Effects of thigh muscle activity patterns on blood pressure and edema during interrupted sitting in overweight and obese men.

purposeThis study compared the effects of different muscle activity patterns on blood pressure and lower leg edema during interrupted sitting in overweight and obese men.

designRandomized four-arm cross-over experimental study.

methodsEighteen overweight and obese men (21.0 ± 1.2 years; 28.8 ± 2.2 kg/m

resultsMean systolic blood pressure was reduced by 2.54 mmHg (95% CI - 4.47 to - 0.62, P = 0.010) in WALK relative to SIT. The changes of lower leg volumes were reduced by 70.34 ml (- 112.78 to - 27.91, P = 0.002) in WALK and 62.49 ml (- 104.92 to - 20.06, P = 0.005) in SQUAT relative to SIT. Increased thigh muscle EMG amplitude was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (- 1.02 mmHg [- 1.79 to - 0.25], P = 0.010). Longer EMG activity duration was associated with decreased lower leg edema (- 1.02 ml [- 1.83 to - 0.21], P = 0.015).

conclusionFrequent interruptions to prolonged sitting confer distinct health benefits through specific muscle activity patterns, providing potential targets for interventions.