Bjørge Herman Hansen

Professor

Department of Sport Science and Physical Education

Email: bjorge.h.hansen@uia.no
Phone: +47 38141421
Mobile phone: +4795765561

Office I2023 (Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway)

Research groups

Physical Activity and Health across the LifeSpan (PAHLS)

Research

My research interests encompass the relationship between physical activity and health in children, adults and the elderly, survellance of health behaviors in the population, and method development within the field of device-based indices of sedentary behaviour and physical activity.

Tuition

I teach scientific methods, statistics, and topics related to physical activity and health at bachelor, master, and PhD levels.

Short biography

I completed my master's degree in 2008 and defended my PhD at the Norwegian School of Sport (NIH) in 2013. After completing my PhD, I was temporarily employed as a researcher before taking up a postdoctoral position at NIH, a position which eventually became an associate professorship I helt until 2018. From August 2018, UiA became my main workplace.

Sagelv, Edvard Hamnvik; Hopstock, Laila Arnesdatter; Morseth, Bente; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein & Johansson, Jonas Lars [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2023). Device-measured physical activity, sedentary time, and risk of all-cause mortality: an individual participant data analysis of four prospective cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. 57(22), p. 1457–1463. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106568. Full text in Research Archive
Stavnsbo, Mette; Stenling, Andreas; Berntsen, Sveinung; Chinapaw, Mai J. M.; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Manios, Yannis [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2023). Does an obesogenic family environment moderate the association between sports participation and body composition in children? The ENERGY project. Pediatric Obesity. ISSN 2047-6302. 18(7). doi: 10.1111/ijpo.13031. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
BackgroundPrevious research on the association between sports participation and body composition has shown mixed findings. The family home is considered one of the most influential environments on childhood obesity. Thus, the association between sports participation and body composition in children may be influenced by an obesogenic home environment.ObjectivesTo investigate if an obesogenic family environment moderates the association between sports participation and body composition in children.MethodsA total of 3999 children (54% girls; 11.6 ± 0.7 years) and their parent(s) were included from the ENERGY project. A composite obesogenic family environment risk score was created from 10 questionnaire items. Height, weight (to calculate body mass index), and waist circumference were obtained by trained researchers and used as indicators of body composition.ResultsThe composite risk score significantly moderated the association between sports participation and both waist circumference and body mass index. In children from families with moderate and high obesogenic risk, organized sports participation was significantly associated with smaller waist circumference (moderate risk: −0.29, 95% CI −0.45 to −0.14; high risk: −0.46, 95% CI −0.66 to −0.25) and lower body mass index (moderate risk: −0.10, 95% CI −0.16 to −0.04; high risk: −0.14, 95% CI −0.22 to −0.06), but not in children with a low obesogenic family risk score.ConclusionsEnrolling children in sports activities from an early age can be important for healthy weight maintenance, especially among children from obesogenic family environments.
Western, Benedikte; Demmelmaier, Ingrid; Vistad, Ingvild; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Stenling, Andreas & Henriksen, Hege [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). How many days of continuous physical activity monitoring reliably represent time in different intensities in cancer survivors. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 18(4). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284881. Full text in Research Archive
Korslund, Silje Bjørnerud; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Bjørkkjær, Tormod (2023). Association between sociodemographic determinants and health behaviors, and clustering of health risk behaviors among 28,047 adults: a cross-sectional study among adults from the general Norwegian population. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 23(1). doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15435-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Understanding the associations between health behaviors and which subgroups are at risk of developing health risk behaviors is vital knowledge to develop effective public health interventions to reduce the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of the study was to assess the association between physical activity, diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption and sociodemographic determinants (sex and education), and to examine clustering patterns of these health behaviors. Method Data was collected from an online self-reported questionnaire from the Norwegian public health survey conducted in 2019. The study sample consisted of 28,047 adults (≥18 years old) from Agder county in Southern Norway. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between sex and education according to physical activity, diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Linear regression was used to examine the association between educational level and number of health risk behaviors, and cluster analysis were performed to determine cluster patterns. Results Females were more likely than men to meet the national public health recommendations for diet (p<0.001), tobacco use (p<0.01), and alcohol consumption (p<0.001). High education was associated with meeting the recommendations for each of the four health behaviors and with a lower risk of having three or four health risk behaviors simultaneously. Furthermore, clustering of health risk behaviors was observed in five of the sixteen health behavior patterns. Conclusion Our findings show a higher risk of having multiple health risk behaviors for males and individuals with low education, and these subgroup findings could inform public health policy and be target goals in future public
Borgen, Christine Sundgot; Bond, D.S.; Sniehotta, F.F.; Kvalem, Ingela Lundin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Bergh, Irmelin [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Associations of changes in physical activity and sedentary time with weight recurrence after bariatric surgery: a 5-year prospective study. International Journal of Obesity. ISSN 0307-0565. 47, p. 463–470. doi: 10.1038/s41366-023-01284-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Increasing physical activity and limiting sedentary time may minimize weight recurrence after bariatric surgery. However, few studies have evaluated potential associations of objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary time with post-surgical weight recurrence over time. Aims To evaluate associations of change in physical activity and sedentary time with weight recurrence after bariatric surgery. Methods Participants from the Oslo Bariatric Surgery Study, a prospective cohort study, wore an ActiGraph monitor for seven days at 1- and 5 years after surgery to assess daily physical activity and sedentary time. Participants’ weight was measured at in-person clinic visits. Chi-square Test and Paired-samples T-test evaluated group differences and change over time, while Pearson’s Correlation, multiple logistic and linear regression investigated associations between variables. Results Five years after surgery 79 participants (70.5% response rate, 81% female) (mean (sd) age: 54.0 (±9.3), BMI: 32.1 (±4.7)) had valid monitor data. Participants increased their sedentary time (71.4 minutes/day (95% CI: 54.2–88.6, p = <0.001)) and reduced daily steps (−1411.1 (95% CI: 737.8–208.4), p = <0.001), light physical activity (−54.1 min/day (95% CI: 40.9–67.2, p = <0.001)), and total physical activity (−48.2 (95% CI: 34.6–63.3), p = <0.001) from 1- to 5 years after surgery. No change was found for moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. No associations were found between changes in steps, physical activity or sedentary time and weight recurrence. Conclusion Participants increased sedentary time and decreased light- and total physical activity between 1- and 5 years post-surgery. Overall, changes in physical activity and sedentary time were not associated with weight recurrence. Interventions to help patients increase physical activity and limit sedentary time after bariatric surgery are needed.
Gammon, Catherine; Atkin, Andrew J.; Corder, Kirsten; Ekelund, Ulf; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Sherar, Lauren B. [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2022). Influence of Guideline Operationalization on Youth Activity Prevalence in the International Children's Accelerometry Database. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. 54(7), p. 1114–1122. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002884. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction The United Kingdom and World Health Organization recently changed their youth physical activity (PA) guidelines from 60 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) every day, to an average of 60 min of MVPA per day, over a week. The changes are based on expert opinion due to insufficient evidence comparing health outcomes associated with different guideline definitions. This study used the International Children’s Accelerometry Database to compare approaches to calculating youth PA compliance and associations with health indicators. Methods Cross-sectional accelerometer data (n = 21,612, 5–18 yr) were used to examine compliance with four guideline definitions: daily method (DM; ≥60 min MVPA every day), average method (AM; average of ≥60 min MVPA per day), AM5 (AM compliance and ≥5 min of vigorous PA [VPA] on ≥3 d), and AM15 (AM compliance and ≥15 min VPA on ≥3 d). Associations between compliance and health indicators were examined for all definitions. Results Compliance varied from 5.3% (DM) to 29.9% (AM). Associations between compliance and health indicators were similar for AM, AM5, and AM15. For example, compliance with AM, AM5, and AM15 was associated with a lower BMI z-score (statistics are coefficient [95% CI]): AM (−0.28 [−0.33 to −0.23]), AM5 (−0.28 [−0.33 to −0.23], and AM15 (−0.30 [−0.35 to −0.25]). Associations between compliance and health indicators for DM were similar/weaker, possibly reflecting fewer DM-compliant participants with health data and lower variability in exposure/outcome data. Conclusions Youth completing 60 min of MVPA every day do not experience superior health benefits to youth completing an average of 60 min of MVPA per day. Guidelines should encourage youth to achieve an average of 60 min of MVPA per day. Different guideline definitions affect inactivity prevalence estimates; this must be considered when analyzing data and comparing studies.
Beldo, Sigurd Klemetsen; Aars, Nils Abel; Christoffersen, Tore; Furberg, Anne-Sofie; Halvorsen, Peder Andreas & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2022). Criterion validity of the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale in adolescents : the Fit Futures Study. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 17(9), p. 1–13. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273480. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: The Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS) is commonly used to measure physical activity (PA) in population studies, but its validity in adolescents is unknown. This study aimed to assess the criterion validity of the SGPALS against accelerometry in a large sample of adolescents. A secondary aim was to examine the validity across strata of sex, body mass index (BMI), parental educational level, study program and self-reported health. Methods: The study is based on data from 572 adolescents aged 15–17 years who participated in the Fit Futures Study 2010–11 in Northern Norway. The participants were invited to wear an accelerometer (GT3X) attached to their hip for seven consecutive days. We used Spearman’s rho and linear regression models to assess the validity of the SGPALS against the following accelerometry estimates of PA; mean counts/minute (CPM), steps/day, and minutes/ day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results: The SGPALS correlated with mean CPM (ρ = 0.40, p<0.01), steps/day (ρ = 0.35, p<0.01) and MVPA min/day (ρ = 0.35, p<0.01). We observed no differences between correlations within demographic strata (all p>0.001). Higher scores on SGPALS were associated with a higher CPM, higher number of steps per day and more minutes of MVPA per day, with the following mean differences in PA measurements between the SGPALS ranks: CPM increased by 53 counts (95% CI: 44 to 62), steps/day increased by 925 steps (95% CI: 731 to 1118), and MVPA by 8.4 min/day (95% CI: 6.7 to 10.0). Mean difference between the highest and lowest SGPALS category was 2947 steps/day (6509 vs. 9456 steps/day) and 26.4 min/day MVPA (35.2 minutes vs 61.6 minutes). Conclusion: We found satisfactory ranking validity of SGPALS measured against accelerometry in adolescents, which was fairly stable across strata of sex, BMI, and education. However, the validity of SGPALS in providing information on absolute physical activity levels seem limited.
