Name and Surname: assist. prof. Kaja Kastelic, PhD
Links: ARIS 38440
E-mail:kaja.kastelic@iam.upr.si

Research facility (research activity location)

UP Fakulteta za vede o zdravju

Research field according to ARIS classification
Science: Medicine
Field: Public Health

Summary of research topic and field

Engaging in physical activity, limiting sedentary behavior, and obtaining sufficient sleep are essential for health. The recent recognition of the co-dependence of these behaviors has led to a research investigating how different combinations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep (i.e., 24-hour movement behavior) influence health and well-being. This integrated approach also provides insight into the previously under-studied topic regarding the relative contributions of structured (e.g., sports/recreation), occupational, and incidental physical activity (i.e., activity integrated into daily life). Both in research and national surveillence, there is increasing need for more accurate assessment of 24-hour movement behaviors using wearable activity monitors, yet such evaluations present numerous methodological and organizational challenges that have yet to be systematically addressed. The proposed doctoral project includes (1) addressing challenges associated with the large-scale assessment of 24-hour movement behavior using wearables to optimize existing data collection protocols, and (2) investigating the associations of 24-hour movement behaviors with various health indicators, including the relative importance of structured, occupational, and other incidental physical activity. The research work will encompass a literature review, a feasibility study using accelerometers, and advanced statistical analysis of existing large-scale databases on 24-hour movement behavior and health. The doctoral candidate will use tools for data acquisition and processing from questionnaires and activity monitors. They are expected to learn and use tools for advanced statistical analysis (R Studio with packages for compositional data analysis), be motivated, self-initiative, and accurate in their work. The candidate will have the opportunity to directly participate in a national study conducted in collaboration with a partner institution and to collaborate with domestic and international researchers in the field.