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Horiuchi M, Pomeroy A, Horiuchi Y, Stone K, Stoner L. Effects of intermittent exercise during prolonged sitting on executive function, cerebrovascular, and psychological response: a randomized crossover trial. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:1421-1430. [PMID: 37942532 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00437.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that acute bouts of uninterrupted prolonged sitting decrease cerebral blood flow and impair executive function. Few studies have investigated the use of feasible sedentary behavior interruptions to attenuate these effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent half-squat exercises during prolonged sitting on executive function. Twenty participants (45% women, 21 ± 1 yr) were randomized to sit for 3 h 1) without any interruptions (control) or 2) with 1 min half-squats every 20 min (exercise). Executive function was determined using the Color Word Stroop Test (CWST) and Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B). Subjective feelings of arousal and measures of fatigue, concentration, and motivation were evaluated. Internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow was measured using Doppler ultrasound. There was a significant interaction effect for correct response times with the incongruent CWST (P < 0.01), which were 3.5% faster in the exercise and 4.2% slower in the control over 3 h of sitting. There was also a significant interaction effect for TMT-B completion times (P < 0.01), which were 10.0% faster in the exercise and 8.8% slower in the control. Exercise suppressed decreases in concentration with a significant interaction effect (-28.7% vs. -9.2% for control vs. exercise, P = 0.048) and increases in mental fatigue with a significant interaction effect (285% vs. 157% for control vs. exercise, P < 0.04). These changes may have been related to changes in ICA blood flow, which had a significant interaction effect (P = 0.087). These results suggest that a simple strategy like intermittent squat exercises could help to maintain executive function during prolonged sitting.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We assessed executive function, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular responses during 3-h prolonged sitting, with or without an exercise interruption (1 min squats every 20 min). Compared to uninterrupted sitting, exercise interruption suppressed sitting-induced reductions in cerebral blood flow and impairments in executive function. These results demonstrated the efficacy of a half-squat intervention for individuals seeking to preserve cognition during prolonged sitting, which may be useful in environments with limited resources such as the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Horiuchi
- Division of Human Environmental Science, Mount Fuji Research Institute, Yamanashi, Japan
- Faculty of Sports and Life Science, National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Alexander Pomeroy
- Department of Exercise and Sports Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Yukari Horiuchi
- Department of Childhood Education, Faculty of Human Sciences, Kyushu-Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keeron Stone
- Centre for Cardiovascular Health and Ageing, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- National Cardiovascular Research Network, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Stoner
- Department of Exercise and Sports Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
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Stoner L, Higgins S, Paterson C. The 24-h activity cycle and cardiovascular outcomes: establishing biological plausibility using arterial stiffness as an intermediate outcome. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1243-H1263. [PMID: 37737729 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00258.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
This review proposes a biologically plausible working model for the relationship between the 24-h activity cycle (24-HAC) and cardiovascular disease. The 24-HAC encompasses moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep. MVPA confers the greatest relative cardioprotective effect, when considering MVPA represents just 2% of the day if physical activity guidelines (30 min/day) are met. While we have well-established guidelines for MVPA, those for the remaining activity behaviors are vague. The vague guidelines are attributable to our limited mechanistic understanding of the independent and additive effects of these behaviors on the cardiovascular system. Our proposed biological model places arterial stiffness, a measure of vascular aging, as the key intermediate outcome. Starting with prolonged exposure to SB or static standing, we propose that the reported transient increases in arterial stiffness are driven by a cascade of negative hemodynamic effects following venous pooling. The subsequent autonomic, metabolic, and hormonal changes further impair vascular function. Vascular dysfunction can be offset by using mechanistic-informed interruption strategies and by engaging in protective behaviors throughout the day. Physical activity, especially MVPA, can confer protection by chronically improving endothelial function and associated protective mechanisms. Conversely, poor sleep, especially in duration and quality, negatively affects hormonal, metabolic, autonomic, and hemodynamic variables that can confound the physiological responses to next-day activity behaviors. Our hope is that the proposed biologically plausible working model will assist in furthering our understanding of the effects of these complex, interrelated activity behaviors on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Stoner
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Simon Higgins
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Craig Paterson
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
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Garn AC, Simonton KL. Prolonged Sitting in University Students: An Intra-Individual Study Exploring Physical Activity Value as a Deterrent. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1891. [PMID: 36767258 PMCID: PMC9915133 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
University students are a subpopulation of young adults highly susceptible to prolonged bouts of sitting. The purpose of this study was to investigate university students' intra-individual patterns of prolonged daily sitting, exploring gender and physical activity value beliefs as covariates. A total of 71 students reported the number of days each week they spent in bouts of prolonged sitting (2 + continuous hours) over a five-week timeframe. The findings revealed that at the beginning of the study, the students spent about four days per week in prolonged bouts of sitting although there was substantial variability in the sample. Intra-individual changes over the five weeks occurred in a non-linear fashion with a variability in these trajectories. Men reported approximately one less day of prolonged sitting per week although gender did not predict changes over time. Physical activity value beliefs were negatively related to prolonged bouts of sitting when averaged across time. The results illustrate the variable nature of prolonged sitting in university student populations, highlighting the need for implementing individualized intervention strategies targeting sedentary behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C. Garn
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Kelly L. Simonton