Dalene, Knut Eirik; Kolle, Elin; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Ekelund, Ulf & Grydeland, May [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Device-measured sedentary time in Norwegian children and adolescents in the era of ubiquitous internet access: secular changes between 2005, 2011 and 2018. International Journal of Epidemiology. ISSN 0300-5771. 51(5), p. 1556–1567. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyac063. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Access to screen-based media has been revolutionized during the past two decades. How this has affected sedentary time (ST) accumulation in children is poorly understood. Methods: This study, based on the Physical Activity among Norwegian Children Study (PANCS), uses accelerometer data from population-based samples of 9- and 15‐year-olds, collected in 2005 (n = 1722), 2011 (n = 1587) and 2018 (n = 1859). Secular changes between surveys were analysed using random-effects linear regression models adjusted for survey-specific factors. Data on ST were collected using hip-worn ActiGraphs and ST was defined using a threshold equivalent to <100 counts/min. Sedentary bouts were grouped by duration: <1, 1–5, 5–15, 15–30 and ≥30 min. Results: Between 2005 and 2018, ST increased by 29 min/day in 9-year-old boys (95% CI: 19, 39; P <0.001), by 21 min/day in 15-year-old boys (95% CI: 8, 34; P = 0.002) and by 22 min/day in 15-year-old girls (95% CI: 10, 35; P <0.001), but not in 9-year-old girls at 6 min/day (95% CI: -3, 16; P = 0.191). All age-sex groups accumulated less ST in bouts lasting <5 min and more ST in longer bouts, particularly in 5–15-min bouts. Adolescent girls also increased ST accumulation in 15–30-min and ≥30-min bouts. Changes were largely mirrored before, during and after school on weekdays and during weekend days. Conclusions: Coinciding with the introduction of smartphones, tablets and near-universal internet access, total daily ST and ST accumulated in prolonged sedentary bouts increased between 2005 and 2018 in children and adolescents.
Ikeda, Erika; Guagliano, Justin M.; Atkin, Andrew J.; Sherar, Lauren B.; Ekelund, Ulf & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of active travel, organised sport and physical education with accelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in young people: the International Children’s Accelerometry Database. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. ISSN 1479-5868. 19. doi: 10.1186/s12966-022-01282-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Physical activity (PA) declines during childhood. Important sources of PA are active travel, organised sport and physical education (PE), but it is unclear how these domain-specific PA sources contribute to (changes in) daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in young people. This study aimed to examine (1) the cross-sectional association between domain-specific physical activity (i.e., active travel, organised sport and PE) and daily minutes in accelerometer-assessed MVPA; and (2) the longitudinal association between domain-specific physical activity at baseline and change in daily minutes in MVPA. Methods Participants (baseline age 11.3 ± .1.2 years) were drawn from three studies in the International Children’s Accelerometry Database. The contribution of self-reported standardised active travel, organised sport and PE to accelerometer-measured daily minutes in MVPA was examined using linear regression. In cross-sectional analyses, MVPA was regressed on each PA domain in separate models, adjusted for study, age, sex, maternal education, season, and monitor wear time. In longitudinal analyses, change in MVPA was regressed on each of the baseline PA domains, additionally adjusting for changes in season and wear time, follow-up duration, and baseline MVPA. R-squared was used to compare variance explained by each PA domain. Results In the cross-sectional analyses (n = 3871), organised sport (standardised β = 3.81, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 3.06, 4.56) and active travel (β = 3.46, 95%CI = 2.73, 4.19) contributed more to daily MVPA than PE (β = 0.82, 95%CI = -0.02, 1.66). Compared to the base model which included only covariates (R2 = 21.5%), organised sport (absolute change: + 1.9%) and active travel (+ 1.7%) models explained more of the variance than the PE model (± < 0.1%). Associations followed a similar pattern in the longitudinal analyses (n = 2302), but none of the PA domains predicted change in MVPA (organised sport: standardised β = 0.85, 95%CI = -0.03, 1.72; active travel: β = 0.68, 95%CI = -0.14, 1.50; PE: β = 0.02, 95%CI = -0.87, 0.91). Conclusions A multi-sectoral approach covering a wide range of PA domains should be promoted to minimise the age-related decline in MVPA during childhood.
Paluch, Amanda E; Bajpai, Shivangi; Bassett, David R; Carnethon, Mercedes R; Ekelund, Ulf & Evenson, Kelly R [Show all 45 contributors for this article] (2022). Daily steps and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of 15 international cohorts. The Lancet Public Health. ISSN 2468-2667. 7(3), p. e219–e228. doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00302-9. Full text in Research Archive
Malnes, Lena Hansen; Haugen, Tommy; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kolle, Elin & Berntsen, Sveinung (2022). Establishing the Convergent Validity of the Travel Habit Questions in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Questionnaire by Quantifying Active Travel in Norwegian Adolescents. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. ISSN 2624-9367. 4. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.761723. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Active travel (cycling or walking to school) can be a substantial part of adolescents' daily physical activity. Research on transport activities primarily relies on self-reported indices of travel mode and travel time. However, many researchers do not report the psychometric properties of their instruments. The Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire is a commonly used instrument, but the items in this questionnaire on travel habits have not yet been validated. The present study was conducted to investigate the convergent validity and agreement between the HBSC items and a travel diary on (1) transport mode to and from school and (2) travel time to school. Methods: The study sample consisted of 50 participants in the 9th grade (15 ± 0.3 years, 62% girls) from seven Norwegian schools. Outcome variables included transport mode and travel time derived from the HBSC items and a five-day travel diary. Convergent validity was assessed by evaluating Cohen's kappa for travel mode and the correlation coefficient (Spearman Rho) for travel time. Simple agreement calculations between the two measurement methods were also conducted. Results: The association between the HBSC questionnaire and the diary for travel mode to and from school was κ = 0.63 (P < 0.001) and κ = 0.77 (P < 0.001), respectively. The total agreement between the HBSC questionnaire and the diary for was 78%. However, the agreement was higher for walking (88%) and cycling (91%) than for motorized transport (67%). For travel time, the Spearman correlation coefficient was ρ = 0.60 (P < 0.001) between the HBSC questionnaire and the diary. The total agreement on travel time was 67%; however, active commuters (86%) seemed to more accurately estimated travel time than motorized commuters (55%). Conclusion: Although the overall agreement between the HBSC questionnaire and the diary for mode of transport was 78%, the HBSC questionnaire may underestimate the prevalence of motorized transport compared to walking and cycling.
Tarp, Jakob; Fagerland, Morten Wang; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Jefferis, Barbara [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2021). Device-measured physical activity, adiposity and mortality: a harmonised meta-analysis of eight prospective cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. 56(13), p. 725–732. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104827. Full text in Research Archive
Nunavath, Vimala; Johansen, Sahand; Johannessen, Tommy Sandtorv; Jiao, Lei; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Deep Learning for Classifying Physical Activities from Accelerometer Data. Sensors. ISSN 1424-8220. 21(16). doi: 10.3390/s21165564. Full text in Research Archive
Migueles, Jairo H.; Aadland, Eivind; Andersen, Lars Bo; Brønd, Jan Christian; Chastin, Sebastien & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2021). GRANADA consensus on analytical approaches to assess associations with accelerometer-determined physical behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) in epidemiological studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103604. Full text in Research Archive
Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Bratteteig, Mari & Dalhaug, Emilie Frederikke Mass [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2021). Temporal trends in physical activity levels across more than a decade – a national physical activity surveillance system among Norwegian children and adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. ISSN 1479-5868. 18. doi: 10.1186/s12966-021-01120-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: There is a scarcity of device measured data on temporal changes in physical activity (PA) in large population-based samples. The purpose of this study is to describe gender and age-group specific temporal trends in device measured PA between 2005, 2011 and 2018 by comparing three nationally representative samples of children and adolescents. Methods: Norwegian children and adolescents (6, 9 and 15-year-olds) were invited to participate in 2005 (only 9- and 15-year-olds), 2011 and 2018 through cluster sampling (schools primary sampling units). A combined sample of 9500 individuals participated. Physical activity was assessed by hip worn accelerometers, with PA indices including overall PA (counts per minute), moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), and PA guideline adherence (achieving on average ≥ 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA). Random-effects linear regressions and logistic regressions adjusted for school-level clusters were used to analyse temporal trends. Findings: In total, 8186 of the participating children and adolescents provided valid PA data. Proportions of sufficiently active 6-year-olds were almost identical in 2011 and 2018; boys 95% (95% CI: 92, 97) and 94% (95%CI: 92, 96) and girls 86% (95% CI: 83, 90) and 86% (95% CI: 82, 90). Proportions of sufficiently active 15-year-olds in 2005 and 2018 were 52% (95% CI: 46, 59) and 55% (95% CI: 48, 62) in boys, and 48% (95% CI: 42, 55) and 44% (95% CI: 37, 51) in girls, respectively, resulting from small differences in min/day of MVPA. Among 9-year-old boys and girls, proportions of sufficiently active declined between 2005 and 2018, from 90% (95% CI: 87, 93) to 84% (95% CI: 80, 87)) and 74% (95% CI: 69, 79) to 68% (95% CI: 64, 72), respectively. This resulted from 9.7 min/day less MVPA in boys (95% CI: − 14.8, − 4.7; p < 0.001) and 3.2 min/day less MVPA (95% CI: − 7.0, 0.7; p = 0.106) in girls. Conclusions: PA levels have been fairly stable between 2005, 2011 and 2018 in Norwegian youth. However, the declining PA level among 9-year-old boys and the low proportion of 15-year-olds sufficiently active is concerning. To evaluate the effect of, and plan for new, PA promoting strategies, it is important to ensure more frequent, systematic, device-based monitoring of population-levels of PA.
Bjørnarå, Helga Birgit; Westergren, Thomas; Sejersted, Ellen; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Does organized sports participation in childhood and adolescence positively influence health? A review of reviews. Preventive Medicine Reports. ISSN 2211-3355. 23. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101425. Full text in Research Archive
Ekelund, Ulf; Tarp, Jakob; Fagerland, Morten Wang; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Jefferis, Barbara [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2020). Joint associations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with all-cause mortality: a harmonised meta-analysis in more than 44 000 middle-aged and older individuals. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. 54(24), p. 1499–1506. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103270. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives: To examine the joint associations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with all-cause mortality. Methods: We conducted a harmonised meta-analysis including nine prospective cohort studies from four countries. 44 370 men and women were followed for 4.0 to 14.5 years during which 3451 participants died (7.8% mortality rate). Associations between different combinations of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were analysed at study level using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and summarised using random effects meta-analysis. Results: Across cohorts, the average time spent sedentary ranged from 8.5 hours/day to 10.5 hours/day and 8 min/day to 35 min/day for MVPA. Compared with the referent group (highest physical activity/lowest sedentary time), the risk of death increased with lower levels of MVPA and greater amounts of sedentary time. Among those in the highest third of MVPA, the risk of death was not statistically different from the referent for those in the middle (16%; 95% CI 0.87% to 1.54%) and highest (40%; 95% CI 0.87% to 2.26%) thirds of sedentary time. Those in the lowest third of MVPA had a greater risk of death in all combinations with sedentary time; 65% (95% CI 1.25% to 2.19%), 65% (95% CI 1.24% to 2.21%) and 263% (95% CI 1.93% to 3.57%), respectively. Conclusion: Higher sedentary time is associated with higher mortality in less active individuals when measured by accelerometry. About 30–40 min of MVPA per day attenuate the association between sedentary time and risk of death, which is lower than previous estimates from self-reported data.
Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Kolle, Elin; Northstone, Kate & Møller, Niels Christian [Show all 51 contributors for this article] (2020). Variations in accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary time across Europe – harmonized analyses of 47,497 children and adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. ISSN 1479-5868. 17. doi: 10.1186/s12966-020-00930-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Levels of physical activity and variation in physical activity and sedentary time by place and person in European children and adolescents are largely unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the variations in objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents across Europe. Methods: Six databases were systematically searched to identify pan-European and national data sets on physical activity and sedentary time assessed by the same accelerometer in children (2 to 9.9 years) and adolescents (≥10 to 18 years). We harmonized individual-level data by reprocessing hip-worn raw accelerometer data files from 30 different studies conducted between 1997 and 2014, representing 47,497 individuals (2–18 years) from 18 different European countries. Results: Overall, a maximum of 29% (95% CI: 25, 33) of children and 29% (95% CI: 25, 32) of adolescents were categorized as sufficiently physically active. We observed substantial country- and region-specific differences in physical activity and sedentary time, with lower physical activity levels and prevalence estimates in Southern European countries. Boys were more active and less sedentary in all age-categories. The onset of age-related lowering or leveling-off of physical activity and increase in sedentary time seems to become apparent at around 6 to 7 years of age. Conclusions: Two third of European children and adolescents are not sufficiently active. Our findings suggest substantial gender-, country- and region-specific differences in physical activity. These results should encourage policymakers, governments, and local and national stakeholders to take action to facilitate an increase in the physical activity levels of young people across Europe.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Ekelund, Ulf; Fagerland, Morten; Kolle, Elin & Steene-Johannessen, Jostein [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Step by step: Association of device‐measured daily steps with all‐cause mortality - A prospective cohort Study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 30(9), p. 1705–1711. doi: 10.1111/sms.13726. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction: Walking is free, does not require special training, and can be done almost everywhere. Therefore, walking is a feasible behavior on which to tailor public health messages. This study assesses the prospective association and dose‐response relationship between daily steps and all‐cause mortality. Materials and Methods: Daily steps were measured by waist‐mounted accelerometers in 2183 individuals (53% women) for seven consecutive days at baseline (2008‐09). Participants were followed for a median period of 9.1 years and associations between steps and all‐cause mortality determined by registry linkage were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustment for relevant covariates. Results: Mean age was 57.0 (SD 10.9) years at baseline. Median (IQR) daily steps across ascending quartiles were 4651 (3495‐5325), 6862 (6388‐7350), 8670 (8215‐9186), and 11 467 (10 556‐13 110), respectively. During follow‐up, 119 individuals died (68% men). Higher number of daily steps was associated with a lower risk of all‐cause mortality with hazard ratios of 1.00 (referent), 0.52 (0.29‐0.93), 0.50 (0.27‐0.94), and 0.43 (0.21‐0.88) across ascending quartiles of daily steps in the multivariable‐adjusted model with follow‐up commencing 2 years after baseline. Risk differences per 1000 individuals for ascending quartiles were 6.8 (2.9‐9.3), 7.1 (0.8‐11.1), and 8.0 (1.7‐12.1), respectively. Conclusions: Daily steps were associated with lower mortality risk in a non‐linear dose‐response pattern. The risk is almost halved when comparing the least active referent against the second quartile equivalent to a difference of about 2200 daily steps. Encouraging those least active to increase their daily steps may have substantial public health implications.
Bernhardsen, Guro Pauck; Stensrud, Trine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Kolle, Elin & Nystad, Wenche [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2020). Birth weight, cardiometabolic risk factors and effect modification of physical activity in children and adolescents: pooled data from 12 international studies. International Journal of Obesity. ISSN 0307-0565. 44(10), p. 2052–2063. doi: 10.1038/s41366-020-0612-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives: Low and high birth weight is associated with higher levels of cardiometabolic risk factors and adiposity in children and adolescents, and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and early mortality later in life. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with lower cardiometabolic risk factors and may mitigate the detrimental consequences of high or low birth weight. Thus, we examined whether MVPA modified the associations between birth weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. Methods: We used pooled individual data from 12 cohort- or cross-sectional studies including 9,100 children and adolescents. Birth weight was measured at birth or maternally reported retrospectively. Device-measured physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic risk factors were measured in childhood or adolescence. We tested for associations between birth weight, MVPA, and cardiometabolic risk factors using multilevel linear regression, including study as a random factor. We tested for interaction between birth weight and MVPA by introducing the interaction term in the models (birth weight x MVPA). Results: Most of the associations between birth weight (kg) and cardiometabolic risk factors were not modified by MVPA (min/day), except between birth weight and waist circumference (cm) in children (p = 0.005) and HDL-cholesterol (mmol/l) in adolescents (p = 0.040). Sensitivity analyses suggested that some of the associations were modified by VPA, i.e., the associations between birth weight and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) in children (p = 0.009) and LDL- cholesterol (mmol/l) (p = 0.009) and triglycerides (mmol/l) in adolescents (p = 0.028). Conclusion: MVPA appears not to consistently modify the associations between low birth weight and cardiometabolic risk. In contrast, MVPA may mitigate the association between higher birth weight and higher waist circumference in children. MVPA is consistently associated with a lower cardiometabolic risk across the birth weight spectrum. Optimal prenatal growth and subsequent PA are both important in relation to cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents.
Aadland, Eivind; Kvalheim, Olav Martin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kriemler, Susi; Ried-Larsen, Mathias & Wedderkopp, Niels [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2020). The multivariate physical activity signature associated with metabolic health in children and youth: An International Children's Accelerometry Database (ICAD) analysis. Preventive Medicine. ISSN 0091-7435. 141. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106266. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
There is solid evidence for an association between physical activity and metabolic health outcomes in children and youth, but for methodological reasons most studies describe the intensity spectrum using only a few summary measures. We aimed to determine the multivariate physical activity intensity signature associated with metabolic health in a large and diverse sample of children and youth, by investigating the association pattern for the entire physical intensity spectrum. We used pooled data from 11 studies and 11,853 participants aged 5.8–18.4 years included in the International Children's Accelerometry Database. We derived 14 accelerometry-derived (ActiGraph) physical activity variables covering the intensity spectrum (from 0–99 to ≥8000 counts per minute). To handle the multicollinearity among these variables, we used multivariate pattern analysis to establish the associations with indices of metabolic health (abdominal fatness, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, blood pressure). A composite metabolic health score was used as the main outcome variable. Associations with the composite metabolic health score were weak for sedentary time and light physical activity, but gradually strengthened with increasing time spent in moderate and vigorous intensities (up to 4000–5000 counts per minute). Association patterns were fairly consistent across sex and age groups, but varied across different metabolic health outcomes. This novel analytic approach suggests that vigorous intensity, rather than less intense activities or sedentary behavior, are related to metabolic health in children and youth.
Stålesen, Jarle Hansen; Westergren, Thomas; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung (2020). A Mapping Review of Physical Activity Recordings Derived From Smartphone Accelerometers. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. ISSN 1543-3080. 17(11), p. 1184–1192. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0041.
Tarp, Jakob; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Fagerland, Morten; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Ekelund, Ulf (2020). Accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time in a cohort of US adults followed for up to 13 years: The influence of removing early follow-up on associations with mortality. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. ISSN 1479-5868. 17. doi: 10.1186/s12966-020-00945-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Observational studies linking physical activity with mortality are susceptible to reverse causation bias from undiagnosed and prevalent diseases. Researchers often attempt to deal with reverse causation bias by excluding deaths occurring within the first 1 or 2 years from the analysis, but it is unclear if excluding deaths within this time-frame is sufficient to remove bias. Methods: We examined associations between total and intensity-specific physical activity and sedentary time with all-cause mortality in a prospective cohort of 3542 individuals from the 2003–2006 NHANES cycles. In order to yield measures of association hypothesized as minimally influenced by reverse causation bias the primary analysis excluded individuals with < 5 years of follow-up. Accelerometer-measured physical activity was linked with recently updated vital status from the National Death Index with a median follow-up of 10.8 years. Results: Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.74 (0.53, 1.04), 0.52 (0.37, 0.73), and 0.61 (0.38, 1.01) for ascending quartiles of total physical activity against the least active reference. Hazard ratios for ascending moderate-to-vigorous physical activity quartiles against the reference were 0.67 (0.47, 1.96), 0.67 (0.47, 0.95), and 0.68 (0.39, 1.18). Associations for light intensity physical activity and sedentary time were smaller in magnitude and all confidence intervals included unity. Total activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity hazard ratios from analyses only excluding deaths within the first 2 years were inflated by 13 and 26% relative to analysis restricted to ≥5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: The pattern of associations suggested total physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower mortality after more than 10 years of follow-up and excluding the first 5 years of observation time to minimize the impact of reverse causation bias. Excluding deaths within the first 2 years appeared insufficient to minimize the impact of reserve causation bias.
Ulvestad, Mariann; Durheim, Michael; Kongerud, Johny; Hansen, Bjørge Herman; Samersaw-Lund, May Brit & Edvardsen, Elisabeth (2020). Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity following Lung Transplantation: A National Cohort Study. Respiration. ISSN 0025-7931. 99(4), p. 316–324. doi: 10.1159/000506883. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Low cardiorespiratory fitness and inactivity are common after lung transplantation (LTx). The causes of exercise intolerance are incompletely understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to objectively assess cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity, evaluate causes of exercise intolerance, and explore clinical factors associated with cardiorespiratory fitness after bilateral LTx (BLTx). Materials and Methods: Peak oxygen uptake (V∙O2peak) and exercise-limiting factors were evaluated by a treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) 6–60 months after BLTx. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and results were compared with Norwegian normative data and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for physical activity. Results: In 54 included BLTx recipients (mean age 50 ± 15 years, 50% females), V∙O2peak (mL × kg–1 × min–1) was 21.8 ± 7.7 for men and 22.4 ± 6.2 for women, corresponding to 57 ± 17 and 70 ± 12% of predicted, respectively. Three patients (6%) met criteria for normal V∙O2peak. Deconditioning limited V∙O2peak in 22 patients (41%), while ventilatory limitation and abnormal gas exchange were observed in 14 (26%) and 20 (37%) patients, respectively (some had more than 1 finding). Forty-three patients (86%) did not meet the WHO physical activity recommendations. There was a moderate correlation between V∙O2peak and physical activity (r = 0.642, p < 0.01). Body mass index, physical activity, forced expiratory volume after 1 second, sex, and hemoglobin together accounted for 73% of the variability in V∙O2peak. Conclusions: Low cardiorespiratory fitness was observed in the majority of BLTx recipients. Both deconditioning and cardiopulmonary limitations were common findings. Nearly 90% were classified as being inactive according to physical activity recommendations. CPET appears to identify a deconditioned subgroup of BLTx recipients for whom exercise training may be especially beneficial.
