There is emerging evidence that how individuals accumulate their physical activity and sedentary behaviour (e.g. bouts, breaks) each day may be important for health. It is possible to assess activity patterns using different objective monitors (e.g. ActiGraph, activPAL, etc), yet there is little consistency in which patterns are examined in children and adults. In this talk, A/Prof Ridgers will discuss her research that is focusing on understanding patterns of activity accumulation. She will describe ways that have been used measure activity patterns, and identify some of the historical and current challenges facing researchers. She will present research that has examined changes in patterns over time and within interventions, and how patterns are associated with health outcomes. She will finish with a discussion that highlights the importance of considering changes in activity across the activity spectrum (from sedentary to vigorous activity). Throughout the presentation, A/Prof Ridgers will highlight opportunities afforded by objective measures to assess activity patterns moving forwards.
A/Prof Nicola Ridgers is a researcher within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) at Deakin University. Her program of research primarily focuses on the measurement of childrens physical activity patterns, examining factors that influence activity levels, and promoting physical activity using theory-based interventions. She currently holds a National Heart Foundation of Australia Future Leader Fellowship that is focusing on the accumulation of activity by youth and associations with cardio-metabolic risk factors.
A/Prof Nicola Ridgers is a researcher within the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) at Deakin University. Her program of research primarily focuses on the measurement of childrens physical activity patterns, examining factors that influence activity levels, and promoting physical activity using theory-based interventions. She currently holds a National Heart Foundation of Australia Future Leader Fellowship that is focusing on the accumulation of activity by youth and associations with cardio-metabolic risk factors.