Reduzierung von Sitzzeiten bei Kindern – ein systematisches Review

Background and objectives: Sedentary behaviour is itself a health-related behaviour. This systematic review examines whether family-based interventions can reduce sitting time among children and adolescents and which variables moderate potential intervention effects. Methods: Using a systematic literature search we identified family-based randomised controlled intervention studies that focus on sedentary behaviour in 3‑ to 18-year-old children and youth. The methodological quality of studies as well as the intervention effects according to different outcomes (screen-based vs. overall sitting) were analysed and evaluated for moderating effects. Results: Of 29 studies, 17 reported significant effects and 11 studies showed positive trends for reduced sitting time. The content of interventions, the level of theoretical underpinning as well as the methodological quality of studies were heterogeneous. Most often, screen-based sitting and seldom overall sitting was examined. Concise characteristics of intervention success were not clearly apparent. The proportion of positive intervention effects was higher in reducing sitting in front of TVs compared to other outcomes. An analysis of moderators highlighted that intervention programs among pre-schoolers showed more often positive intervention effects. Discussion: There are many promising opportunities to reduce sitting time using family-based approaches. Statements in terms of replication of interventions and explanations of the effective mechanisms within interventions are limited. Therefore, future interventions should use subjective as well as objective evaluation measures and consider overall sitting time. To strengthen the basis of interventional effort in this research field, a theoretical planning approach is recommended.