A 10-minute walk can benefit vascular health after lengthy sitting: study

Columbia, MO – By taking a break to go for a brief walk, workers can reverse damage to blood vessels caused by prolonged sitting, according to research from the University of Missouri.

Researchers examined the vascular function of 11 healthy young men before and after they sat for long periods of time and walked, states a Sept. 28 university press release. After the participants sat at a desk for six hours, blood flow in an artery in their lower leg – known as the popliteal artery – was significantly decreased. After the participants walked for 10 minutes at their own pace, blood flow and vascular function improved.

Researchers said it is important that workers in sedentary environments understand the effects of sitting on their vascular health.

The study was published online June 10 in the journal Experimental Physiology.