Time Trends in Physical Activity Using Wearable Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies from 1995 to 2017.

• Introduction: Conflicting evidence exists on whether physical activity (PA) levels of humans have changed over the last quarter-century. The main objective of this study was to determine if there is evidence of time trends in PA, from cross-sectional studies that assessed PA at different time points using wearable devices (e.g., pedometers, accelerometers). A secondary objective was to quantify the rate of change in PA. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted of English language studies indexed in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science (1960-2020) using search terms (time OR temporal OR secular) AND trends AND (steps per day OR pedometer OR accelerometer OR MVPA). Subsequently, a meta-analytic approach was used to aggregate data from multiple studies, and to examine specific factors (i.e. sex, age group, sex-and-age group, and PA metric). Results: Based on 16 peer-reviewed scientific studies conducted between 1995 and 2017, levels of ambulatory PA are trending downward in developed countries. Significant declines were seen in both males and females (p < 0.001) as well as in children (p = 0.020), adolescents (p < 0.001) and adults (p = 0.004). The average study duration was 9.4 yrs (accelerometer studies: 5.3 yrs, pedometer studies: 10.8 yrs). For studies that assessed steps, the average change in PA was -1,118 steps/day over the course of the study (p < 0.001) and adolescents had the greatest change in PA at -2,278 steps/day (p < 0.001). Adolescents also had the steepest rate of change over time, expressed in steps/day/decade. Conclusion: Evidence from studies conducted in eight developed nations over a 22-yr period indicates that PA levels have declined overall, especially in adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for continued research tracking time trends in PA using wearable devices.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Steps per day

pedometer

accelerometer

secular trend

temporal trend

technology

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