https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8030-7122
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Abstract
Aim
Although it has been previously observed that sedentary behavior (SB) was not related to training duration in marathon runners, little information existed about the relationship of SB with training, anthropometric and physiological characteristics in this population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SB and its correlation with performance parameters (such as body fat percentage, maximal oxygen uptake and weekly training volume) as well as its variation by sex and day (ie, weekdays versus weekend) in recreational marathon runners.
Methods
A total of 151 finishers (women, n = 29; men, n = 122; age 43.1 (8.7) years, mean (standard deviation)) in the Athens marathon 2017 performed a series of anthropometric and physiological tests, and completed the Multi-context sitting time questionnaire.
Results
SB did not correlate with anthropometric and physiological characteristics and no difference in these characteristics was shown between low and high sedentary participants (p > 0.05). SB did not differ between women and men (p > 0.05), but differed between working and non-working days (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
In contrast to previous findings on the general population indicating an association of a high SB with a low cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, our finding of no correlation between SB and physical fitness in marathon runners suggested that endurance exercise might offset the negative effects of SB.
Data Sharing Statement
All data are available by the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Author Contributions
Pantelis T. Nikolaidis and Beat Knechtle participated equally in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, have drafted, written, and substantially revised and critically reviewed the article. They have agreed on the journal to which the article was submitted, reviewed and agreed on all versions of the article before submission, during revision, the final version accepted for publication, and any significant changes introduced at the proofing stage. Finally, they agree to take responsibility and be accountable for the contents of the article.
Disclosure
No conflict of interest.