Unexpected Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle on Body Function Revealed

Prolonged sitting combined with lack of movement leads to deterioration of balance and gait changes even in young and healthy people. This conclusion was reached by American scientists after studying data from 133 volunteers aged 18 to 35 years.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the research results are published in the journal Applied Sciences (AS).

The subjects were divided into four groups based on two criteria: whether they spend more or less than six hours a day sitting and whether they perform at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Then, using inertial sensors placed on seven body areas, postural balance and gait characteristics were measured - from micro-oscillations of the torso when standing with closed eyes to how the body "prepares" for the first step when turning.

It turned out that the deterioration of balance control is associated not only with low activity but also with the combination of prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle. The best balance indicators and the most stable movement initiation were observed in those who combined high levels of physical activity with little sitting time. Researchers emphasize: for the health of the musculoskeletal system, it is important not only to meet the training norm but also to consciously reduce the number of hours spent sitting.