LAUSR

OBJECTIVES We assessed sedentary behavior (SB) patterns and examined its associations, by domain, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk measures in desk workers (n = 273). METHODS SB was measured by activPAL3 and partitioned into occupational and non-occupational SB. CVD risk measures included blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Paired-t-tests evaluated patterns of SB across domains. Linear regressions estimated associations of occupational and non-occupational SB with CVD risk measures. RESULTS Participants spent 69% of their time in SB; higher proportions were accumulated during occupational vs. non-occupational time. Higher all-domain SB was only associated with higher pulse wave velocity. Paradoxically, greater non-occupational SB unfavorably associated with CVD risk measures, while higher occupational SB favorably correlated to CVD risk measures. CONCLUSIONS Observed paradoxical associations suggest that domain should be considered in efforts to improve cardiovascular health by reducing SB.