Sedentary Behavior by Physical Activity Levels in Working Women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in sedentary time between employed women who meet minimum exercise recommendations and those who do not.

Methods: Activity levels were assessed by the Actigraph GT3X+ over 7 days in 103 employed women (age: 44.4±11.8). Demographic variables and perception of worksite facilities to support physical activity were assessed by questionnaire. Outcome measures were moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, percentage of sedentary time, BMI, age, education level, average number of hours worked per week, and worksite facilities for physical activity.

Results: Participants who met MVPA recommendations (n=41) spent an average of 59% (range 45-72%) of the day in sedentary behavior compared to 65% for those who did not (n=62, range 46-79%, p<.0001). Results from linear regression showed higher sedentary time was significantly associated with not meeting physical activity recommendations (β=-4.7, CI:-7.7 to -2.0, p=.001), perception of not having worksite facilities for physical activity (β=-3.0, CI:-5.6 to -0.3, p=.03), and obesity (β=3.3, CI: 0.2 to 6.3, p=.04), predicting 21% of the variance in sedentary time. Age, number of hours worked per week, education level, marital status, and having children living at home were not significant contributors to the model.

Conclusion: Working women who met MVPA recommendations spent significantly less time being sedentary, had normal or overweight weight status, and perceived their work site facilities to support physical activity. Participants who met MVPA recommendations did not compensate for MVPA bouts with increased sedentary time throughout the day.