Extended Sitting Impairs Skin Blood Flow Regulation Regardless of Temperature Conditions
Prolonged sitting decreases skin blood flow regulation, increasing cardiovascular risk. Temperature fluctuations do not mitigate this impairment, highlighting the need for activity-based interventions.
Recent research highlights the negative effects of prolonged sitting on skin blood flow regulation, an important aspect of cardiovascular health. In Japan, individuals spend up to seven hours daily in seated positions, which is the highest worldwide. This sedentary habit is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Tsukuba examined how extended periods of sitting influence the skin's ability to dilate blood vessels, a process crucial for maintaining healthy circulation.
The investigation involved twelve young adults who sat for 120 minutes under two distinct environmental conditions: one with constant room temperature (25°C) and another with alternating cold and warm temperatures (18°C followed by 35°C, repeated twice). Researchers assessed skin blood flow performance before and after sitting to observe changes in vasodilation and vasoconstriction responses.
Findings revealed that prolonged sitting reduced the skin's capacity to dilate blood vessels, indicating impaired vasodilatory function. Interestingly, this condition also heightened vasoconstrictor responsiveness, a mechanism to narrow blood vessels. Notably, exposing subjects to temperature fluctuations did not significantly counteract the impairment caused by extended sitting, suggesting that environmental temperature changes alone may not be sufficient to mitigate vascular dysfunction.
This study underscores the importance of breaking up long periods of sitting to protect vascular health, as temperature variations in the surroundings do not effectively prevent vascular impairments associated with sedentary behavior. Developing new strategies to stimulate greater skin temperature fluctuations or physical activity may be necessary to preserve healthy blood flow regulation.
The research was published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and interventions to reduce sedentary time for better cardiovascular outcomes.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-prolonged-decreases-cutaneous-vasodilatory-function.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
New Method Uses DNA Methylation to Accurately Predict Chronological Age Within 1.36 Years
A groundbreaking study from Hebrew University introduces a method to determine chronological age with remarkable precision using DNA methylation patterns, opening new horizons in medicine, forensics, and aging research.
Preliminary Research Links Long Working Hours to Brain Structural Changes
Preliminary research suggests that working long hours—52 or more per week—may lead to structural changes in the brain, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive functions. The study highlights the need for occupational health policies to address overwork's neurological impacts.
Slow Arm Movements in Older Adults Increase Fall Risk, Study Finds
Research shows that slower arm movements in older adults during slips can significantly increase the risk of falls and injuries. Strengthening arm muscles may help improve balance reactions and prevent serious injuries like hip fractures.
Proximity to Harmful Algal Blooms May Reduce Survival in ALS Patients
Living near harmful cyanobacterial algal blooms is linked to shorter lifespan in ALS patients, highlighting environmental risks in neurodegenerative disease progression.