Beldo, Sigurd; Morseth, Bente; Christoffersen, Tore; Halvorsen, Peder Andreas; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Furberg, Anne-Sofie [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Prevalence of accelerometer-measured physical activity in adolescents in Fit Futures - part of the Tromsø Study. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 20. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09171-w. Full text in Research Archive
Sagelv, Edvard Hamnvik; Hopstock, Laila Arnesdatter; Johansson, Jonas; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Søren, Brage & Horsch, Alexander [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Criterion validity of two physical activity and one sedentary time questionnaire against accelerometry in a large cohort of adults and older adults. BMJ Open sport & exercise medicine. ISSN 2055-7647. 6. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000661. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives: We compared the ability of physical activity and sitting time questionnaires (PAQ) for ranking individuals versus continuous volume calculations (physical activity level (PAL), metabolic equivalents of task (MET), sitting hours) against accelerometry measured physical activity as our criterion. Methods: Participants in a cohort from the Tromsø Study completed three questionnaires; (1) The Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS) (n=4040); (2) The Physical Activity Frequency, Intensity and Duration (PAFID) questionnaire (n=5902)) calculated as MET-hours·week-1 and (3) The International Physical Activity questionnaire (IPAQ) short-form sitting question (n=4896). We validated the questionnaires against the following accelerometry (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) estimates: vector magnitude counts per minute, steps∙day-1, time (minutes·day-1) in sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) non-bouted and ≥10 min bouted MVPA. Results: Ranking of physical activity according to the SGPALS and quartiles (Q) of MET-hours∙week-1 from the PAFID were both positively associated with accelerometry estimates of physical activity (p<0.001) but correlations with accelerometry estimates were weak (SGPALS (PAL): r=0.11 to 0.26, p<0.001) and weak-to-moderate (PAFID: r=0.39 to 0.44, p<0.01). There was 1 hour of accelerometry measured sedentary time from Q1 to Q4 in the IPAQ sitting question (p<0.001) and also weak correlations (r=0.22, p<0.01). Conclusion: Ranking of physical activity levels measured with PAQs appears to have higher validity than energy expenditure calculations. Self-reported sedentary time poorly reflects accelerometry measured sedentary time. These two PAQs can be used for ranking individuals into different physical activity categories supporting previous studies using these instruments when assessing associations with health outcomes.
Renninger, Marius; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Kriemler, Susi; Froberg, Karsten & Northstone, Kate [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Associations between accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary time and the metabolic syndrome: A meta-analysis of more than 6000 children and adolescents. Pediatric Obesity. ISSN 2047-6302. 15, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12578. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Metabolic syndrome is increasingly prevalent in the pediatric population. To prevent an early onset, knowledge about its association with modifiable lifestyle factors is needed. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and examine its cross‐sectional associations with physical activity and sedentary time. Methods: Participants were 6009 children and adolescents from 8 studies of the International Children's Accelerometry Database. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometer. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on International Diabetes Federation criteria. Logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age and monitor wear time were used to examine the associations between physical activity, sedentary time and the metabolic syndrome in each study and effect estimates were combined using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 2.9%. In crude models, a 10 min increase in moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity and vigorous‐intensity physical activity were inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome [OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82‐0.94, OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70‐0.92]. One hour increase in sedentary time was positively associated with the metabolic syndrome [OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13‐1.45]. After adjustment for sedentary time, the association between moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity and the metabolic syndrome remained significant [OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84‐0.99]. Sedentary time was not associated with the metabolic syndrome after adjustment for moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity [OR 1.14 95% CI 0.96‐1.36]. Conclusions: Physical activity of at least moderate intensity but not sedentary time is independently associated with the metabolic syndrome.
Ekelund, Ulf; Tarp, Jakob; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Jefferis, Barbara & Fagerland, Morten [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2019). Dose-response associations between accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary time and all cause mortality: systematic review and harmonised meta-analysis. The BMJ. ISSN 1756-1833. 366. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l4570. Full text in Research Archive
Sagelv, Edvard Hamnvik; Ekelund, Ulf; Pedersen, Sigurd; Brage, Søren; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Johansson, Jonas [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2019). Physical activity levels in adults and elderly from triaxial and uniaxial accelerometry. The Tromsø Study. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 14:e0225670(12), p. 1–17. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225670. Full text in Research Archive
Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kolle, Elin & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2019). Are fitness club members likely to meet the current physical activity recommendations? Translational Sports Medicine (TSM). ISSN 2573-8488. 3(2), p. 75–83. doi: 10.1002/tsm2.120.
Berntsen, Kristin Schjander; Edvardsen, Elisabeth; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Flatø, Berit; Sjaastad, Ivar & Sanner, Helga (2019). Cardiorespiratory fitness in long-term juvenile dermatomyositis: A controlled, cross-sectional study of active/inactive disease. Rheumatology. ISSN 1462-0324. 58(3), p. 492–501. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/key342. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives. To compare cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) between patients with long-term JDM and controls and between patients with active and inactive disease, as well as to explore exercise limiting factors and associations between CRF and disease variables. Methods. JDM patients (n=45) and age- and gender-matched controls (n=45) performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill until exhaustion. Physical activity was measured by accelerometers. Disease activity, damage and muscle strength/function were assessed by validated tools. Clinically inactive disease was defined according to PRINTO criteria. Results. The mean disease duration was 20.8 (S.D. 11.9) years and 29/45 (64%) patients had inactive disease. A low VO2max was found in 27% of patients vs 4% of controls (P = 0.006). The mean VO2max and maximal ventilation (VEmax) were lower in patients with active and inactive disease compared with controls. Patients with active disease also had lower maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) compared with controls and lower VEmax and MVV compared with those with inactive disease. Patients with inactive disease had lower physical activity levels compared with controls. VO2max correlated negatively with disease damage in patients with inactive disease and positively with muscle strength/function in patients with active disease. Conclusion. CRF was lower in JDM patients, both with active and inactive disease, compared with controls after a mean 20 years disease duration. Cardiopulmonary exercise test results suggested different limiting factors contributing to the reduced CRF according to disease activity, including deconditioning in inactive disease and reduced ventilatory capacity in active disease. Further research is needed to verify this.
Risum, Kristine; Edvardsen, Elisabeth; Godang, Kristin; Selvaag, Anne Marit G; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Molberg, Øyvind [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Physical Fitness in Patients With Oligoarticular and Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis diagnosed in the era of biologics: A controlled cross-sectional study. Arthritis care & research. ISSN 2151-464X. 71(12), p. 1611–1620. doi: 10.1002/acr.23818.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein & Kolle, Elin (2018). Status fysisk aktivitet og fysisk form i befolkningen. In Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde; Berntsen, Sveinung & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (Ed.), Fysisk aktivitet og helse: Fra begrepsforståelse til implementering av kunnskap. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202568313. p. 92–113.
Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Grydeland, May & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2018). Måling av fysisk aktivitet og fysisk form. In Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde; Berntsen, Sveinung & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (Ed.), Fysisk aktivitet og helse: Fra begrepsforståelse til implementering av kunnskap. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202568313. p. 62–91.
Risum, Kristine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Selvaag, Anne Marit G; Molberg, Øyvind; Dagfinrud, Hanne & Sanner, Helga (2018). Physical activity in patients with oligo- and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosed in the era of biologics: A controlled cross-sectional study. Pediatric Rheumatology. ISSN 1546-0096. 16(64). doi: 10.1186/s12969-018-0281-6. Full text in Research Archive
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kolle, Elin; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Ekelund, Ulf & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2018). Monitoring population levels of physical activity and sedentary time in Norway across the lifespan. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. doi: 10.1111/sms.13314. Show summary
Purpose: The pandemic of physical inactivity is recognized globally but there is a scarcity of studies employing valid and reliable assessment methods of physical activity (PA) across the lifespan. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of objectively measured PA, sedentary time, and prevalence of meeting PA recommendations, in a population‐based sample of Norwegian children, adolescents and adults. Methods: Children and adolescents (6, 9 and 15‐year‐olds) were surveyed in 2011, and adults and older people (20‐85‐year‐olds) were surveyed in 2014/15, including more than 8000 individuals. Anthropometric data were measured in children and adolescents and self‐reported in the adult sample. PA was assessed by ActiGraph accelerometers for seven consecutive days, and PA indices include total PA (counts per minute), intensity‐specific PA, and adherence to PA recommendations. Results: Six‐year‐olds are 21% and 70% more active than 9‐ and 15‐year‐olds, respectively (P < 0.001). Nine‐year‐olds are 40% more active compared to 15‐year‐olds (P < 0.001). Moving from adolescence (15‐year‐olds) into adulthood (20‐65 years) yields a further reduction in total PA by 18%. Among six‐, nine‐ and 15‐year olds, 90%, 77%, and 48% meet the current PA recommendations, respectively, while adherence among adults and older people are 33% and 31%, respectively. Overweight and obese individuals had lower odds of meeting PA recommendations. Conclusions: The results from the Norwegian surveillance system indicate a strong association between age and indices of physical activity. The vast majority of Norwegian adults do not meet the PA recommendations and public health action are needed to increase PA in Norway.
