Projects: Jaime Lopez Garcia

First Study

Physical activity decreases from childhood to adolescence, with girls being less active than boys. The timing of these differences remains unknown. Using accelerometer data from three cross-sectional studies in Norway and Belgium (n=2507, age=3-17years), we assessed sex differences in sedentary behaviour and physical activity levels (light, moderate, vigorous) throughout the day and across the full spectrum of activity intensity distribution on weekdays and weekend days, using linear regression and functional data analyses.

Second Study

Traditionally, cut-point methods have been used to classify accelerometer data into broad intensity categories, but the lack of standardization across calibration studies has limited the comparability and interpretation of the findings. Using the full spectrum of intensity has emerged as an alternative approach to fully exploit the rich and high-resolution accelerometer data and to avoid the oversimplification of cut-points. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether analysing the full spectrum of PA intensities, rather than cut-point-derived categories, improves the understanding of the associations between movement behaviours and health across lifespan.

Third Study

My third project will be produced during my secondment to Sciensano. The details of this project will be established over the next few weeks.