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. 2017 Jun 10;14(1):75.
doi: 10.1186/s12966-017-0525-8.

Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) - Terminology Consensus Project process and outcome

Mark S Tremblay  1 , Salomé Aubert  2 , Joel D Barnes  2 , Travis J Saunders  3 , Valerie Carson  4 , Amy E Latimer-Cheung  5 , Sebastien F M Chastin  6   7 , Teatske M Altenburg  8 , Mai J M Chinapaw  8 ; SBRN Terminology Consensus Project Participants
Collaborators, Affiliations

Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) - Terminology Consensus Project process and outcome

Mark S Tremblay et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. .

Abstract

Background: The prominence of sedentary behavior research in health science has grown rapidly. With this growth there is increasing urgency for clear, common and accepted terminology and definitions. Such standardization is difficult to achieve, especially across multi-disciplinary researchers, practitioners, and industries. The Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) undertook a Terminology Consensus Project to address this need.

Method: First, a literature review was completed to identify key terms in sedentary behavior research. These key terms were then reviewed and modified by a Steering Committee formed by SBRN. Next, SBRN members were invited to contribute to this project and interested participants reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed list of terms and draft definitions through an online survey. Finally, a conceptual model and consensus definitions (including caveats and examples for all age groups and functional abilities) were finalized based on the feedback received from the 87 SBRN member participants who responded to the original invitation and survey.

Results: Consensus definitions for the terms physical inactivity, stationary behavior, sedentary behavior, standing, screen time, non-screen-based sedentary time, sitting, reclining, lying, sedentary behavior pattern, as well as how the terms bouts, breaks, and interruptions should be used in this context are provided.

Conclusion: It is hoped that the definitions resulting from this comprehensive, transparent, and broad-based participatory process will result in standardized terminology that is widely supported and adopted, thereby advancing future research, interventions, policies, and practices related to sedentary behaviors.

Keywords: Bouts; Breaks; Interruptions; Lying; Non-screen-based time; Physical inactivity; Reclining; Screen time; Sedentary behavior; Sitting; Standing; Stationary behavior.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Terminology Consensus Project timeline
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of respondents’ comments over each survey section (survey 3 from Fig. 1; full survey provided in Additional file 1)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Illustration of the final conceptual model of movement-based terminology arranged around a 24-h period. The figure organizes the movements that take place throughout the day into two components: The inner ring represents the main behavior categories using energy expenditure. The outer ring provides general categories using posture. Detailed definitions, caveats and examples related to sedentary behavior are provided in Table 5. The proportion of space occupied by each behavior in this figure is not prescriptive of the time that should be spent in these behaviors each day
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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