Relationship Between Sitting Duration During Working Days and Level of Physical Performance

Abstract

Background and Aim: Increased time spent in sitting during work is associated with poor physical performance and is identified as a risk factor for health complications. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sitting duration during working days on level of physical performance in a university setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 35 male participants aged between 19 to 48 years were recruited during a 5 kilometers running contest. Demographics and sedentary lifestyle behavior data were collected via a questionnaire which included a question about the average number of hours spent sitting during working days. Physical performance was indicated by the finishing time of the running contest for each participant. Results: Participants mean time interval to complete the 5 kilometers running contest was 33 ± 6.5 minutes with an average speed of 2.5 m/s. A Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that number of hours of sitting during working days was significantly positively correlated with time to finish the 5 kilometers running contest (r = 0.62835, P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Increased duration of sitting during working days was associated with the worse level of physical performance.