The Relationship Between Daily Activity Level, Posture Distribution, Stepping Patterns, and Cadence in the BCS70 Cohort

This study investigated the relationship between stepping-defined daily activity levels, time spent in different postures, and the patterns and intensities of stepping behaviour. Using a thigh-mounted triaxial accelerometer, physical activity data from 3547 participants with seven days of valid data were analysed. We classified days based on step count and quantified posture and stepping behaviour, distinguishing between indoor, community, and recreation stepping. The results indicated significant differences in time spent in upright (2.5 to 8.9 h, <i>p</i> < 0.05), lying (8.0 to 9.1 h, <i>p</i> < 0.05), and sedentary (7.0 to 13.0 h, <i>p</i> < 0.05) postures across activity levels. At higher daily activity levels (10,000-15,000 steps), individuals tended to spend approximately equal time in each posture (8 h lying, 8 h sitting, and 8 h upright). The study found that at lower stepping-defined activity levels, step volumes were driven primarily by indoor stepping, while at higher activity levels, outdoor and recreation stepping were larger contributors. Additionally, stepping classified as indoor had significantly slower cadences compared to outdoor stepping. These findings suggest that the composition and intensity of stepping behaviours vary significantly with daily activity volumes, providing insights that could enhance public health messaging and interventions aimed at promoting physical activity.