The duration of sitting that is dangerous to health has been identified
Quick Look
- Scientists from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia found that after 25 minutes of continuous sitting, muscle activity is noticeably reduced, which can impair blood circulation and glucose absorption, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
- A study using shorts with sensors found that short walking breaks helped maintain muscle activity.
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Why It Matters
Prolonged sitting is associated with health risks, but specific thresholds for decreased muscle activity have not previously been accurately measured in everyday settings.
After just 25 minutes of continuous sitting, muscle activity noticeably decreases, which can negatively affect health. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. The study results were published in the journal npj Exercise Medicine and Health.
The researchers used special shorts with sensors that track the electrical activity of the muscles. In total, experts analyzed more than seven thousand periods of sitting in the daily lives of participants.
It turned out that after 25 minutes without movement, the muscles become less active. This may be accompanied by poor circulation and reduced glucose absorption, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
At the same time, short breaks for walking or physical activity help maintain muscle function. Even small movements while sitting can be beneficial.
Scientists estimate that if a person sits for ten hours a day, breaks every 25 minutes can provide about an hour and a half of additional muscle activity. This reduces the time of muscle inactivity while awake by about 10 percent.
The authors recommend standing up, walking, and changing body positions regularly.
Open Questions
- What type of breaks is most effective for maintaining muscle activity?
- Are there differences in the effect between different age groups?
