ACUte effects of SITting time in older adults (ACUSIT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The acute effects of sitting time on physiological and psychological function in older adults
IRAS ID
177149
Contact name
Carolyn Greig
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
UK physical activity guidelines for older people state that “All older adults should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods” and “There is sufficient evidence to support a recommendation to reduce sedentary behaviour in older adults, but it is not currently possible to suggest a specific time limit.” The aim of this study is to identify key physiological and psychological outcomes influenced by acute periods of inactivity and what older people feel after these acute periods of inactivity. Our main objective is to determine, through direct measurement and self-report, the acute functional and cognitive effects of differing periods of sitting time. A secondary objective is to inform older people, professionals and organisations working with older people and policy makers on what duration of sedentary behaviour will lead to adverse outcomes in older people. We will recruit ambulatory men and women aged 70 y and over who will be studied on three separate occasions, approximately one week apart to complete sedentary bouts of 1 h, 2 h and 4 h in a randomised cross-over design. We will explore the relationship between sitting time and changes in lower limb explosive power(primary outcome) measured before and after each bout. Secondary outcomes will include timed chair rise; Timed Up and Go; blood pressure; perception of musculoskeletal comfort/pain, vitality; mood and cognitive function. We will also measure the stress hormone cortisol in samples of saliva taken at the start of the sitting session, 1 h, 2h and 4 h later. Characterising the acute effects of sitting time in older adults will enable the design of interventions to reduce sedentary time as well as inform professionals and policy makers on what duration of sedentary behaviour will lead to adverse outcomes.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0260
Date of REC Opinion
1 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion