pp. 1901-1912. (doi: 10.1088/0967-3334/33/11/1901)

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Abstract

Evidence suggests that behaviours such as standing are beneficial for our health. Unfortunately, little is known of the prevalence of this state, its importance in relation to time spent stepping or variation across seasons. The aim of this study was to quantify, in young adolescents, the prevalence and seasonal changes in time spent upright and not stepping (UNSttime) as well as time spent upright and stepping (USttime), and their contribution to overall upright time (Utime). Thirty-three adolescents (12.2 ± 0.3 y) wore the activPAL activity monitor during four school days on two occasions: November/December (winter) and May/June (summer). UNSttime contributed 60% of daily Utime at winter (Mean = 196 min) and 53% at summer (Mean = 171 min); a significant seasonal effect, p < 0.001. USttime was significantly greater in summer compared to winter (153 min versus 131 min, p < 0.001). The effects in UNSttime could be explained through significant seasonal differences during the school hours (09:00–16:00), whereas the effects in USttime could be explained through significant seasonal differences in the evening period (16:00–22:00). Adolescents spent a greater amount of time upright and not stepping than they did stepping, in both winter and summer. The observed seasonal effects for both UNSttime and USttime provide important information for behaviour change intervention programs.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mccrorie, Dr Paul
Authors: McCrorie, P.R.W., Duncan, E., Granat, M.H., and Stansfield, B.W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Physiological Measurement
Publisher:Institute of Physics
ISSN:0967-3334
ISSN (Online):1361-6579

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