Exercise is Useless... Sitting for Long Periods is Fatal to the Heart

"Average 10.6 Hours Sitting Daily Should Be Avoided"
Occasional Intense Exercise Does Not Offset the Risk

A study has found that sitting in front of a desk for too long increases the risk of heart-related diseases. It was especially noted that even exercising during leisure time does little to reduce this risk.

On the 18th (local time), US CNN introduced the research results of Dr. Ejim Ajufo, a senior cardiology researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, USA. Dr. Ajufo explained, "This study emphasizes the importance of not sitting for too long regardless of how physically active one usually is."

The research team analyzed data from about 90,000 participants who wore accelerometers (devices that measure movement) on their bodies for a week. The participants' activity levels were determined through the accelerometers. Using data sent from the sensors, the researchers distinguished between the time participants spent moving and the time they spent sitting still.

Sitting for too long has been found to increase the risk of heart disease. Photo by Getty Images

The investigation revealed that participants who spent more time sitting had a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to determine the specific correlation between sitting time and heart disease.

Nevertheless, the researchers believe they can still provide the general guideline that prolonged sitting habits negatively affect heart health. Dr. Ajufo emphasized, "We strongly recommend avoiding the habit of sitting for more than an average of 10.6 hours per day." He added, "Establishing such public health guidelines is a reasonable first step."

This experiment, conducted on a sample of 90,000 people, is known to be the largest heart disease-related study conducted so far. However, the data still contains some incompleteness. First, most of the sample used data from the UK Biobank located in the United Kingdom. Therefore, the majority of the sample is likely European or White, which may not accurately reflect the realities of other countries.

Office workers should increase their active time during the day. Photo by CNN

Also, the study remains purely observational. While a correlation between sitting time and heart disease was found, there is no evidence to conclude that prolonged sitting habits are a direct "cause" of heart disease.

However, the researchers speculated that sitting all day weakens leg muscles, which could negatively affect heart health. Muscles play an important role in regulating blood sugar and fat levels in the blood.

The problem is that most office workers sit at their desks, so the average daily sitting time is likely to far exceed 10.6 hours. As an alternative, standing desks can be used, but the researchers emphasize that "direct movement" is much more important than "standing while working."

Regarding this, Dr. Ajufo pointed out, "This study revealed that vigorous physical activity does not completely offset the harmful effects of prolonged sitting habits." However, even if exercise cannot entirely eliminate the negative effects of habitual sitting, it should not be abandoned. Dr. Ajufo stressed, "People who exercise occasionally are still healthier than those who sit all day long."