Over 20,000 joined the NPR/Columbia study to move throughout the day. Did it work? | Body Electric
Jan 11, 2024
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Learn about the impressive results from a study where over 20,000 people incorporated movement breaks into their sitting time. Discover the positive effects of movement breaks on fatigue levels and emotions. Explore the feasibility of integrating movement breaks into daily routines and the strategies for successful implementation. Understand the significance of recognizing movement as a reward and spreading the message of its benefits.
Integrating regular movement breaks into daily routines improves fatigue levels and emotional well-being.
Participants who reported natural cues and listened to their body cues found it easier to incorporate movement breaks into their routine, leading to positive changes in mindset and behavior.
Deep dives
Movement breaks improve fatigue levels and emotions
Preliminary findings from a study conducted by Columbia University Medical Center show that integrating movement breaks into daily routines improves fatigue levels and emotional well-being. Participants who took breaks every half hour reported a 30% improvement in fatigue levels, while those who took breaks every hour and every two hours experienced 25% and 20% improvements, respectively. Additionally, the study found that participants saw improvements in positive emotions and decreases in negative emotions. These findings suggest the importance of incorporating regular movement breaks into daily activities to enhance overall well-being.
High acceptability but challenges in compliance
The study also examined the acceptability and feasibility of implementing movement breaks. Overall, approximately 82% to 83% of participants found the intervention of movement breaks acceptable, regardless of the break frequency. However, when asked about the feasibility of taking breaks every half hour, only 50% of participants deemed it doable. In contrast, 70% and 80% of participants found breaks every hour and every two hours, respectively, to be feasible. Compliance was a challenge, with only an average of eight breaks per day taken by those assigned to move every half hour. Despite the challenges, the study showed promising effects on well-being.
Promoting habit-building and long-term adoption
To encourage long-term adoption of movement breaks, researchers highlighted the importance of habit-building. Participants who reported natural cues, such as finishing a work meeting or a task, found it easier to incorporate movement breaks into their routine. Additionally, the study emphasized the role of self-awareness and listening to one's body cues. Participants recognized the positive effects of the breaks on their mood and fatigue levels, which motivated them to continue the habit. The study aims to promote this habit-building approach, eventually making movement breaks as automatic as brushing one's teeth. The findings have inspired many individuals to continue integrating movement breaks into their daily lives, fostering positive changes in mindset and behavior.
This is an episode we think you might like of Body Electric. TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi digs into the preliminary results of the listener study with Columbia University researcher Keith Diaz. He shares the surprising — and encouraging — initial findings from more than 20,000 listeners who tried to incorporate movement breaks into their day.