Muscle activity even while sitting improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
In the study, thigh and gluteal muscle activity was monitored using wearable EMG shorts that measure the electrical activity of muscles, and the effects of increased muscle activity on glucose and insulin responses during interruptions from prolonged sitting were examined in adults with type 2 diabetes. A total of 24 participants interrupted computer-based sitting in a randomized order on three separate days by: standing, seated pedalling using an under-desk pedaling machine, and performing repeated sit-to-stand transitions. On all three days, overall muscle activity was standardized to the same level. On the fourth day, participants remained seated for the entire workday. In addition to the laboratory-based simulated workdays, muscle activity during participants’ normal daily life was monitored for a total of 3.2 days.
The results showed that, in daily life, the thigh and gluteal muscles were active at only about 3% of their maximal capacity, and there was substantial inter-individual variation in muscle activity during standing and walking. This may help explain why evidence regarding the benefits of standing has been inconsistent.
The key finding of the study indicates that interrupting prolonged sitting with dynamic muscle activity—through seated pedalling or repeated sit-to-stand movements, but not by standing—reduces postprandial glucose and insulin responses by approximately 22%. This effect is clinically meaningful, especially considering that it was achieved with interruptions lasting only a few minutes and could be implemented conveniently at a desk. Activity of the quadriceps muscles was observed to have the strongest influence on these metabolic risk factors.
The central message of the dissertation is that the harmful effects of prolonged sitting can be effectively reduced even in a seated position, provided that muscle activity is performed at sufficient intensity. Standing alone does not appear to be sufficient, as the results indicate that static upright posture was not an effective means of improving glycemic control, despite the same overall amount of activity. Short, high-intensity activity bursts—lasting only a few minutes at a time—were more effective than prolonged low-intensity activity.
The study was part of the Optimus research project, funded by the Academy of Finland and led by Arto Pesola, and conducted at the Research Unit of Preventive Health at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. The final phase of the doctoral work was supported by the South Savo Cultural Foundation.
The doctoral dissertation in exercise physiology by Suvi Lamberg, MSc (Health Sciences), entitled “Interrupting Sedentary Behaviour: Insights from Wearable Electromyography in Type 2 Diabetes”, will be publicly examined on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at 12:00 in the main building ceremonial hall C4 of the University of Jyväskylä. The opponent will be Professor Thomas Yates (University of Leicester, United Kingdom). The custos will be Professor Taija Juutinen (University of Jyväskylä). Additional supervisors include Dr Arto Pesola (Xamk) and Christian Brakenridge (Swinburne University). The language of the dissertation is English.
More information: suvi.lamberg@xamk.fi, +358443347583
