Low Intensity Physical Activity During Sitting on Glycemic Control and Vascular Function in Obese Individuals

Prolonged sitting is a common behavior in contemporary humans. In epidemiological studies, increased sitting time has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Recent research has also shown that interrupting sitting time with standing prevents the poorer glycemic control. However, studies are lacking which evaluate the impact of low intensity physical activity during prolonged sitting on vascular function. Whether low intensity physical activity can increase blood flow substantially and prevent impairment in vascular function and glycemic control is unknown. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate whether increased blood flow during sitting via low intensity physical activity (fidgetting) prevents the impairment in vascular function and poorer glycemic control associated with prolonged sitting.