- Division of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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Wen CT, Chu CL, Chen HC, Chueh TY, Lin CC, Wu SY, Hsu WC, Huang CJ, Hung TM. Effects of acute slackline exercise on executive function in college students. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1092804. [PMID: 37151346 PMCID: PMC10159648 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1092804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical exercise as an intervention for improving cognitive function, especially executive function, is receiving increasing attention because it is easily accessible, cost-effective and promises many additional health-related benefits. While previous studies focused on aerobic exercise and resistance exercise, recent findings have suggested that exercise with high coordination demand elicits beneficial effects on executive function. We therefore examined the effects of an acute slackline exercise on the executive functions of young adults. Methods In a crossover experimental design, 47 healthy participants (21 females), ranging in age from 18 to 27 years (M = 19.17, SD = 1.94) were randomly assigned to different sequences of two conditions (slackline exercise and film-watching). Before and after the 50 min intervention, a modified Simon task was used to assess participants' executive function (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility). Results College students showed better inhibitory control performance as indicated by shorter reaction times following acute slackline exercise than those who participated in the film-watching session. As there was no difference in accuracy between the slackline exercise and film-watching sessions, the shortened reaction time after slackline exercise provides evidence against a simple speed-accuracy trade-off. Conclusion Compared with film-watching, acute slackline exercise provides favorable effects on executive function necessitating inhibition in young adults. These findings provide insight into exercise prescription and cognition, and further evidence for the beneficial effects of coordination exercise on executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Tsai Wen
- Department of Sport and Leisure, National Quemoy University, Kinmen, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Ling Chu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chih Chen
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Chueh
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
- Ting-Yu Chueh,
| | - Chih-Chien Lin
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Yu Wu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Hsu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ju Huang
- Graduate Institute of Sport Pedagogy, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Tsung-Min Hung,
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Pindus DM, Selzer-Ninomiya A, Nayak A, Pionke JJ, Raine LB. Effects of reducing sedentary behaviour duration by increasing physical activity, on cognitive function, brain function and structure across the lifespan: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e046077. [PMID: 36270758 PMCID: PMC9594536 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Greater engagement in sedentary behaviours has been related to poorer cognitive functions in epidemiological research. However, the effects of reducing sedentary behaviour duration on cognitive function, brain function, and structure remain poorly understood. This systematic review aims to synthesise the evidence on the effects of reducing sedentary behaviour duration by increasing time spent in physical activity on cognitive function, brain structure and function in apparently healthy children, adolescents and adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The protocol follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The literature search will be conducted (search dates: August-September 2022) across six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (via EBSCO Host), PsycINFO (via ProQuest), SPORTDiscus and Web of Science (Science and Social Science Citation Index). The inclusion criteria are as follows: randomised and non-randomised experimental studies as defined by the Cochrane Handbook, published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and as theses or dissertations. References of included papers will be screened for additional studies. Acute and chronic interventions targeting children (≥ 4 years), adolescents, younger adults (≥ 18-40 years), middle-aged (40-64 years) and older adults (65+ years) will be eligible. Methodological quality will be assessed with the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Qualitative synthesis will be stratified by intervention type (acute vs chronic), intervention content (reducing sedentary time or interrupting prolonged sitting) and outcome (cognitive, brain structure and function). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No primary data collection will be conducted as part of this systematic review. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020200998.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika M Pindus
- Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ana Selzer-Ninomiya
- Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Applied Health Sciences, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Apurva Nayak
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - J J Pionke
- University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Lauren B Raine
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Leg Fidgeting Improves Executive Function following Prolonged Sitting with a Typical Western Meal: A Randomized, Controlled Cross-Over Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031357. [PMID: 35162381 PMCID: PMC8834958 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged uninterrupted sitting and a typical Western meal, high in fat and refined sugar, can additively impair cognitive and cerebrovascular functions. However, it is unknown whether interrupting these behaviours, with a simple desk-based activity, can attenuate the impairment. The aim of this study was to determine whether regular leg fidgeting can off-set the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting following the consumption of a typical Western meal, on executive and cerebrovascular function. Using a randomized cross-over design, 13 healthy males consumed a Western meal and completed 180-min of prolonged sitting with leg fidgeting of 1 min on/4 min off (intervention [INT]) and without (control [CON]). Cognitive function was assessed pre and post sitting using the Trail Maker Test (TMT) parts A and B. Common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow, as an index of brain flow, was measured pre and post, and cerebral (FP1) perfusion was measured continuously. For TMT B the CON trial significantly increased (worsened) completion time (mean difference [MD] = 5.2 s, d = 0.38), the number of errors (MD = 3.33, d = 0.68) and cognitive fatigue (MD = 0.73, d = 0.92). Compared to CON, the INT trial significantly improved completion time (MD = 2.3 s, d = 0.97), and prevented declines in cognitive fatigue and a reduction in the number of errors. No significant changes in cerebral perfusion or CCA blood flow were found. Leg fidgeting for 1-min on/4-min off following a meal high in fats and refined sugars attenuated the impairment in executive function. This attenuation in executive function may not be caused by alterations in CCA blood flow or cerebral perfusion.
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Prodel E. Small Exercise Breaks can Save your Brain from Prolonged Sitting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20210248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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