Dalene, Knut Eirik; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Andersen, Lars Bo; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Ekelund, Ulf & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Cross-sectional and prospective associations between sleep, screen time, active school travel, sports/exercise participation and physical activity in children and adolescents. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 18(1). doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5610-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate how sleep, screen time, active school travel and sport and/or exercise participation associates with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in nationally representative samples of Norwegian 9- and 15-y-olds, and whether these four behaviors at age nine predict change in MVPA from age nine to 15 years. Method: We pooled cross-sectional accelerometer and questionnaire data from 9- (n = 2366) and 15-y-olds (n = 1554) that participated in the first (2005/06) and second (2011/12) wave of the Physical Activity among Norwegian Children Study to investigate cross-sectional associations. To investigate prospective associations, we used data from a sub-sample that participated in both waves (at age nine and 15 years, n = 517). Results: Cross-sectional analyses indicated a modest, inverse association between screen time and MVPA among 9- (− 2.2 min/d (95% CI: -3.1, − 1.3)) and 15-y-olds (− 1.7 min/d (95% CI: -2.7, − 0.8)). Compared to their peers with 0–5 min/d of active travel to school, 9- and 15-y-olds with ≥16 min/d accumulated 7.2 (95% CI: 4.0, 10.4) and 9.0 (95% CI: 3.8, 14.1) more min/d of MVPA, respectively. Nine-y-old boys and 15-y-olds reporting ≥8 h/week of sports and/or exercise participation accumulated 14.7 (95% CI: 8.2, 21.3) and 17.9 (95% CI: 14.0, 21.8) more min/d of MVPA, respectively, than those reporting ≤2 h/week. We found no cross-sectional association between sleep duration and MVPA in either age group. None of the four behaviors predicted change in MVPA from age nine to 15 years (p ≥ 0.102). Conclusion: Active travel to school and sport/exercise participation may be important targets for future interventions aimed at increasing MVPA in children and adolescents. However, future studies are needed to determine causality.
Andersen, Eivind; Holmen, Tom Langerud; Egeland, Jens; Martinsen, Egil Wilhelm; Bigseth, Therese Torgersen & Bang-Kittilsen, Gry [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Physical activity pattern and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with schizophrenia compared with a population-based sample. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.05.038. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objective: Thorough description of objectively assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary time in people with schizophrenia is lacking, and previous studies comparing PA and cardiorespiratory fitness levels with healthy controls are limited by their small sample size and/or poor methodology. Method: PA, sedentary behavior, and cardiorespiratory fitness level were assessed in 67 adults diagnosed with schizophrenia (EPHAPS study) and compared with a population-based sample of 2809 adults (NPASS study). Results: Fifty-five percent of the participants with schizophrenia had the unhealthy combination of not meeting the PA recommendations and sitting >7.5 h per day compared to 32% in the population-based sample. The PA level was especially low on weekday afternoons and evenings and throughout most of the day on weekends. The peak oxygen uptake for EPHAPS women was on average 23% lower than that for NPASS women, while EPHAPS men achieved on average 34% lower oxygen uptake on the exercise test compared with NPASS men. Conclusion: People with schizophrenia are significantly less physically active, more sedentary, and have a poorer cardiorespiratory fitness level compared with the general population. Tailor-made PA interventions for people with schizophrenia should target their PA and sedentary behavior on afternoons and weekends especially.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Andersen, Lars Bo; Hildebrand, Maria; Kolle, Elin & Steene-Johannessen, Jostein [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2018). Cross-sectional associations of reallocating time between sedentary and active behaviours on cardiometabolic risk factors in young people : an International Children’s Accelerometry Database (ICAD) analysis. Sports Medicine. ISSN 0112-1642. 48(10), p. 2401–2412. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-0909-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction Sedentary time and time spent in various intensity-specific physical activity are co-dependent, and increasing time spent in one behaviour requires decreased time in another. Objective The aim of the present study was to examine the theoretical associations with reallocating time between categories of intensities and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large and heterogeneous sample of children and adolescents. Methods We analysed pooled data from 13 studies comprising 18,200 children and adolescents aged 4–18 years from the International Children’s Accelerometry Database (ICAD). Waist-mounted accelerometers measured sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Cardiometabolic risk factors included waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), triglycerides, insulin, and glucose. Associations of reallocating time between the various intensity categories with cardiometabolic risk factors were explored using isotemporal substitution modelling. Results Replacing 10 min of sedentary time with 10 min of MVPA showed favourable associations with WC, SBP, LDL-C, insulin, triglycerides, and glucose; the greatest magnitude was observed for insulin (reduction of 2–4%), WC (reduction of 0.5–1%), and triglycerides (1–2%). In addition, replacing 10 min of sedentary time with an equal amount of LPA showed beneficial associations with WC, although only in adolescents. Conclusions Replacing sedentary time and/or LPA with MVPA in children and adolescents is favourably associated with most markers of cardiometabolic risk. Efforts aimed at replacing sedentary time with active behaviours, particularly those of at least moderate intensity, appear to be an effective strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk in young people.
Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Rosenvinge, Jan H; Friborg, Oddgeir; Pettersen, Gunn; Stensrud, Trine & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2018). Body composition and physical fitness in women with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders. ISSN 0276-3478. 51(4), p. 331–342. doi: 10.1002/eat.22841. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objective:Knowledge about physical fitness in women with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge-eatingdisorder (BED) is sparse. Previous studies have measured physical activity largely through self-report, and physical fitness variables are mainly restricted to body mass index (BMI) and bone min-eral density. We expanded the current knowledge in these groups by including a wider range ofphysical fitness indicators and objective measures of physical activity, assessed the influence of ahistory of anorexia nervosa (AN), and evaluated predictive variables for physical fitness.Method:Physical activity, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength, bodycomposition, and bone mineral density were measured in 156 women with BN or BED, with mean(SD) age 28.4 years (5.7) and BMI 25.3 (4.8) kg m22.Results:Level of physical activity was higher than normative levels, still<50% met the officialphysical activity recommendation. Fitness in women with BN were on an average comparable withrecommendations or normative levels, while women with BED had lower CRF and higher BMI,VAT, and body fat percentage. We found 10–12% with masked obesity. A history of AN did notpredict current physical fitness, still values for current body composition were lower when compar-ing those with history of AN to those with no such history.Discussion:Overall, participants with BN or BED displayed adequate physical fitness; however, ahigh number had unfavorable CRF and body composition. This finding calls for inclusion of physicalfitness in routine clinical examinations and guided physical activity and dietary recommendationsin the treatment of BN and BED.
Atkin, Andrew J; Biddle, Stuart JH; Broyles, Stephanie T; Chinapaw, Mai; Ekelund, Ulf & Esliger, Dale W. [Show all 25 contributors for this article] (2017). Harmonising data on the correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in young people: Methods and lessons learnt from the international Children's Accelerometry database (ICAD). International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. ISSN 1479-5868. 14(1). doi: 10.1186/s12966-017-0631-7. Full text in Research Archive
Solbraa, Ane; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Holme, Ingar Morten K; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Ashe, Maureen C (2017). The built environment correlates of objectively measured physical activity in Norwegian adults: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Sport and Health Science. ISSN 2095-2546. 7(1), p. 19–26. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2017.11.002. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Built environments that are designed to provide accessible, attractive, and convenient locales promote regular physical activity (PA). Norway has great variability in its geographic, natural, and built environment features. Urban areas have well-developed built environment features, whereas the rural areas are less walkable and this may influence the mode of transport. In general, active transport is more common in urban centers. Further, public transportation is more developed in urban areas, whereas motorized transport may be more widespread in the rural areas. Despite this, in Sogn & Fjordane, a rural county in western Norway, high PA levels are frequently observed. Thus, the aims of this study were to (1) explore perceived built environment features and characterize their associations with objectively measured PA levels in Norwegian adults and (2) explore the differences in these correlates between Sogn & Fjordane and the rest of Norway. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants used questionnaires to rate perceptions of their built environments, and their PA was objectively measured for 7 consecutive days using the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer. There were 972 Norwegian adults who were included in the study. The average age was 46.9 ± 6.5 years and 43.8% of participants were men. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results: Total PA and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were both associated with perceived walkability, the community perception score, and active transport for commuting (all p ≤ 0.004). We also observed geographic-area-specific associations: the community perception score was negatively associated with total PA and MVPA in the rest of Norway (p ≤ 0.012) but not in Sogn & Fjordane. Public transport for commuting was positively associated with MVPA in Sogn & Fjordane (p = 0.03) but not in the rest of Norway. Conclusion: Total PA level and MVPA were associated with built environment factors, such as perceptions of community, perceived walkability, and engaging in active transport for commuting. Geographic differences in the PA correlates were observed, and thus, locally customized environmental population approaches aimed at increasing PA levels may be essential complements to individual behavior and lifestyle strategies. Further, objective measures of Norwegian built environments, such as geographic information system data, and validated walk- and bike-scores would advance the field.
Kuzik, Nicholas; Carson, Valerie; Andersen, Lars Bo; Sardinha, Luís B.; Grøntved, Anders & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Associations with Metabolic Health Across Weight Statuses in Children and Adolescents. Obesity. ISSN 1930-7381. 25(10), p. 1762–1769. doi: 10.1002/oby.21952. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic health across weight statuses and the associations of physical activity and sedentary time within and across metabolic health-weight status groups. Methods: Six studies (n = 4,581) from the International Children's Accelerometry Database were used. Sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were accelerometer derived. Individuals were classified with normal weight (NW), overweight, or obesity. Strict and lenient composite definitions of metabolic health were created. Binomial and multinomial logistic regressions controlling for age, sex, study, and accelerometer wear time were conducted. Results: The metabolically unhealthy (MU) prevalence was 26.4% and 45.6% based on two definitions. Across definitions, more sedentary time was associated with higher odds of MU classification compared with metabolically healthy (MH) classification for the NW group. More MVPA was associated with lower odds of MU classification than MH classification for NW and overweight groups. For multinomial logistic regressions, more MVPA was associated with lower odds of MH-obesity classification, as well as MU-NW, -overweight, and -obesity classifications, compared with the MH-NW group. Furthermore, more sedentary time was associated with higher odds of MU-NW classification compared with the MH-NW group. Conclusions: More MVPA was beneficial for metabolic health and weight status, whereas lower sedentary time was beneficial for metabolic health alone, although associations were weak.
Ekelund, Ulf; Kolle, Elin; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Nilsen, Ada Kristine Ofrim & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity and associations with body weight gain: does body weight determine a decline in moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity? International Journal of Obesity. ISSN 0307-0565. 41(12), p. 1769–1774. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2017.186. Show summary
