The association between sedentary behaviour and indicators of stress: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundEmerging evidence shows sedentary behaviour may be associated with mental health outcomes. Yet, the strength of the evidence linking sedentary behaviour and stress is still unclear. This study aimed to synthesise evidence regarding associations between time spent in sedentary behaviour and stress in adults.MethodsA systematic search was conducted (January 1990 – September 2019). Following PRISMA guidelines, an evaluation of methodological quality, and best-evidence synthesis of associations between time in sedentary behaviour (including sitting time, TV viewing, computer use) and stress were presented. Twenty-six studies reporting on data from n = 72,795 people (age 18-98y, 62.7% women) were included.ResultsAcross the studies (n = 2 strong-, n = 10 moderate- and n = 14 weak-quality), there was insufficient evidence that overall time spent in sedentary behaviour and sitting time were associated with stress, particularly when using self-report measures of sedentary behaviour or stress. There was strong evidence of no association between TV viewing, or computer use and stress. Amongst studies using objective measures of sedentary behaviour and/or stress there was also strong evidence of no association.ConclusionAlthough previous research suggested sedentary behaviour may be linked to mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety, the evidence for an association between various types of sedentary behaviour and stress is limited in quality, and associations are either inconsistent or null. High-quality longitudinal/interventional research is required to confirm findings and determine the direction of associations between different contexts (i.e. purpose) and domains (i.e. leisure, occupational, transport) of sedentary behaviour and stress.

Socio-Demographic Correlates of Total and Domain-Specific Sedentary Behavior in Latin America: A Population-Based Study

“…Excessive waking activities in a sitting, reclining or lying posture with an energy expenditure ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) [4] have been shown to be influenced by several different characteristics and associated with poor health outcomes [42,43]. There is insufficient evidence to verify the association between domain-specific SB (i.e., computer and videogame use at home, reading, socializing or listening to music, talking on the telephone and riding in an automobile) and health outcomes [44]. Given that domain-specific SB could potentially be a key factor in the relationship with health outcomes [42,44].…”

“…There is insufficient evidence to verify the association between domain-specific SB (i.e., computer and videogame use at home, reading, socializing or listening to music, talking on the telephone and riding in an automobile) and health outcomes [44]. Given that domain-specific SB could potentially be a key factor in the relationship with health outcomes [42,44]. In this sense, studies about the frequency and distribution of SB across specific domains and/or activities could inform specific strategies for SB reduction and improve health status at the population level.…”

Associations of meeting 24-h movement guidelines with stress and self-rated health among adults: is meeting more guidelines associated with greater benefits?

“…In particular, high stress seems to be associated with low levels of MVPA [ 32 ] and short sleep [ 31 ]. Findings on the association between SB and stress are inconsistent [ 33 ].…”

The Effect of Containment Measures during the Covid-19 Pandemic to Sedentary Behavior of Thai Adults: Evidence from Thailand’s Surveillance on Physical Activity 2019–2020

“…Individuals who were exposed to greater durations of screen time were more likely to report the highest level of depression symptoms and had a higher likelihood of adverse mental health outcomes [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Spending more time being sedentary has also been associated with a higher degree of anxiety [ 10 , 12 , 13 ].…”