Research Design Connection: Movement and Health

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | November 2nd, 2015

Researchers at the University of Exeter and University College London report on movement and likelihood of death. Their findings were published in the “International Journal of Epidemiology” and have “challenged claims that sitting for long periods increases the risk of an early death even if you are otherwise physically active.” Researchers “followed more than 5000 participants for 16 years…and found that sitting, either at home or at work, is not associated with an increased risk of dying. These findings challenge previous research suggesting that the act of sitting itself causes harm even when people routinely walk a lot or do other exercise.” Dr. Melvyn Hillsdorn stated that “’Our study…indicates that the problem lies in the absence of movement rather than the time spent sitting itself. Any stationary posture where energy expenditure is low may be detrimental to health, be it sitting or standing. The results cast doubt on the benefits …