OBJECTIVES: High levels of physical activity (PA) may prevent the development of obesity. However, the magnitude and direction of the association between PA of various intensities, sedentary time and weight status remain unclear. Thus, we examined whether objectively measured sedentary time and PA independently predict gain in body weight, change in body weight and to examine the possibility of reverse causation. METHODS: We examined the prospective associations between sedentary time, PA and body weight (BW). Baseline measurements were conducted in 2008/2009 and follow-up measurements in 2014/2015 in a random sample of the adult Norwegian population (N = 1710, 45.1% men). Moderate and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and sedentary time were measured by accelerometry and BW and height self-reported. We first modelled the associations between baseline sedentary time and PA with BW at follow-up. We then modelled the reverse associations (BW as the exposure) and sedentary time and PA (as outcomes) in separate models. All models were adjusted for age, sex, baseline value of the outcome, socio-economic status, alcohol consumption, smoking, monitor wear time and follow-up time. RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI) increased by 0.2 units (P = 0.003) between baseline and follow-up, and 46.5% of participants were either overweight (36.4%) or obese (10.1%) at baseline increasing to 49.6% (11.7% obese) at follow-up. Baseline sedentary time, MVPA and vigorous PA were not associated with BW at follow-up after adjustment for covariates. In contrast, baseline BW was inversely associated with MVPA (β = − 0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI); − 0.21, − 0.009) and VPA (β = − 0.035; 95% CI; − 0.059, − 0.011) in adjusted models. These associations were unchanged when BW was substituted by BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline BW seems to determine a decrease in MVPA in healthy adult Norwegian men and women, more so than the reverse.
Dalene, Knut Eirik; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Andersen, Lars Bo; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Ekelund, Ulf & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Secular and longitudinal physical activity changes in population-based samples of children and adolescents. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 28(1), p. 161–171. doi: 10.1111/sms.12876. Show summary
The aims of this study were to investigate whether physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in 9-and 15-year- olds differed between 2005-2006 and 2011-2012 (secular change), and to investigate changes in PA and ST from age 9 to 15 (longitudinal change). In 2005-2006, we invited nationally representative samples of Norwegian 9-( n=1470) and 15-year- olds (n=1348) to participate. In 2011-2012, we invited a new nationally representative sample of 9-year- olds (n=1945), whereas 15-year- olds (n=1759) were invited to participate either based on previous participation in 2005-2006 or from a random sample of schools. We assessed PA and ST objectively using accelerometers. In 2011-2012, both 9-and 15-year- olds spent more time sedentary (≥35.7 min/d, P<.001) and less time in light PA (≥35.2 min/d, P<.001) compared to their peers in 2005-2006. Nine-year- old girls also spent less time in moderate-to- vigorous PA (MVPA) (4.2 min/d, P=.041). In both age groups, the proportion accumulating an average of 60 min/d of MVPA did not differ between the two cohorts. From age 9 to 15, girls and boys decreased their time spent in LPA (≥106.7 min/d, P<.001) and in MVPA (≥20.8 min/d, P<.001). During the same period, ST increased by a mean of >2 h/d (P<.011). We observed an adverse secular change in PA from 2005-2006 to 2011-2012 among 9-and 15-year- olds, and a large decline in PA in the participants followed longitudinally from age 9 to 15 years.
Dalene, Knut Eirik; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Andersen, Lars Bo; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Ekelund, Ulf & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Cross-sectional and prospective associations between physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference in children and adolescents. Obesity Science & Practice. ISSN 2055-2238. 3(3), p. 249–257. doi: 10.1002/osp4.114. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objective: To study the cross-sectional and prospective associations between physical activity (PA) of different intensities, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in children and adolescents using isotemporal substitution modelling. Methods: Physical activity (accelerometry), BMI and WC were assessed in 6- (n = 970), 9- (n = 2,423) and 15-year-olds (n = 1,544) in 2005/2006 and 2011/2012. Participants aged 9 years in 2005/2006 were followed prospectively to 2011/12 (age 15). Associations between PA of different intensities (light, moderate and vigorous), BMI and WC were examined using isotemporal substitution models. Results: Substituting 10 min per day of sedentary time with light PA was associated with higher WC (0.17 to 0.29 cm, p ≤ 0.003)) in all age groups. Substituting 10 min per day of sedentary time with moderate PA was associated with lower WC in 6- and 9-year-olds (−0.32 to −0.47 cm, p ≤ 0.013)). Substituting 10 min per day of sedentary time with vigorous PA was associated with lower WC in 9- and 15-year-olds (−1.08 to −1.79 cm, p ≤ 0.015)). Associations were similar with BMI as the outcome. In prospective analyses, substituting sedentary time with light, moderate or vigorous PA at age 9 was not associated with BMI or WC at age 15. Conclusion: Substituting sedentary time with moderate PA appears favourably associated with adiposity in children, whereas vigorous PA may be required in adolescents. Cross-sectional associations were not replicated in prospective analyses.
Dyrstad, Sindre Mikal; Edvardsen, Elisabeth; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2017). Waist circumference thresholds and cardiorespiratory fitness. Journal of Sport and Health Science. ISSN 2095-2546. 8(1), p. 17–22. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2017.03.011. Full text in Research Archive
Medin, Anine Christine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Astrup, Helene; Ekelund, Ulf & Andersen, Lene Frost (2017). Validation of energy intake from a web-based food recall for children and adolescents. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 12(6). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178921. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The purpose of this study was to validate estimated energy intake from a web-based food recall, designed for children and adolescents. We directly compared energy intake to estimates of total energy expenditure, calculated from accelerometer outputs, combined with data on weight and sex or resting energy expenditure prediction equations. Children (8–9 years) and adolescents (12–14 years) were recruited through schools in Norway in 2013 (N = 253). Results showed that more than one third (36–37%) were identified as under-reporters of energy. In contrast, only 2–4% were defined as over-reporters of energy. The mean energy intake was under-reported with -1.83 MJ/day for the entire study sample. Increased underestimation was observed for overweight and obese participants, the oldest age group (12–14 years), boys, those with parents/legal guardians with low educational level and those living in non-traditional families. In conclusion, energy intake from the web-based food recall is significantly underestimated compared with total energy expenditure, and should be used with caution in young people.
Bergh, Irmelin; Kvalem, Ingela Lundin; Mala, Tom; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Sniehotta, Falko F. (2017). Predictors of physical activity after gastric bypass : a prospective study. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923. 27(8), p. 2050–2057. doi: 10.1007/s11695-017-2593-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Most patients do not meet the recommended level of physical activity after bariatric surgery, and psychological factors underlying postoperative physical activity remain poorly understood. This study aimed at identifying self-regulatory predictors of physical activity after bariatric surgery. Methods: Questionnaire data including self-regulation variables and the short-version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were obtained in a prospective cohort of 230 patients 1 year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The study sample consisted of participants consenting to wear an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for seven consecutive days, 18–24 months after surgery (n = 120). Results: A total of 112 participants with complete self-report data provided valid accelerometer data. Mean age was 46.8 years (SD = 9.3), and 81.3% was women. Preoperative and postoperative BMI was 44.8 ± 5.5 and 30.6 ± 5.0 kg/m2, respectively. Total weight loss was 28.9% (SD = 7.5). By objective measures, 17.9% of the participants met the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity of physical activity of ≥150 min/week, whereas 80.2% met the recommended level according to self-reported measures. Being single, higher education level, and greater self-regulation predicted objective physical activity in multivariate regression analysis. Greater self-regulation also predicted self-reported physical activity. Weight loss 1 year after surgery was not associated with self-reported or objectively measured physical activity. Conclusions: Despite large differences between accelerometer-based and subjective estimates of physical activity, the associations of self-regulatory factors and weight loss with postoperative physical activity did not vary depending on mode of measurement. Self-regulation predicted both objective and self-reported physical activity. Targeting patients’ self-regulatory ability may enhance physical activity after gastric bypass.
Aadland, Eivind; Solbraa, Ane; Resaland, Geir Kåre; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Edvardsen, Elisabeth & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Reference values for and cross-validation of time to exhaustion on a modified Balke protocol in Norwegian men and women. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 27(11), p. 1248–1257. doi: 10.1111/sms.12750. Full text in Research Archive
Hildebrand, Maria; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; van Hees, Vincent T. & Ekelund, Ulf (2017). Evaluation of raw acceleration sedentary thresholds in children and adults. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 27(12), p. 1814–1823. doi: 10.1111/sms.12795. Show summary
The aim was to develop sedentary (sitting/lying) thresholdsfrom hip and wrist worn raw tri-axial acceleration datafrom the ActiGraph and GENEActiv, and to examine theagreement between free-living time spent below thesethresholds with sedentary time estimated by the activPAL.Sixty children and adults wore an ActiGraph andGENEActiv on the hip and wrist while performing sixstructured activities, before wearing the monitors, inaddition to an activPAL, for 24 h. Receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curves were used to determinesedentary thresholds based on activities in the laboratory.Agreement between developed sedentary thresholds duringfree-living and activPAL were assessed by Bland-Altmanplots and by calculating sensitivity and speciﬁcity. Usinglaboratory data and ROC-curves showed similarclassiﬁcation accuracy for wrist and hip thresholds(Area under the curve = 0.84–0.92). Greatest sensitivity(97–98%) and speciﬁcity (74–78%) were observed forthe wrist thresholds, with no large differences betweenbrands. During free-living, Bland-Altman plots showedlarge mean individual biases and 95% limits of agreementcompared with activPAL, with smallest difference for theActiGraph wrist threshold in children (+30 min, P = 0.3).Sensitivity and speciﬁcity for the developedthresholds during free-living were low for both age groupsand for wrist (Sensitivity, 68–88%, Speciﬁcity, 46–59%)and hip placements (Sensitivity, 89–97%, Speciﬁcity,26–34%). Laboratory derived sedentary thresholdsgenerally overestimate free-living sedentary timecompared with activPAL. Wrist thresholds appear toperform better than hip thresholds for estimating free-living sedentary time in children and adults relative toactivPAL, however, speciﬁcity for all the developedthresholds are low.
Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Torstveit, Monica Klungland; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2016). Normative values for musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy Norwegian adults and the association with obesity: a cross-sectional study. BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation. ISSN 2052-1847. 8. doi: 10.1186/s13102-016-0059-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Up-to-date research on musculoskeletal- and neuromotor fitness (MSMF) is lacking. The aims of the present paper were to a) establish normative values of MSMF by gender and age, and b) to assess how much of the variance in MSMF can be explained by obesity in adults. Methods: A random selection of 726 Norwegians (20–65 years) participated in a national cross-sectional study. Muscular endurance, muscular strength, explosive power, flexibility and balance were assessed in addition to waist circumference (WC). Results: Females displayed significantly higher scores compared to males on muscular endurance of the back extensors and on the flexibility tests (p < 0.001). Males displayed significantly higher scores than females (p < 0.001) on handgrip strength, modified push-ups, and explosive power. An inverse association was found between age and all MSMF scores for females (Beta:−0.06–(−0.92), p ≤ 0.044) and males (Beta:−0.15–(0.91), p ≤ 0.006), where younger participants displayed higher test scores on all MSMF tests, compared to older participants. Furthermore, participants showing higher scores on WC displayed lower scores on the following MSMF tests for both females and males: muscular endurance of the back extensors, balance, flexibility of the shoulder, and explosive power (p < 0.001). Additionally, male participants with higher WC scores showed lower scores on muscular endurance of the upper body and flexibility of the hamstrings compared to males with lower WC scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The data provide normative values of MSMF for adults based on age and gender, and support an inverse relationship of MSMF to age and WC.
