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The Effect of Breaking Up Sedentary Time with Calisthenics on Neuromuscular Function: A Preliminary Study

Author

Listed:
  • Emily Mear

    (School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

  • Valerie Frances Gladwell

    (Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Suffolk, Ipswich IP4 1QJ, UK)

  • Jamie Pethick

    (School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

Abstract

The ageing process results in reduced neuromuscular function. This alongside prolonged sedentary behaviour is associated with decreased muscle strength, force control and ability to maintain balance. Breaking up sedentary time with regular bouts of physical activity has numerous health benefits, though the effects on neuromuscular function are unknown. This study investigated the effect of breaking up sedentary time with calisthenic exercise on neuromuscular function. 17 healthy adults (33 ± 13.1 years), who spent ≥6 h/day sitting, were assigned to a four-week calisthenics intervention ( n = 8) or control group ( n = 9). The calisthenics intervention involved performing up to eight sets of exercises during the working day (09:00–17:00); with one set consisting of eight repetitions of five difference exercises (including squats and lunges). Before and immediately after the intervention, measures of knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and submaximal force control (measures of the magnitude and complexity of force fluctuations), and dynamic balance (Y balance test) were taken. The calisthenics intervention resulted in a significant increase in knee extensor MVC ( p = 0.036), significant decreases in the standard deviation ( p = 0.031) and coefficient of variation ( p = 0.016) of knee extensor force fluctuations during contractions at 40% MVC, and a significant increase in Y balance test posterolateral reach with left leg stance ( p = 0.046). These results suggest that breaking up sedentary time with calisthenics may be effective at increasing muscle strength, force steadiness and dynamic balance all of which might help reduce the effects of the ageing process.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily Mear & Valerie Frances Gladwell & Jamie Pethick, 2022. "The Effect of Breaking Up Sedentary Time with Calisthenics on Neuromuscular Function: A Preliminary Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14597-:d:965379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristina Romero-Blanco & Julián Rodríguez-Almagro & María Dolores Onieva-Zafra & María Laura Parra-Fernández & María del Carmen Prado-Laguna & Antonio Hernández-Martínez, 2020. "Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle in University Students: Changes during Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Sharon Parry & Leon Straker & Nicholas D Gilson & Anne J Smith, 2013. "Participatory Workplace Interventions Can Reduce Sedentary Time for Office Workers—A Randomised Controlled Trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(11), pages 1-10, November.
    3. Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro & Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri & Borja Gutiérrez-Santamaría & Aitor Coca, 2020. "Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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