ABSTRACT
Sedentary behaviour refers to postures or activities undertaken during waking hours in a sitting or reclined position that require low levels of energy expenditure. In people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increased time spent in sedentary behaviour contributes to the risk of mortality and development of cardio-metabolic disease. This chapter summarizes what we currently know about sedentary behaviour in people with COPD, in terms of measuring this domain, total volume and patterns of accumulation during daily life. The physiological mechanisms proposed to give rise to the deleterious health consequences are provided. This chapter also provides a rationale for the relevance and importance of including a reduction in sedentary time as a lifestyle target in this population. Practical strategies informed by behaviour change theory are provided for clinicians to consider when working with people to achieve this target.
