Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background The 24-hour physical behavior paradigm is a core construct for the development and health of children and adolescents. This study presents sex- and age-specific data on 24-hour time use, step count, and adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity (PA) guidelines in a nationwide sample of children and adolescents living in Germany. Methods Cross-sectional physical behavior data were collected from 2,642 children and adolescents using the thigh-worn activPAL4 device for seven consecutive days. Behaviors were categorized by intensity and summarized to calculate the overall PA level and adherence to the WHO PA guidelines from 2010 and 2020. Sex and age group differences were determined based on confidence intervals. Results The dataset included 1,584 participants (47.9% male, 52.1% female) with valid accelerometer data. Participants averaged 530±58 minutes of sleep, 602±85 minutes of sedentary behavior, 226±52 minutes of light PA, and 77±25 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA, alongside 12,907±3,918 steps daily. WHO 2010, and WHO 2020 PA guideline fulfillment was 20.4%, and 74.5% respectively. Older participants spent less time sleeping and engaging in PA but more time in sedentary behavior. Boys had higher moderate-to-vigorous PA and overall sedentary behavior but less sitting time, while girls exhibited higher light PA and sleep in some age groups. Conclusion This study reports on 24-hour movement behaviors in a large, population-based sample of children and adolescents. The findings highlight distinct sex- and age-specific patterns in movement intensity and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to promote PA and sleep, and to reduce sedentary behavior.