Prolonged Sitting Causes Leg Discomfort in Middle Aged Adults: Evaluation of Shear Wave Velocity, Calf Circumference, and Discomfort Questionaries

Abstract

Introduction: Prolonged sitting causes leg discomfort. We evaluated shear wave velocity (SWV) of leg muscles, leg circumference, and leg discomfort associated with 2 h sitting. Methods: Twenty-one middle-aged men and 19 middle-aged women participated in the study. SWV and leg circumference was measured just after sitting, 60 min, 120 min, and after 3 min of leg raising. Leg discomfort was assessed before sitting and 120 min. Results: SWV was significantly greater in men than women and increased over time, and decreased with leg raising. The percentage increase in lower leg circumference was significantly greater in women than in men, and it increased over time. Leg discomfort significantly increased after 120 min in both men and women. Discussions: Because SWV is proportional to an increase in intramuscular compartment pressure in the lower leg, intramuscular compartment pressure increased over time with sitting and decreased with leg raising. Considering the changes in SWV and leg circumference, it was inferred that prolonged sitting causes an increase in intramuscular compartment pressure and intravascular blood volume, as well as an increase in water content in the leg subcutaneous tissue. Leg discomfort was estimated to be due to increased intra-leg fluid. Brief leg raising may resolve leg edema and discomfort.

Association between TV and/or video time and nocturia in adults: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…Furthermore, prolonged TV viewing implies extended periods of sedentary behavior, which is associated with leg edema. 20 Peripheral edema is one of the factors contributing to nocturia during the night. 12 Second, findings suggested that prolonged TV viewing may lead to neurological disorders, which could potentially trigger bladder dysfunction.…”

“…The combination of diabetes and increased fluid intake contributes to global polyuria, 12 a condition associated with nocturia. Furthermore, prolonged TV viewing implies extended periods of sedentary behavior, which is associated with leg edema 20 . Peripheral edema is one of the factors contributing to nocturia during the night 12 …”