'Active' sitting is better for brain health: review of studies
16 days ago
- #sedentary behavior
- #brain health
- #cognitive function
- Excessive sitting harms physical and mental health, but 'active' sitting (e.g., reading, playing cards) may benefit brain health compared to 'passive' sitting (e.g., watching TV).
- A systematic review of 85 studies found active sitting enhances cognitive functions like executive function, situational memory, and working memory.
- Passive sitting is linked to negative cognitive outcomes, including higher dementia risk, though effect sizes are small but significant.
- Researchers suggest health guidelines should differentiate between passive and active sitting and encourage mentally engaging activities with short breaks.
- Small daily choices, like reading instead of watching TV, may support long-term brain health and reduce dementia risk.