Trends in spontaneous physical activity and energy expenditure among adults in a respiratory chamber, 1985 to 2005. Issue 3 (6th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Travis, Katherine T.; Ando, Takafumi; Stinson, Emma J.; Krakoff, Jonathan; Gluck, Marci E.; Piaggi, Paolo; Chang, Douglas C.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 30:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 645
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2022-02-06
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.23347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Fidgeting, a type of spontaneous physical activity (SPA), has substantial thermogenic potential. This research aims to examine secular trends in SPA and energy expenditure (EE) inside a respiratory chamber. Methods: From 1985 to 2005, healthy adults ( n = 678; mean age: 28.8 years; men: 60%; 522 Indigenous American, 129 White, and 27 Black) had a 24‐hour stay in the respiratory chamber equipped with radar sensors. Body composition, glucose tolerance, fasting insulin, insulin action (hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp), and insulin secretion (intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured as covariates. Results: SPA, adjusted for age, sex, race, and body composition, declined ( r = −0.30, p < 0.0001), with a concomitant rise in the energy cost of SPA ( r = 0.30, p < 0.0001). The 24‐hour EE adjusted for covariates increased ( r = 0.31, p < 0.0001), which was reflected in increases in EE during sleep ( r = 0.18, p < 0.0001) and during the awake, fed condition ( r = 0.28, p < 0.0001). The secular trends in SPA or 24‐hour EE were unchanged with adjustment for measures related to glucose metabolism. Conclusions: Secular trend analyses showed a decline in fidgeting. However, this decline in SPA was partially counterbalanced by an increase in energy cost of this activity and a rise in EE. Nevertheless, our results support public health efforts to promote small but sustained changes in these behaviors.