An increased risk of mortality was seen among occasional fidgeters. The study involved 35,000 women aged 35 to 69 who are living in Britain. Future studies are sure to examine what kind of fidgeting is effective, the effects of fidgeting on factors other than mortality, and the effects of fidgeting for people who sit for more than and less than seven hours per day.
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“Fidgeting might influence our metabolic rate in a beneficial way, perhaps offsetting some of the negative effects of sitting”, study co-author Janet Cade told Today Health.
No increased risk of death was found among those who considered themselves moderately or very fidgety, compared to those who were very active.
Tim Hutchful, of the British Chiropractic Association, said: “Sitting for long periods of time can put twice as much pressure on the spine as standing and can reduce blood flow to muscles and joints”. Researchers have now discovered that some amount of healthy fidgeting across the day could, in fact, be the key to surviving sedentary lifestyles. The researchers found that the risk of mortality of women, who sat for over 7 hours a day and didn’t fidget regularly, was 43% more than the ones who sat for less than 5 hours. According to researchers, fidgeting such as tapping the feet or changing sitting positions can help fight off the development of various health conditions.
While at a boring ground breaking ceremony, this man looked interested, but his hands were fidgeting from the boredom. The new study examined data from a follow-up survey sent to the same group of women, wherein participants were asked about their health behaviours, chronic disease, physical activity levels and fidgeting.
In recent years, prolonged sitting has been linked to a long list of detrimental consequences, such as higher risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, depression and muscle or joint problems.
Some health experts have advised office workers to try sitting at their desk for about two (2) hours each day, but depending on the tasks we have to perform, some people find this easier to do than others.
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Research has previously shown that breaking up sitting time does improve health markers such as body mass index and insulin response. And you have been admonished several times for this habit of yours by your parents at home and teachers in school.
