Leg Fidgeting Improves Executive Function following Prolonged Sitting with a Typical Western Meal: A Randomized, Controlled Cross-Over Trial.

Simon Fryer,Louise A Turner,Gabriel Zieff,Lee Stoner,Aitor Martínez Aguirre-Betolaza,Craig Paterson,Meghan A Brown,James Faulkner,Keeron Stone

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031357

Abstract

Prolonged uninterrupted sitting and a typical Western meal, high in fat and refined sugar, can additively impair cognitive and cerebrovascular functions. However, it is unknown whether interrupting these behaviours, with a simple desk-based activity, can attenuate the impairment. The aim of this study was to determine whether regular leg fidgeting can off-set the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting following the consumption of a typical Western meal, on executive and cerebrovascular function. Using a randomized cross-over design, 13 healthy males consumed a Western meal and completed 180-min of prolonged sitting with leg fidgeting of 1 min on/4 min off (intervention [INT]) and without (control [CON]). Cognitive function was assessed pre and post sitting using the Trail Maker Test (TMT) parts A and B. Common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow, as an index of brain flow, was measured pre and post, and cerebral (FP1) perfusion was measured continuously. For TMT B the CON trial significantly increased (worsened) completion time (mean difference [MD] = 5.2 s, d = 0.38), the number of errors (MD = 3.33, d = 0.68) and cognitive fatigue (MD = 0.73, d = 0.92). Compared to CON, the INT trial significantly improved completion time (MD = 2.3 s, d = 0.97), and prevented declines in cognitive fatigue and a reduction in the number of errors. No significant changes in cerebral perfusion or CCA blood flow were found. Leg fidgeting for 1-min on/4-min off following a meal high in fats and refined sugars attenuated the impairment in executive function. This attenuation in executive function may not be caused by alterations in CCA blood flow or cerebral perfusion.

Highlights

There was a significant main effect of time, but not condition, with triglyceride concentration increasing from pre to post in both the combined with either prolonged uninterrupted sitting (CON) and INT trials
Previous studies have associated chronic sedentary behaviours with increased dementia risks [43] and cognitive impairment [2], but less is known about the influence that modifiable lifestyle behaviours may have on these functions [3]
There is limited knowledge about how simple physical activity strategies such as leg fidgeting may help to alleviate compounded dysfunctions caused by prolonged sitting and Western meals high in refined sugars and fats

Summary

Introduction

Epidemiological studies have associated high amounts of sedentary behaviours with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke, dementia, impaired brain structure and function [1], and cognitive impairment [2]. Whilst the exact mechanisms by which sedentary behaviour leads to cognitive dysfunction is unclear, it is known that periods of prolonged uninterrupted sitting can lead to reductions in brain blood flow and cerebral oxygenation which have been linked to cognitive decline [3,4], and brief physical activity interruptions can prevent these cerebrovascular declines [4–6] and increase memory storage [7]. Habitual physical activity is associated with a lower risk of developing.

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