Loyen, Anne; Clarke-Cornwell, Alexandra M.; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Hagströmer, Maria; Sardinha, Luis B. & Sundquist, Kristina [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2016). Sedentary time and physical activity surveillance through accelerometer pooling in four European countries. Sports Medicine. ISSN 0112-1642. 47(7), p. 1421–1435. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0658-y. Show summary
Objective: The objective of this study was to pool, harmonise and re-analyse national accelerometer data from adults in four European countries in order to describe population levels of sedentary time and physical inactivity. Methods: Five cross-sectional studies were included from England, Portugal, Norway and Sweden. ActiGraph accelerometer count data were centrally processed using the same algorithms. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to study the associations of sedentary time and physical inactivity with sex, age, weight status and educational level, in both the pooled sample and the separate study samples. Results: Data from 9509 participants were used. On average, participants were sedentary for 530 min/day, and accumulated 36 min/day of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. Twenty-three percent accumulated more than 10 h of sedentary time/day, and 72% did not meet the physical activity recommendations. Nine percent of all participants were classified as high sedentary and low active. Participants from Norway showed the highest levels of sedentary time, while participants from England were the least physically active. Age and weight status were positively associated with sedentary time and not meeting the physical activity recommendations. Men and higher-educated people were more likely to be highly sedentary, while women and lower-educated people were more likely to be inactive. Conclusions: We found high levels of sedentary time and physical inactivity in four European countries. Older people and obese people were most likely to display these behaviours and thus deserve special attention in interventions and policy planning. In order to monitor these behaviours, accelerometer-based cross-European surveillance is recommended.
Dalene, Knut Eirik; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Ekelund, Ulf; Thoren, Anne-Karine Halvorsen; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Kolle, Elin (2016). Permanent play facility provision is associated with children's time spent sedentary and in light physical activity during school hours: A cross-sectional study. Preventive Medicine Reports. ISSN 2211-3355. 4, p. 429–434. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.08.011.
Stålesen, Jarle Hansen; Vik, Frøydis Nordgård; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung (2016). Comparison of three activity monitors for estimating sedentary time among children. BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation. ISSN 2052-1847. 8(2). doi: 10.1186/s13102-016-0028-y. Full text in Research Archive
Seiler, Hilde Lohne; Kolle, Elin; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2016). Musculoskeletal fitness and balance in older individuals (65-85 years) and its association with steps per day: A cross sectional study Physical functioning, physical health and activity. BMC Geriatrics. ISSN 1471-2318. 16. doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0188-3. Show summary
Background: There is limited normative, objective data combining musculoskeletal fitness (MSF), balance and physical activity (PA) among older adults. The aims were therefore to; 1) describe MSF and balance in older Norwegian adults focusing on age- and sex-related differences; 2) investigate the associations among MSF, balance and objectively-assessed PA levels. Methods: This was part of a national multicenter study. Participants (65 – 85 years) were randomly selected from the national population registry. We used ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers to measure PA. Balance and MSF were assessed using: one leg standing (OLS), handgrip strength (HG), static back extension (SBE), sit and reach (SR), back scratch right, left arm over (BSR, BSL). Univariate analyses of variance were used to assess sex differences within the different MSF and balance tests and for comparisons among multiple age groups. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate how PA (expressed in 1000 steps increments) was associated with MSF and balance. Results: 85 women and 76 men were included. Mean age (standard deviation (SD)) was 73.2 (5.4) years for women and 72.3 (4.8) years for men. The youngest participants (65 – 69 years) had significantly better mean OLS- and SBE results compared with older participants. Women (65 – 85 years) had significantly better mean SR, BSR, BSL and SBE results compared with men (65 – 85 years). Men had significantly better mean HG results compared with women. No sex differences in mean OLS results were observed. A daily increment of 1000 steps was associated with better mean test scores for OLS- and SBE tests (b = 1.88, 95 % CI: 0.85 to 2.90 (p ≤ 0.001) and b = 4.63, 95 % CI: 1.98 to 7.29 ( p = 0.001), respectively). Conclusion: The youngest (65 – 69 years) had better static balance and muscular endurance in trunk extensors compared with older participants. Older women (65 – 85 years) had better joint flexibility than older men (65 – 85 years), whereas older men had better handgrip strength than older women. A higher PA level was associated with better static balance and muscular endurance in trunk extensors in older individuals. This study provides important normative data, and further investigation of trunk endurance and static balance as key foci for PA interventions in elderly is warranted.
Dyrstad, Sindre Mikal; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Edvardsen, Elisabeth & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2016). Cardiorespiratory fitness in groups with different physical activity levels. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 26(3), p. 291–298. doi: 10.1111/sms.12425.
Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2015). Obesity prevalence in Norwegian adults assessed by body mass index, waist circumference and fat mass percentage. Clinical Obesity. ISSN 1758-8103. 5(4), p. 211–218. doi: 10.1111/cob.12100. Show summary
The prevalence of obesity presents serious public health challenges worldwide and is most commonly estimated by the categorization of body mass index (BMI). The purpose of this study was (i) to describe the sensitivity of BMI, waist circumference (WC) and fat mass percentage in the classification of overweight and obesity and (ii) to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity using different measurement methods in a national sample of Norwegians. A total of 904 Norwegians (20–85 years) were randomly enrolled. Body weight, height, WC and skinfold thickness were measured; BMI and fat mass percentage (FPskf) were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity varied from 77.0% to 86.9% and from 60.6% to 82.3%, respectively. Area under the curve was 0.837 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.801–0.872) for the ability of BMI to predict obesity by FPskf and 0.811 (95% CI: 0.770–0.852) for WC. A total of 12.7% (male: 12.1%, female: 13.4%) were obese based on BMI classifications, 29.1% (male: 36.5%, female: 20.0%) of the sample were obese based on FPskf and 24.3% of men and 37.8% of women were abdominally obese by WC. The agreement between selected measuring methods was fair to good, although the variation in obesity prevalence rates between the different assessments methods varied markedly.
Jarning, Jon Moberg; Mok, Kam-Ming; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Bahr, Roald (2015). Application of a tri-axial accelerometer to estimate jump frequency in volleyball. Sports Biomechanics. ISSN 1476-3141. 14(1), p. 95–105. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2015.1027950.
Hildebrand, Maria; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Collings, Paul J.; Wijndaele, Katrien & Kordas, Katarzyna [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2015). Association between birth weight and objectively measured sedentary time is mediated by central adiposity: data in 10,793 youth from the International Children’s Accelerometry Database. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. ISSN 0002-9165. 101(5), p. 983–990. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.103648. Show summary
Background: Birth weight is an early correlate of disease later in life, and animal studies suggest that low birth weight is associated with reduced activity and increased sedentary time. Whether birth weight predicts later sedentary time in humans is uncertain. Objectives: We examined the relation between birth weight and sedentary time in youth and examined whether this association was mediated by central adiposity. Design: We used pooled cross-sectional data from 8 observational studies conducted between 1997 and 2007 that consisted of 10,793 youth (boys: 47%) aged 6–18 y from the International Children’s Accelerometry Database. Birth weight was measured in hospitals or maternally reported, sedentary time was assessed by using accelerometry (<100 counts/min), and abdominal adiposity (waist circumference) was measured according to WHO procedures. A mediation analysis with bootstrapping was used to analyze data. Results: The mean (±SD) time spent sedentary was 370 ± 91 min/d. Birth weight was positively associated with sedentary time (B = 4.04, P = 0.006) and waist circumference (B = 1.59, P < 0.001), whereas waist circumference was positively associated with sedentary time (B = 0.82, P < 0.001). Results of the mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of birth weight on sedentary time through waist circumference (B: 1.30; 95% bias-corrected CI: 0.94, 1.72), and when waist circumference was controlled for, the effect of birth weight on sedentary time was attenuated by 32% (B = 2.74, P = 0.06). Conclusion: The association between birth weight and sedentary time appears partially mediated by central adiposity, suggesting that both birth weight and abdominal adiposity may be correlates of sedentary time in youth.
Grydeland, May; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Ried-Larsen, Mathias; Kolle, Elin & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2014). Comparison of three generations of ActiGraph activity monitors under free-living conditions: Do they provide comparable assessments of overall physical activity in 9-year old children? BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation. ISSN 2052-1847. 6(1). doi: 10.1186/2052-1847-6-26.
Seiler, Hilde Lohne; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kolle, Elin & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2014). Accelerometer-determined physical activity and self-reported health in a population of older adults (65-85 years): A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 14. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-284. Show summary
Background: The link between physical activity (PA) and prevention of disease, maintenance of independence, and improved quality of life in older adults is supported by strong evidence. However, there is a lack of data on population levels in this regard, where PA level has been measured objectively. The main aims were therefore to assess the level of accelerometer-determined PA and to examine its associations with self-reported health in a population of Norwegian older adults (65–85 years). Methods: This was a part of a national multicenter study. Participants for the initial study were randomly selected from the national population registry, and the current study included those of the initial sample aged 65–85 years. The ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer was used to measure PA for seven consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to register self-reported health. Univariate analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustments were used for comparisons between multiple groups. Results: A total of 560 participants had valid activity registrations. Mean age (SD) was 71.8 (5.6) years for women (n = 282) and 71.7 (5.2) years for men (n = 278). Overall PA level (cpm) differed considerably between the age groups where the oldest (80–85 y) displayed a 50% lower activity level compared to the youngest (65–70 y). No sex differences were observed in overall PA within each age group. Significantly more men spent time being sedentary (65–69 and 70–74 years) and achieved more minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) (75–79 years) compared to women. Significantly more women (except for the oldest), spent more minutes of low-intensity PA compared to men. PA differed across levels of self-reported health and a 51% higher overall PA level was registered in those, with “very good health” compared to those with “poor/very poor health”. Conclusion: Norwegian older adults PA levels differed by age. Overall, the elderly spent 66% of their time being sedentary and only 3% in MVPA. Twenty one percent of the participants fulfilled the current Norwegian PA recommendations. Overall PA levels were associated with self-reported health.

