Sensors (Jan 2023)

Characterization of Detailed Sedentary Postures Using a Tri-Monitor ActivPAL Configuration in Free-Living Conditions

  • Myles W. O’Brien,
  • W. Seth Daley,
  • Beverly D. Schwartz,
  • Madeline E. Shivgulam,
  • Yanlin Wu,
  • Derek S. Kimmerly,
  • Ryan J. Frayne

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020587
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 2
p. 587

Abstract

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Objective monitors such as the activPAL characterize time when the thigh is horizontal as sedentary time. However, there are physiological differences between lying, bent-legged sitting, and straight-legged sitting. We introduce a three-monitor configuration to assess detailed sedentary postures and demonstrate its use in characterizing such positions in free-living conditions. We explored time spent in each sedentary posture between prolonged (>1 h) versus non-prolonged (p p p > 0.26). We document that a considerable amount of waking time is accumulated in lying or straight-legged sitting. This methodological approach equips researchers with a means of characterizing detailed sedentary postures in uncontrolled conditions and may help answer novel research questions on sedentariness.

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