SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
DEFINITION
Reports a habit of life that is characterized by a low physical activ-
ity level
DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
• Chooses a daily routine lacking physical exercise
• Demonstrates physical deconditioning
• Verbalizes preference for activities low in physical activity
RISK FACTORS
• Deficient knowledge of health benefits of physical exercise
• Lack of interest, motivation, resources, and/or training
ASSESSMENT FOCUS (Refer to comprehensive assessment parameters.)
• Activity/exercise
• Nutrition
• Growth and development
• Risk management
• Knowledge
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The patient will
• Maintain independent living status with reduced risk for falling.
• Identify barriers to increasing physical activity level.
• Identify health benefits to increasing physical activity level.
• Increase physical activity and limit inactive forms of diversion,
such as television and computer games.
• Seek professional consultation to develop an appropriate plan to
increase physical activity.
• Identify factors that enhance readiness for sleep.
• Demonstrate readiness for enhanced sleep through the use of
appropriate sleep hygiene measures.
• Have amount of sleep congruent with developmental needs and
experience rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep.
• Express a feeling of being rested after sleep.
• Increase lean muscle and bone strength and decrease body fat.
• Demonstrate weight control and, if appropriate, weight loss.
• Exhibit enhanced psychological well-being and reduced risk of
depression.
• Have reduced depression and anxiety and an improved mood.
• Demonstrate increased ability to perform activities of daily living
within limits of chronic, disabling conditions.
SUGGESTED NOC OUTCOMES
Activity Intolerance; Endurance; Energy Conservation; Health-
Promoting Behavior; Immobility Consequences: Physiologic
INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES
Determine: Identify barriers and enhancers to increasing physical
activity, including time management, diet, lifestyle, access to
219
facilities, and safe environments in which to be active. Breaking
down barriers and building opportunities for activity increase the
probability of consistent physical activity.
Perform: Develop a behavior modification plan based on patient’s
condition, history, and precipitating factors to maximize physical
activity and compliance.
Inform: Instruct patient to keep a daily activity and dietary log to
help him or her achieve a more objective view of his or her behav-
ior.
Educate patient about how sedentary lifestyle affects cardiovascu-
lar risk factors (such as hypertension, dyslipidemia,
hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance) to motivate patient to be more
active.
Teach exercises for increasing strength and endurance to maintain
mobility and prevent musculoskeletal degeneration.
Educate patient about using the bedroom only for sleep or sexual
activity and avoiding other activities such as watching television,
reading, and eating to increase sleep efficiency.
Attend: Provide counseling tailored to patient’s risk factors, needs,
preferences, and abilities to enhance emotional well-being and moti-
vation for physical activity.
Discuss the need for activity that will improve psychosocial well-
being to encourage compliance with activities.
Discuss behavioral risk factors in lack of motivation such as
ingestion of carbohydrates, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, sedatives, hyp-
notics, and fluid intake, to focus behavior on positive outcomes of
increased physical activity.
Manage: Provide education about community resources available to
increase physical activity to decrease barriers to activity.
SUGGESTED NIC INTERVENTIONS
Activity Therapy; Energy Management; Teaching: Prescribed Activity/
Exercise
Reference
Zabinski, M. F., et al. (2007, January). Patterns of sedentary behavior among
adolescents. Health Psychology, 26(1), 113–120.