Table 2 Initiatives related to, or possibly beneficiaries of, the SBRN Terminology Consensus Project

AlPHABET

The AlPHABET project is an open science project set up to develop a common taxonomy (naming and cataloging system) for classification, harmonization and storage of objective tracking sensor data of human physical behavior in daily life [71]. Development will be through an international consensus process using the Delphi method. It aims to reach international consensus on an overarching definition for the study of how activities, physical actions and movements as part of human daily behavior impacts health and well-being; and on an integrated classification system, data model and nomenclature. A brief description is available online [71].

International Society for the Measurement of Physical Behavior

The International Society for the Measurement of Physical Behavior is a non-profit scientific society which focuses on issues related to ambulatory monitoring, wearable monitors, movement sensors, physical activity, sedentary behavior, movement behavior, body postures, sleep and constructs related to physical behaviors. It aims to promote and facilitate the study and applications of objective measurement and quantification of free-living physical behavior using wearable devices. More information about this society, its membership, actions or shared resources can be found on its website [72].

International Society for Physical Activity and Health

The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) [73] has a mission to advance and promote physical activity as a global health priority through excellence in research, education, capacity building and advocacy. The ISPAH has recently launched a Sedentary Behavior Council [74] to specifically focus on advancing science, advocacy, and practice related to sedentary behaviour.

Sensor Methods Collaboratory (National Institutes of Health)

The Sensor Methods Collaboratory is an initiative created after a pre-conference workshop at the 3rd International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and Movement (ICAMPAM) in June 2013 which was held to propose a collaborative approach to algorithm development to interpret ambulatory monitoring of movement behaviours [75]. Researchers would benefit if a commonly accepted approach to data reduction can ultimately be achieved. The collaboration aims to provide an opportunity for the research community to discuss needs, develop shared resources, propose standard protocols and metadata requirements, pilot new tools, and disseminate methodological research for further evaluation or implementation. At this time, smaller working groups are being formed to propose solutions to different issues (ethics and privacy; harmonizing calibration protocols and data elements; hardware, software and data management logistics; and evaluating evidence and comparison of analytic approaches) and efficient models for dissemination of the results of these deliberations will be explored [76].

Sedentary Behavior International Taxonomy (SIT)

SIT is an open science project setup to develop a common taxonomy of sedentary behaviors through a formal consensus process taking into account the opinion of experts and of the general public. The first round of the Delphi method involved experts who were asked to make statements about the taxonomy; its purpose and use; the domains, categories or facets that should be considered and included; the structure/architecture to arrange and link these domains and facets has been reported [77]. The SIT taxonomy aims to facilitate systematic and standardised investigation and analysis, to enable systematic and standardised reporting, to facilitate comparison and meta-analysis and to facilitate development of measurement tools, sensors and outcome measures of sedentary behaviors. Contributions from interested researchers remain welcomed; further information can be found online [78].

Sedentary Behaviour Research Network (SBRN)

SBRN is a network of researchers and practitioners interested in the health-impact of sedentary behaviour. SBRN’s mission is to connect sedentary behaviour researchers and health professionals working in all fields of study, and to disseminate this research to the academic community and to the public at large. Further information can be found online [24].

Systems of Sedentary Behaviors (SOS) Framework

The SOS-framework is an international transdisciplinary consensus framework developed for the study of determinants, research priorities and policy on sedentary behavior across the life course [79]. A comprehensive concept mapping approach was used to develop this framework, involving an international expert scientist working group which was recruited directly based on publication records in the field of sedentary behavior research, their respective field of expertise and focus on specific stage of the life course. The final framework consisted of six clusters of determinants: Physical Health and Wellbeing, Social and Cultural Context, Built and Natural Environment, Psychology and Behavior, Politics and Economics, and Institutional and Home Settings. The framework can be used as a tool to prioritize future research and to develop policies to reduce sedentary time.