Abstract
BackgroundSedentary time poses a risk to health. Substituting physical activity for inactivity is obvious but this requires a behavior change. Interventions advocated to decrease uninterrupted physical inactivity (defined as Metabolic Equivalent of Task (METS) less than 1.5) are important. One such intervention is accomplished with the Gentle Jogger (GJ), a low risk motorized wellness device which produces effortless, rapid motion of the lower extremities simulating locomotion or fidgeting. GJ produces health benefits in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The purpose of this trial was to ascertain whether GJ increases METS above 1.5 to explain its effectiveness despite sedentary behavior or whether tapping is responsible.MethodsA randomized single-arm trial was conducted. Subjects were randomized to begin the study in either the supine or seated postures and on the same day crossed over with the starting posture reversed. Oxygen consumption was measured at rest and during GJ.ResultsTwenty-six subjects were studied (15 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 44 ± 15 years and BMI 27.9 ± 5.0, 19 were overweight or obese, and 7 had normal BMI. GJ increased oxygen consumption and METS 15% in the seated posture and 13% in the supine posture. No individual receiving GJ achieved METS exceeding 1.5.ConclusionsIn a moderately obese population, GJ in seated or supine posture did not exceed 1.5 METS. The values are comparable to those reported for sit-stand interventions and cannot explain the health benefits of GJ.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03602365. Registered on July 26, 2018
Highlights
Adults spend increasing amounts of waking time sedentary in seated, reclining, or lying postures expending low levels of energy amounting to less than 1.5 Metabolic equivalent of task (METS)
Sedentary time is an independent risk factor to health such that moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) does not mitigate high levels of sedentary time, and adverse health effects tend to persist despite engaging in MVPA
In a meta-analysis of over one million adults, high levels of sitting time increased the risk of premature mortality in all but the most physically active individuals who accumulated greater than 1 h/day of moderateintensity physical activity [6]
Summary
Adults spend increasing amounts of waking time sedentary in seated, reclining, or lying postures expending low levels of energy amounting to less than 1.5 METS. Sedentary time is an independent risk factor to health such that moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) does not mitigate high levels of sedentary time, and adverse health effects tend to persist despite engaging in MVPA. These health risks include increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, dementia, certain cancers, and premature mortality [1,2,3,4]. GJ produces health benefits in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure The purpose of this trial was to ascertain whether GJ increases METS above 1.5 to explain its effectiveness despite sedentary behavior or whether tapping is responsible
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