Sedentary behavior

Sedentary behavior is waking behavior performed while sitting, reclining, or lying down that expends no more than 1.5 metabolic equivalents. It is distinct from physical inactivity, which means not meeting recommended activity levels.

Metabolic equivalent: A unit expressing energy expenditure as a multiple of resting metabolic rate. The 1.5-MET threshold distinguishes sedentary behavior from more energetic activity.
Accelerometry: The measurement of acceleration, often used to estimate human movement and activity. Wearable accelerometers can quantify daily sedentary time and its patterns.
Physical inactivity: Insufficient participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to meet health recommendations. A person can meet activity guidelines yet still spend much of the day sedentary.
Cardiovascular disease: A group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. High sedentary time is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk.
MET: An abbreviation for metabolic equivalent, a unit comparing energy expenditure with resting metabolism. Sedentary behavior is commonly operationalized using a MET cutoff.
Prolonged sitting: Sitting for extended periods, often with few or no breaks. Long uninterrupted bouts are a common pattern of sedentary behavior.
Posture analysis: The assessment of body position, commonly using observation or wearable sensors. Posture data help distinguish sitting from quiet standing, which movement counts alone may miss.
Physical activity: Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that increases energy expenditure. Sedentary behavior is defined by low energy expenditure and posture, not simply by absence of exercise.
Type 2 diabetes: A chronic disease in which blood glucose remains elevated because insulin action or secretion is inadequate. Prolonged sedentary time is linked to diabetes risk through metabolic pathways.
Waking state: A state of consciousness distinct from sleep. Sleep is excluded from sedentary behavior even when posture and movement are similar.

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