Measurements of physical health and functional capacity

There has been significant interest in understanding population sedentary behaviour in recent years and how this impacts on children’s and adult’s health. This chapter provides an overview of key topics within sedentary behaviour research. The chapter discusses the development of the definition of sedentary behaviour and how this definition has been used historically. Common measures for assessing sedentary behaviour are presented, including subjective self-report measures and objective monitors. Given the range of contexts in which sedentary behaviour can occur, the chapter also provides an overview of settings that have been the target of sedentary behaviour research and interventions. Associations between sedentary behaviour and health in children and adults are discussed. The chapter finishes with two case studies that provide key considerations for the development of future interventions that target sedentary behaviour.