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Stavnsbo, Mette & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2023). Slik kan vi forbedre folkehelsa . Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790.
Spencer, Matthew; Aasland, Erik; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Berntsen, Sveinung (2023). Hva vil du lese om i Vitensporten? . Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790.
Lohne-Seiler, Hilde & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2023). Styrketrening – start nå! . Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Andreasen, Johan Kristian (2023). Kjære politikere: Gå inn for mobilfri skole! Aftenposten (morgenutg. : trykt utg.). ISSN 0804-3116.
Andreasen, Johan Kristian & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2023). Mobilforbud i skolen. Utdanningsnytt.no.
Andreasen, Johan Kristian & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2023). Mobilforbud i skolen gjør unge mer aktive. Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2022). Bare litt mer aktivitet gjorde mye for helsa . [Newspaper]. aftenbladet.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2022). Treningsmetoden er så enkelt at «alle» kan få det til – 20 minutter om dagen er nok: – Det nærmeste vi har en vidundermedisin. [Newspaper]. hamar arbeiderblad.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2022). Treningsmetoden er så enkelt at «alle» kan få det til – 20 minutter om dagen er nok: – Det nærmeste vi har en vidundermedisin. [Newspaper]. nettavisen.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2022). Halvparten av norske 15-åringer beveger seg for lite . [Business/trade/industry journal]. Nrk.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Haugen, Tommy (2022). Tren din syvende sans . lokalavisen fedrelandsvennen.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2022). FYSISK AKTIVITET BLANT UNGDOM – HVORDAN ØKE AKTIVITETSNIVÅET?
Sagelv, Edvard Hamnvik; Hopstock, Laila Arnesdatter; Morseth, Bente; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Physical activity and mortality: Effect modification by sedentary time. An individual participant data analysis of four cohorts with accelerometry measured physical activity.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Steg for steg . Adresseavisen. ISSN 0805-3804.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Steg for steg . Romsdals Budstikke.. ISSN 0806-5160.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Steg for steg . Folkebladet.no.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Bare litt mer aktivitet gjorde mye for helsa . [Journal]. Forskning.no.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Er du fysisk inaktiv, kan bare litt trening gi stor effekt. Heidi Rosander (51) begynte å gå tur to ganger i uken. . [Newspaper]. Sunnmørsposten.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Heidi (51) gikk fra å være fysisk inaktiv til å gå tur to ganger i uka. Dette er den store helsegevinsten av økt aktivitet . [Newspaper]. aftenposten.no.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2021). Steg for steg . Fædrelandsvennen. ISSN 0805-3790.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2020). statistikk og metode med Bjørge Herman Hansen: Studiedesign. [Radio]. Fysioformidlingen.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2020). statistikk og metode med Bjørge Herman Hansen: Effektstørrelser. [Radio]. Fysioformidlingen.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2020). statistikk og metode med Bjørge Herman Hansen: Konfidensintervaller. [Radio]. Fysioformidlingen.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann (2020). statistikk og metode med Bjørge Herman Hansen: P-verdier. [Radio]. Fysioformidlingen.
Fosstveit, Sindre H.; Lohne-Seiler, Hilde; Lindberg, Kolbjørn; Sibayan, Erlend; Fjeller, Joachim & Løvold, Sindre [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2020). THE EFFECT OF INDIVIDUALIZED POWER-TRAINING BASED ON FORCE-VELOCITY PROFILING IN ELDERLY MEN.
Tarp, Jakob; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein & Ekelund, Ulf (2020). Double counting individuals in meta‐analysis artificially inflates precision. Comment on “Device‐measured light‐intensity physical activity and mortality: A meta‐analysis”. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 30(6), p. 1083–1084. doi: 10.1111/sms.13693.
Kjær, Ingirid Geirsdatter Heald; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Torstveit, Monica Klungland (2020). A six- month tailored telephone- and email-based exercise intervention increased physical activity levels among inactive adults: A randomized controlled trial.
Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid; Rosenvinge, Jan H; Pettersen, Gunn; Stensrud, Trine & Hansen, Bjørge Hermann [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2019). Fysisk helse og risikoprofil for ikke-smittsomme sykdommer hos kvinner med bulimia nervosa eller overspisingslidelse.
Risum, Kristine; Godang, Kristin; Selvaag, Anne Marit; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Molberg, Øyvind & Bollerslev, Jens [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Suboptimal muscle strength and bone health in patients with oligo- and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosed in the era of biologics.
Risum, Kristine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Selvaag, Anne Marit G; Molberg, Øyvind; Dagfinrud, Hanne & Sanner, Helga (2018). Fysisk aktivitet hos pasienter med juvenil idiopatisk artritt- en kontrollert tverrsnittsstudie.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Nilsen, Ada Kristine Ofrim; Dalene, Knut Eirik; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Kolle, Elin & Ekelund, Ulf [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Replacing Sedentary Time with Active Behaviors on the Body Mass Index. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. 48. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000485698.85376.e6.
Solbraa, Ane; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Holme, Ingar Morten K; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Ashe, Maureen C (2016). The built environment correlates of objectively measured physical activity in Norwegian adults: a cross-sectional study.
Seiler, Hilde Lohne; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2014). Static balance, hand grip strength, and flexibility in older adults, are there any sex differences?
Solbraa, Ane; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Holme, Ingar Morten K; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Ashe, Maureen C (2014). Walk the talk – built environment and physical activity. The Complexity of Obesity Proceedings. ISSN 2387-2748. 2. doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1211862.
Dyrstad, Sindre Mikal; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Edvardsen, Elisabeth & Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred (2014). Self-reported physical activity and differences in maximal oxygen uptake, waist circumference and accelerometer-measured physical activity.
Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Edvardsen, Elisabeth; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Holme, Ingar Morten K & Dyrstad, Sindre Mikal (2014). Response. Chest. ISSN 0012-3692. 146(1), p. e30–e31. doi: 10.1378/chest.14-0712.
Solbraa, Ane; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Holme, Ingar Morten K; Kolle, Elin; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann & Ashe, Maureen C (2014). Walk the talk – built environment and physical activity.
Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Kolle, Elin; Udahl, Karine; Kaupang, Oda Bjørge & Andersen, Inge Dehli [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Kartlegging av fysisk aktivitet blant voksne og eldre 2020-22 (Kan3). Folkehelseinstituttet. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Kartlegging av fysisk aktivitet og stillesittende tid blant voksne og eldre (Kan3) er utført ved Norges idrettshøgskole i samarbeid med Folkehelseinstituttet. Formålet med Kan3 er å følge opp tidligere undersøkelser av voksne og eldre for å øke kunnskapen om status, trender og utviklingen av fysisk aktivitet i den norske befolkingen. Kan3 inngår som en del av det nasjonale kartleggingssystemet av fysisk aktivitet og fysisk form. De norske ungKan- og Kan-undersøkelsene er unike ved at fysisk aktivitet er målt objektivt ved hjelp av akselerometre i populasjonsbaserte utvalg ved flere tidspunkt. Dette gir mer nøyaktige estimater av befolkingens fysiske aktivitetsnivå enn ved spørreskjemabaserte undersøkelser. Slik kunnskap er nødvendig for å kunne iverksette tiltak for å redusere stillesitting og øke det fysiske aktivitetsnivået.

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Published Apr. 16, 2024 10:49 AM