Prolonged sedentary behaviour has a detrimental effect on neuromuscular function and is associated with decreased muscle strength and force control, and a decreased 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 aimed to investigate the effect of breaking up sedentary time with calisthenic exercise on neuromuscular function. To that end, 17 healthy adults, who spent ≥6 hours a day sitting, were randomly assigned to a four-week calisthenics intervention (n = 8) or a 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 different exercises (including squats and lunges). Before and immediately after the intervention, measures of knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC; right leg only) and submaximal force control (measures of the magnitude and complexity of force fluctuations; right leg only), and dynamic balance (Y balance test; both legs) 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.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.