2019 Volume 21 Issue 1 Pages 5-19
Objective: This study systematically reviewed the studies focused on sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) patterns throughout the day among adults, as well as revealing remaining research questions.
Methods: A systematic search of multiple international and domestic databases was conducted. Included studies were required to conduct or independently analyze for adults, to measure hourly SB or PA as primary outcomes, and to publish in a peer-reviewed journal. Carefully screened, characteristics of studies (study design, sample, time section, and results) were summarized according to 3 points of view, 1) the prevalence and trend of SB and PA patterns throughout the day, 2) related factors for SB and PA patterns throughout the day, 3) associations between SB and PA patterns throughout the day, and health outcomes.
Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were published after 2015, and conducted with over 60-year-old adults in Europe, North America and Australia. Studies mainly focused on each hourly period or periods classifying the day into three. 1) Twelve studies mainly showed that SB levels were higher and PA levels were lower in the evening than in the morning and afternoon, 2) Twenty-one studies mainly showed that age, sex and obesity were related factors, 3) Only one study showed obesity as a health outcome.
Conclusion: Studies focusing on SB and PA patterns throughout the day were scarce. The range of characteristics of the participants, related factors and health outcomes were narrow. For segmented health promotion, further studies, particularly in Japanese middle aged population, are required, given differences in environment and lifestyle.
