Sitting too much is bad! But standing too much is bad too!? A large-scale survey of 83,000 people reveals

Introduction

In recent years, much research has been conducted on the adverse health effects of sitting too long. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that standing for long periods of time may also pose health risks. In this article, we will explain the effects of sitting time and standing time on cardiovascular and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence, based on the content of the latest research paper, "Device-measured stationary behaviour and cardiovascular and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence."

Research Overview

In this study, we used data from the UK Biobank to investigate the relationship between sitting and standing time and the risk of cardiovascular disease and orthostatic cardiovascular disease in 83,013 adults (mean age 61.3 years). Data on sitting and standing time measured using an accelerometer was analyzed to clarify the relationship with the risk of developing disease.

Research Methodology

• Participants : 83,013 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank
• Measurement method : Accelerometer measurement of daily sitting and standing time
• Disease definition :
  • Major cardiovascular diseases (CVD) : coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke
  • Orthostatic cardiovascular disease : orthostatic hypotension, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers
• Analysis method : Risk analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression model

Key points of the research

The longer you sit, the higher your health risks (Figures 1 and 2)

• Sitting for more than 10 hours increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 15% (Figure 2) .
• The risk of orthostatic cardiovascular disease also increased by 26% (Figure 1) .
• Sitting for more than 12 hours significantly increases the risk .

Increased standing time does not necessarily reduce health risks (Figure 1)

• Standing for more than two hours a day increases the risk of orthostatic cardiovascular disease .
• No association was found with cardiovascular disease risk .

A balance between sitting time and standing time is important (Figures 3 and 4)

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time also carries risks .
• Moderate exercise (walking and stretching) is effective for maintaining health .

Explanation of the chart

Figure 1: Adjusted absolute risk of sitting, standing, and stationary time and orthostatic cardiovascular disease incidence

• The risk rises sharply for those who sit for more than 10 hours, with each hour increasing the risk by 26%.
• The risk increased with standing time of more than 2 hours (11% increase for every 30 minutes).
• There is a tendency for risk to decrease if sitting time is 9 hours or less.

Figure 2: Adjusted absolute risk of sitting, standing, and stationary time and major cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence

• Sitting for more than 10 hours increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%.
• Being immobile for more than 12 hours also increases the risk (13% increase for every hour).
• Increased standing time not associated with CVD risk

Figure 3: Linear regression model of sitting, standing, and stationary time and incidence of orthostatic cardiovascular disease

• The risk increases exponentially for those who spend more than 10 hours sitting.
• The risk tends to increase if standing time is more than two hours.
• There is a tendency for risk to decrease if sitting time is less than 10 hours.

Figure 4: Linear regression models of sitting, standing, and stationary time and incidence of major cardiovascular disease (CVD)

• Sitting for more than 10 hours increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Increased standing time was not associated with risk.
• Being stationary for more than 12 hours also increases the risk of CVD.

Health measures for standing and sitting jobs

1. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time

• Walk at least 5 minutes every hour.
• Work while maintaining a balance between sitting and standing.

2. Get some exercise

• Do some light stretching while working at your desk.
• If possible, do some stepping or squatting while working.
• Utilize walking meetings.

3. Proper accommodation

• Install standing desks so that employees can sit where appropriate.
• Provide rest areas in work areas to encourage walking.

summary

This study showed that prolonged sitting and standing increases health risks. In particular, sitting for more than 10 hours may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and standing for more than 2 hours may increase the risk of orthostatic cardiovascular disease.

Therefore, reducing sitting and getting moderate physical activity are essential to maintaining good health. People who work in either standing or sitting jobs are encouraged to be conscious of maintaining a balanced work style and to adopt the habit of moving regularly.