Higher Sedentary Behaviour and Not Following Screen Time Guidelines Were Associated With Unfavourable Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Childhood

Abstract

Aim: Sedentary behaviour may influence children's cardiometabolic health; however, evidence remains limited. This study investigated the associations between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic outcomes in nine-year-old children and from 4 to 9 years of age. Associations between adherence to screen time guidelines and cardiometabolic outcomes at 9 years of age were also examined.

Methods: Movement behaviours were assessed using accelerometers in 411 children at 4 and 9 years of age. Cardiometabolic outcomes at 9 years of age comprised blood pressure, lipid and glucose biomarkers, and a metabolic syndrome score. Screen time was assessed via questionnaire. Compositional data analysis and analysis of covariance were used.

Results: Increasing sedentary behaviour at the expense of physical activity and sleep at 9 years of age was associated with higher systolic (p = 0.021) and diastolic (p = 0.019) blood pressure. Greater sedentary behaviour at 4 years of age was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.050) and lower high-density lipoprotein (p = 0.034) at 9 years of age. Children adhering to screen time guidelines had a lower metabolic syndrome score (p = 0.014), low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.045), and triglycerides (p = 0.022).

Conclusion: Higher sedentary behaviour and not adhering to screen time guidelines were associated with unfavourable cardiometabolic outcomes from 4 to 9 years and at 9 years of age.