Association of mentally-passive and mentally-active sedentary behaviors with device-measured bouts and breaks of sedentary time in adolescents

Background: Our aim was to analyze the association of self-reported mentally-passive and mentally-active sedentary behaviors with different patterns (bouts and breaks) of device-measured sedentary time in adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 375 adolescents (177 boys) aged 10-15 years. Total time, bouts and breaks of sedentary time were measured through accelerometers. Self-reported sedentary behavior in different activities was summed and divided into mentally-active (playing electronic games, studying and reading) and mentally-passive (watching TV, watching DVD, using computer for leisure). Bayesian linear regression models were used for association analyses. Results: Only mentally-passive sedentary behaviors was positively associated with longer bouts of sedentary time [1-4min: mean posterior distribution: -0.431 (95%credible interval: -0.745 to -0.114); ≥15min: 0.641 (0.122 to 1.222)] as well as lower number of breaks [-0.138 (-0.228 to -0.044). Conclusions: Self-reported mentally-passive sedentary behaviors are associated with longer bouts and lower breaks of device-measured sedentary time.