Rationale: Sedentary behavior (SB) has been associated with impaired cognitive function in elderly, and negatively impacts glucose metabolism. Interrupting sitting with physical activity (PA) bouts may exert beneficial effects on cognitive function via an improved glucose metabolism. Nevertheless, the impact of breaking up prolonged sitting with various frequencies of PA bouts remains unexplored in young sedentary adults. Moreover, we hypothesize that the pattern of the breaks modifies the effects. Thus, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are highly needed to investigate the effects of interrupting sitting with different frequencies of PA on cognitive function and glucose metabolism. We now hypothesize that interrupting sitting with different frequencies of walking breaks differentially affects cognitive function and glucose metabolism. Objective: The aim is to investigate the effects of breaking up sitting with different frequencies of PA bouts on cognitive function and glucose metabolism in young sedentary adults. Study design: A randomised, controlled cross-over study will be performed, consisting of four interventions in a counterbalanced order: uninterrupted prolonged sitting, short breaks, moderate breaks, and long breaks. Intervention: Participants will complete four conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced order: sitting (uninterrupted prolonged sitting without any interruptions), short breaks (walk 1 minute every 10 minutes), moderate breaks (walk 3 minutes every 30 minutes), and long breaks (walk 27 minutes during the intervention). Each condition lasts 4.5 hours.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
Participants will engage in 27 minutes walking in different frequencies, including short breaks (walk 1 minute every 10 minutes), moderate breaks (walk 3 minutes every 30 minutes), and long breaks (walk 27 minutes in one time during the intervention).
Nutrition and movement science
Maastricht, Netherlands
RECRUITINGMental flexibility
It will be assessed using the computer-based Trial Making Test
Time frame: baseline and 5 hours post baseline
Interference
Interference is assessed by the computer-based Stroop task
Time frame: baseline and 5 hours post baseline
Memory
Memory is assessed by the computer-based n-Back Test
Time frame: baseline and 5 hours post baseline
Attention
Attention is assessed by the paper-based d2 attention Test
Time frame: baseline and 5 hours post baseline
Glucose metabolism
Concentration of plasma glucose will be tested.
Time frame: baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, and 5 hour post baseline
Glucose metabolism
Concentration of serum insulin will be tested.
Time frame: baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, and 5 hour post baseline
Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Concentration of serum BDNF, as one of the exploratory outcomes will be tested.
Time frame: baseline, 2 hour, 3 hour, and 5 hour post baseline
Blood lipids
As exploratory outcomes, concentration of serum total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) will be tested.
Time frame: baseline, and 5 hours post baseline
Serum triacylglycerol (TAG)
As another exploratory outcome, concentration of serum TAG will be tested.
Time frame: baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, and 5 hour post baseline
Mood
Short version of Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire will be used to test mood.
Time frame: baseline and 5 hours post baseline
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