New Clarkson University Study Shows Too Much Sitting Can Harm Balance and Walking, Even in Young Adults
A new study led by Clarkson University Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Kwadwo Appiah-Kubi shows that too much sitting and too little physical activity can weaken balance and walking ability, even in healthy young adults. The research, published in Applied Sciences, highlights why moving more and sitting less is important for long-term mobility and everyday safety.
The study examined 133 adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Each participant wore small motion sensors that recorded how they balanced while standing and how they moved during walking. The research team grouped participants by how active or sedentary they were, based on how much time they spent sitting each day and how much moderate exercise they completed each week.
The results showed clear differences among activity levels. People who were more active and spent less time sitting had stronger balance and better control while walking, especially when turning. Those who sat for long periods but still exercised regularly showed that physical activity could lessen some of the negative effects of sitting. However, people who sat a lot and moved very little had the weakest balance and the least stable walking patterns.
Appiah-Kubi said the findings show that balance changes can happen long before people notice a problem. The positive takeaway is that regular physical activity, even at moderate levels, can help protect balance and walking ability. These habits may prevent long-term mobility issues and reduce the risk of future injuries.
The findings offer practical guidance for everyday life, encouraging healthier routines that include more frequent movement. They can also inform workplace ergonomics that reduce long periods of sitting and help fitness and mobility programs develop early screening tools and personalized training plans. The study further lays groundwork for future research on older adults and people with movement challenges, who may be even more affected by prolonged sitting.
The research team includes Assistant Professor Appiah-Kubi and Professor of Mathematics Sumona Mondal from Clarkson University, as well as Ali Boolani from Oklahoma State University and Dinushani Senarathna from the State University of New York at Oswego.
