Just a few minutes of daily exercise can improve cardiovascular and respiratory fitness while supporting metabolic health, according to a new study.
Published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the research found that people who spend most of their day sitting can improve their fitness and help control blood sugar by making short bouts of physical activity part of their daily routine.
The findings may be particularly beneficial for people who struggle to find enough time for longer exercise sessions in their busy schedules.
For the study, researchers analysed data from 22 research reports involving 994 people who were accustomed to spending extended periods sitting. Participants took part in exercise programmes ranging from a single day to 12 weeks.
The analysis found that performing short exercise sessions daily could improve the body’s oxygen uptake and enhance cardiovascular and respiratory fitness.
Brief bouts of physical activity were also associated with improvements in blood glucose and blood lipid levels, potentially helping participants manage their blood sugar more effectively.
However, the researchers found no significant improvements in body fat, muscle mass, insulin levels or muscle strength.
The findings suggest that even short periods of daily exercise may offer health benefits, particularly for people with sedentary lifestyles, although brief workouts may not improve every aspect of physical health.
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