Recently, researchers shared the results of a study aimed at measuring the positive effects of regular walking on overall health and well-being.
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Walking and working: researchers are investigating
At a time when we are multiplying the activities in front of our screens, let us ask ourselves this question: is sitting for a long time in the same position without taking the time to move dangerous for our health? And if so, what can be done to change it? In order to answer (with supporting evidence) these questions, physiologists at Columbia University conducted the investigation by evaluating the reactions of several people in different configurations: one minute of walking every thirty minutes in a seated position, one minute after sixty minutes, five minutes every thirty minutes, five minutes every sixty minutes, and finally no walking.
The purpose of this study led by Keith Diaz, associate professor of behavioral medicine, is not only to prove that sitting has harmful effects on health. Beyond this problem (which is a reality), he wanted above all to provide concrete solutions in order to considerably limit the risks. To do this, the study brought together a total of eleven participants between the ages of forty and sixty. Comfortably seated for eight hours reading, working or browsing on their phones, the latter were of course fed and were only allowed to get up for their mandatory walking sessions (and for the pee break, that goes self).
Pain and fatigue at work? Walking may be your cure
The results of this study turned out to be particularly interesting. By walking for five minutes every half hour, blood sugar levels and blood pressure would drop significantly. For example, participants' blood sugar spikes were reduced by 58% compared to someone who didn't walk at all. Walking for just one minute every thirty minutes would also have some benefits for blood sugar throughout the day. Walking for five minutes every hour, on the other hand, had no favorable effect on the body. Finally, regarding the impact on mood and fatigue, researchers have found that walking for at least five minutes every hour has positive effects on the general state of the person.
The work of Keith Diaz and his teams will not stop there. The researchers intend to expand the number of configurations and will perform their future tests on a wider variety of people (probably with more heterogeneous age groups). In the meantime, you now know that moving more at work (or when watching a game or a series) could prevent you from peaking in fatigue and will probably help you feel better. Like what, the solution is never far away...
