A first global consensus statement on short bouts of accumulated exercise

Researchers from 11 countries have reached an international scientific consensus on the definition, classification, and health applications of short bouts of accumulated exercise (SBAE) for interrupting sedentary behavior. Published online in the Journal of Sport and Health Science on September 18, 2025, this landmark consensus synthesizes evidence from 27 systematic reviews and 135 individual studies to produce the first integrative framework for understanding SBAE. Defined as any mode of physical activity performed in bouts lasting 10 minutes or less, accumulated multiple times throughout the day (≥2 sessions/day), with sufficient recovery between bouts (≥30 minutes or full recovery), and integration in life, SBAE includes concepts such as “exercise snacks,” “sedentary breaks,” and “interrupting prolonged sitting.”

The statement provides detailed recommendations for SBAE frequency, intensity, duration, and mode, and demonstrates that SBAE improves more than 20 health outcomes, including glycemic control, blood pressure, peak oxygen uptake, and body composition. The approach has high feasibility and is safe across diverse populations. The consensus also outlines five future research priorities: quantifying SBAE more precisely, understanding population-specific responses, optimizing exercise prescriptions, evaluating long-term efficacy, and improving real-world implementation.

Prof. Jonathan P. Little, Principal’s Research Chair in Metabolism at UBC Okanagan, Canada, highlights the relevance of this consensus at the individual and everyday behavior level, “It is becoming increasingly recognized that all types of activity—even very short bouts—matter. Instead of thinking about physical activity and exercise as a dedicated longer walk or structured workout at the gym, sprinkling movement throughout the day is another option for people to improve their health.”

Prof. David Bishop from the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University, Australia, emphasizes the population-level implications of implementing SBAE: "This consensus statement, by international experts from 12 countries, highlights that accumulating short bouts of exercise is a promising approach to mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged sitting and insufficient physical activity to promote improvements in public health."

Prof. Neville Owen, Distinguished Professor at Swinburne University of Technology and Adjunct Senior Scientist at the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Australia, offers insight on the broader implications for research, implementation, and policy, "This consolidated and synthesized perspective is very welcome for the field of physical activity and public health. With the guidelines now focused on both physical activity and sedentary behavior, the patterning of different volumes and intensities of physical movement and time spent sitting must be accounted for scientifically and in policy and practice. This paper will be a key point of reference for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers going forward."

Mingyue Yin, a first author and PhD student, mentions, “This work is the consolidation of fragmented terminology that previously described the same concept from different angles. By synthesizing both evidence and practical guidance, we’ve first created a standardized framework and terminology that future studies can build upon.” Prof. Yongming Li, lead author of the consensus, emphasizes, “This consensus goes beyond theory; it reflects our ongoing efforts to translate evidence into practice. Our goal is to bring SBAE into the real world, integrating it into schools, workplaces, clinics, and communities. By lowering the threshold for exercise, we aim to empower broader populations to move increasingly often.”

Prof. Peijie Chen, corresponding author, mentions, “This consensus responds to a pressing need in global public health. By scientifically validating the effectiveness and feasibility of short bouts of accumulated exercise, we now offer a practical strategy that is inclusive and adaptable to people in different living and working environments.”

Prof. Lijuan Mao, the last corresponding author, emphasizes, "The strength of this consensus lies not only in the quantity and quality of the evidence reviewed but also in its clear operational guidance. It sets the foundation for how future guidelines can better support population-wide strategies to reduce sedentary time through simple, evidence-based movement practices in the world."

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Reference
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2025.101088