Table 1 Sample of definitions of sedentary behavior from the research literature

“Sedentary behavior may be defined as having a MET value between one and 1.5 (for example, equivalent to sitting or lying down)”.

[65]

“Sedentary behaviors were defined as having MET <2.0 (e.g., equivalent to sitting or lying down)”.

[66]

“A distinct class of behaviors characterized by low energy expenditure”.

[67]

“Sedentary behavior involves activities with a very low energy expenditure (1.0–1.8 metabolic equivalents [MET]), performed mainly in a sitting or supine position”.

[68]

“Sedentary behavior refers to activities that do not increase energy expenditure substantially above the resting level and includes activities such as sleeping, sitting, lying down, and watching television, and other forms of screen-based entertainment. Operationally, sedentary behavior includes activities that involve energy expenditure at the level of 1.0–1.5 metabolic equivalent units (METs)”.

[4]

“Sedentary behaviors such TV viewing, computer use, or sitting in an automobile typically are in the energy-expenditure range of 1.0 to 1.5 METs (multiples of the basal metabolic rate). Thus, sedentary behaviors are those that involve sitting and low levels of energy expenditure”.

[2]

“Sitting, lying down, and expending very little energy (approximately 1.0–1.5 metabolic equivalents [METs])”.

[56]

“Non-upright” activities”.

[69]

“Sedentary behaviours are considered those requiring ≤1.5 METs.”

[7]

“Sedentary behaviour, defined as time spent sitting or lying”.

[70]

“The term sedentary behavior (from the Latin word sedere, “to sit”) describes a distinct class of activities that require low levels of energy expenditure in the range of 1.0–1.5 METs (multiples of the basal metabolic rate) and involve sitting during commuting, in the workplace and the domestic environment, and during leisure”.

[6]

“Any waking behavior characterized by energy expenditure ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) while in a sitting or reclining posture”.

[25]