This project aims to investigate the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviours (including physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep) and body composition in adults, using accelerometer-derived movement data and DXA-measured body composition from the UK Biobank.
Key research questions:
1. How do different movement patterns across the 24-hour cycle associate with body fat percentage, lean mass, and overall body composition?
2. What is the impact of sedentary time and sleep duration on adiposity and muscle mass?
3. Does replacing sedentary time with light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity lead to beneficial changes in body composition?
This research builds upon growing evidence on movement behaviours as key determinants of metabolic health, yet gaps remain regarding their integrated impact on body composition. The use of UK Biobank’s large-scale accelerometry and DXA data provides a unique opportunity to assess these associations across a diverse population, helping to shape future guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep for optimal health outcomes.