Physical activity and sedentary behaviour related to transport activity assessed with multiple body-worn accelerometers: the RECORD MultiSensor Study

The study explored the physical activity and sedentary behaviours related to transport activity. The aim was to provide evidence to support public health and transport policies encouraging people to reach daily recommendations of physical activity. The study design of this study is a cross-sectional study design. Between 2013 and 2015, the RECORD MultiSensor Study collected data from 155 participants using two accelerometers worn on the thigh and trunk. In addition, data were collected from Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and a GPS-based mobility survey. Relationships between transport modes and the durations and partition patterns of physical behaviours were established at the trip stage (n = 7692) and trip levels (n = 4683) using multilevel linear models with a random effect at the individual level and taking into account temporal autocorrelation. Participants travelled for a median of 1 h 45 min per day. Trip stages and trips involving walking, other active modes or public transport were associated with a lower sitting duration and a higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration than trips with a personal motorised vehicle. Using public transport was associated with a lower number of transitions between sedentary behaviours and non-sedentary behaviours, and with a higher number of transitions between non-sedentary behaviours and MVPA than relying on a private motorised vehicle. This study is the first to assess the association of transport mode with physical activity and sedentary behaviours captured with thigh- and trunk-worn accelerometers at both the trip stage and trip levels. The results demonstrate that, in addition to active transport modes, encouraging people to use public transport increases physical activity and reduces sedentary time. •Participants spent a median of 1 h 45 min daily in trips.•Trips by walking, biking or public transport generate more MVPA and less sitting.•Public transport helps in reducing sedentary behavior than private vehicles.•Multilevel models adjusted for temporal autocorrelation between trips.