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Updated: May 1, 2026
Behavioral and Locomotor Measurements Using an Open Field Activity Monitoring System for Skeletal Muscle Diseases
Published on: September 29, 2014
Muscle inactivity and activity patterns after sedentary time--targeted randomized controlled trial.
Arto J Pesola1, Arto Laukkanen, Piia Haakana
11Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND; 2Department of Sport Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND; and 3Gerontology Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND.
Simple tailored counseling reduced sedentary time by 33 minutes, increasing light physical activity by 21 minutes. This intervention showed potential health benefits by decreasing muscle inactivity and increasing muscle activity during work.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Behavioral Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Sedentary time is a growing public health concern, necessitating effective interventions.
- Targeting sedentary behavior is crucial for mitigating associated health risks.
- Previous interventions have shown varied success, highlighting the need for novel approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of tailored counseling interventions aimed at reducing sedentary time.
- To investigate the impact of counseling on muscle activity patterns using detailed electromyography (EMG) recordings.
- To assess changes in muscle inactivity and light physical activity across different domains of daily life.
Main Methods:
- A cluster randomized controlled trial (InPact study) involving 133 office workers.
- Intervention group received tailored counseling on breaking up sitting periods and increasing family-based physical activity.
- Muscle activity data (inactivity time, light activity time, EMG amplitude) were analyzed pre- and post-intervention (2 weeks).
Main Results:
- Counseling significantly reduced overall muscle inactivity time by 32.6 minutes (P < 0.05).
- Light muscle activity time increased by 20.6 minutes (P < 0.05), particularly during work and leisure.
- Average EMG amplitude during work increased by 13% (P < 0.05), indicating higher muscle activation.
Conclusions:
- Simple, tailored counseling effectively reduced sedentary muscle inactivity time in office workers.
- The intervention led to a reallocation of time from inactivity to light physical activity.
- Short-term findings suggest potential health benefits, warranting further investigation into long-term effects.
