Ambulatory monitoring and sedentary behaviour: a population-health perspective

Opportunities for sedentary-behaviour research using device-based measures are proposed, addressing four main topics: first, there is an explanation of how sedentary behaviours can most usefully be understood, emphasizing how they are distinct from lack of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (the major focus of current national and international public-health guidelines), together with an account of the evidence on the relationships of sedentary behaviour with risk biomarkers and health outcomes; this highlights how device-based measurement is leading to rapid research advances. Second, the case is made for the utility of a behavioural epidemiology framework and an ecological model of sedentary behaviour to guide measurement-development initiatives. Third, the main elements of such a research agenda and the logic of their interrelationships are described. Fourth, and in conclusion, novel research opportunities arising within this perspective and likely future benefits are outlined.