JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sedentary behavior among young adults and university students, poses a significant public health concern. Prolonged sitting has been linked to increased risks for numerous health issues, even among those meeting physical activity guidelines. Addressing sedentary behavior is crucial for preventing future health problems. Light-intensity physical activities (LIPA), such as sit-cycling (S-C) and stand-twisting (S-T), offer promising solutions in mitigating the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Research shows LIPA provides health benefits for individuals who do not meet physical activity recommendations.

Objective:

The study investigates the immediate effects of S-C and S-T on cognitive function, physiological responses, and somatic symptoms among physically inactive university students.

Methods:

The study consists of a sub-study and a main study. The sub-study involves the measurement of oxygen uptake during 5-minute bouts of S-C and S-T in 6 university students in validation that S-C and S-T are classified as LIPA. In the main study, 28 university students will be recruited in a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of S-C and S-T with passive sitting or standing.

Results:

Measurement of prefrontal cortical oxygenation, cognitive function, sleepiness, and back pain are the outcome variables of interest.

Conclusions:

Insights on how 5-minute sessions of LIPA influence cognitive, physiological, and somatic outcomes are offered, contributing to emergent evidence of the benefits of using brief bouts of LIPA to interrupt prolonged sitting in physically inactive and sedentary university students. Clinical Trial: This study is registered in the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Registry (No: NCT06703424; Registration date: November 21, 2024； https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06703424).