Accumulation patterns of sedentary time and breaks and their association with cardiometabolic health markers in adults

Breaking up sedentary time with physical activity (PA) could modify the detrimental cardiometabolic health effects of time. Our aim was to identify profiles according distinct accumulation patterns and breaks in adults, investigate how these are associated outcomes. Participants (n = 4439) Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 at age 46 years wore a hip-worn accelerometer for 7 consecutive days during waking hours. Uninterrupted ≥1-min bouts were identified, non-sedentary between two considered as breaks. K-means clustering performed 65 variables characterizing accumulated interrupted. Linear regression used determine association markers. Four groups formed follows: “Couch potatoes” 1222), “Prolonged sitters” 1179), “Shortened 1529), “Breakers” 509). Couch potatoes had highest level sedentariness shortest Prolonged sitters, accumulating ≥15–30 min, no differences outcomes compared potatoes. Shortened sitters lasting <15 min more light-intensity PA their breaks, Breakers moderate-to-vigorous PA. These latter lower levels adiposity, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, (1.1–25.0% values depending on outcome, group, adjustments potential confounders). Avoiding uninterrupted any active behavior from upwards be beneficial adults.