Light-intensity PA was found to be beneficially associated with obesity , markers of lipid and glucose metabolism , and mortality .
Conclusions Observational evidence that light-intensity PA can confer health benefits is accumulating .
Background The health effects of light-intensity physical activity ( PA ) are not well known today .
Objective We conducted a systematic review to assess the association of accelerometer-measured light-intensity PA with modifiable health outcomes in adults and older adults .
Breaking up prolonged sitting with light-intensity walking improves postprandial glycemia, but breaking up sitting with standing does not.
OBJECTIVES To explore the effects of breaking up prolonged sitting time with st and ing or light-intensity walking on a range of cardiometabolic risk markers . DESIGN A r and omised three-period , three-treatment acute crossover trial . METHODS Ten non-obese adults took part in three trials : ( 1 ) uninterrupted sitting ; ( 2 ) seated with 2-min bouts of st and ing every 20 min ; and ( 3 ) seated with 2-min bouts of light-intensity walking every 20 min . Two st and ardised test drinks ( total 80.3 carbohydrate , 50 g fat ) were provided after an initial 1-h period of uninterrupted sitting .  Plasma glucose and blood pressure were assessed hourly to calculate area under the curve . Total cholesterol , HDL , and triglycerides were assessed at baseline and 5-h . ANOVAs were used to explore between-trial differences . RESULTS Glucose area under the curve was lower in the activity-break condition compared to the uninterrupted sitting and st and ing-break conditions : mean area under the curve 18.5 ( 95 % CI 17 , 20 ) , 22.0 ( 20.5 , 23.5 ) , and 22.2 ( 20.7 , 23.7 ) mmol L/5-h , respectively , p<0.001 ; no difference between uninterrupted sitting and st and ing-break conditions ( p>0.05 ) . Systolic and diastolic blood pressure area under the curve did not differ significantly between conditions , nor did responses in lipid parameters ( p>0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that interrupting sitting time with frequent brief bouts of light-intensity activity , but not st and ing , imparts beneficial postpr and ial responses that may enhance cardiometabolic health . These findings may have importance in the design of effective interventions to reduce cardiometabolic disease risk
Light-intensity PA was found to be beneficially associated with obesity , markers of lipid and glucose metabolism , and mortality .
Conclusions Observational evidence that light-intensity PA can confer health benefits is accumulating .
Background The health effects of light-intensity physical activity ( PA ) are not well known today .
Objective We conducted a systematic review to assess the association of accelerometer-measured light-intensity PA with modifiable health outcomes in adults and older adults .