Effects of Standing and Light-intensity Activity on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose

Effects of Standing and Light-intensity Activity on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose

This study aims to test the short-term effects of intermittent standing, slow cycling and slow walking, compared to sitting, on continuous blood glucose and ambulatory blood pressure among pre-hypertensive and pre-diabetic adults.

This study will enroll 10 adults who will each complete four experimental conditions in random order. Each of the four experimental conditions are as follows: 1) sit continuously for 8 hours in a simulated office environment, 2) break-up sitting time with standing based on set hourly intervals, 3) break-up sitting time with slow-walking on a treadmill desk based on set hourly intervals, 4) increase energy expenditure by slow cycling based on set hourly intervals. Participants will completed each condition one week apart and dietary intake will be standardized by giving participants the same meals during each intervention condition. Study measures will include: anthropometrics (height and weight), blood pressure, fasting glucose, 24-continuous glucose monitoring, full-day ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, cognitive testing (cognitive performance), energy expenditure, physical activity via accelerometer, sleep via accelerometer, and heart rate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pre-hypertensive (systolic blood pressure 120-139 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mmHg)
• impaired fasting glucose (5.6-6.9 mmil/L)
• not meeting the physical activity guidelines for adults (>=150 min/wk of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity)

Exclusion Criteria:

• smoking, pregnancy, known coronary heart disease, orthopedic limitations for performing physical activity, taking medications to control high blood pressure or high blood glucose, special dietary requirements, and being advised by a doctor to avoid prolonged periods of sitting.