Bad to the bone – why sitting for long periods may be doing more harm than we thought

Local researchers have been working with international teams to help gain clarity on the relationship between bone health and long periods of sitting - exploring links to osteoporosis.

The team from Melbourne’s Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute are collaborating with researchers in the UK to help discover whether breaking up sedentary behaviour may slow down or reverse the potential damage of the disease.

"We know that in extreme environments, such as total bed rest, bone loss is very high," said the institute's Professor Neville Owen.
"In everyday life, long periods of immobility such as this are rare however, sedentary lifestyles are commonplace in modern society, through transport, work and leisure.

"If the proof of concept study identifies a significant effect of sedentary behaviour on bone metabolism, promoting frequent breaks from sitting could be a possible, and simple, preventative intervention for osteoporosis in later life."

The study will utilise  blood samples and data that have already  been collected from previous sedentary behaviour studies. This information has yet to be analysed.

According to the institute approximately 1.2 million Australians are estimated to have osteoporosis while 6.3 million have low bone density. According to Osteoporosis Australia exercises recommended by physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can improve general health, muscle strength, balance and posture to prevent falls and reduce the risk of further fractures.

If you're worried about bone density and would like to book an appointment please give us a call on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected] to make an appointment!