The effect of breaking up sedentary time with calisthenics on neuromuscular function: a preliminary study

Mear, Emily, Gladwell, Valerie and Pethick, Jamie (2022) The effect of breaking up sedentary time with calisthenics on neuromuscular function: a preliminary study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (14597). pp. 1-14. ISSN 1661-7827

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Abstract

The ageing process results in reduced neuromuscular function. This alongside prolonged sedentary behaviour is associated with decreased muscle strength, force control and ability to maintain balance. Breaking up sedentary time with regular bouts of physical activity has numerous health benefits, though the effects on neuromuscular function are unknown. This study investigated the effect of breaking up sedentary time with calisthenic exercise on neuromuscular function. 17 healthy adults (33 ± 13.1 years), who spent ≥6 h/day sitting, were assigned to a four-week calisthenics intervention (n = 8) or control group (n = 9). The calisthenics intervention involved performing up to eight sets of exercises during the working day (09:00–17:00); with one set consisting of eight repetitions of five difference exercises (including squats and lunges). Before and immediately after the intervention, measures of knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and submaximal force control (measures of the magnitude and complexity of force fluctuations), and dynamic balance (Y balance test) were taken. The calisthenics intervention resulted in a significant increase in knee extensor MVC (p = 0.036), significant decreases in the standard deviation (p = 0.031) and coefficient of variation (p = 0.016) of knee extensor force fluctuations during contractions at 40% MVC, and a significant increase in Y balance test posterolateral reach with left leg stance (p = 0.046). These results suggest that breaking up sedentary time with calisthenics may be effective at increasing muscle strength, force steadiness and dynamic balance all of which might help reduce the effects of the ageing process.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: sedentary behaviour, breaking up sedentary time, calisthenics, neuromuscular, strength, force steadiness, balance
Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology
R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions: Other Departments (Central units) > Research & Enterprise
Depositing User: David Upson-Dale
Date Deposited: 09 Nov 2022 12:42
Last Modified: 09 Nov 2022 12:42
URI: https://oars.uos.ac.uk/id/eprint/2783

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