Associations between sitting time and a range of symptoms in mid-age women

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore longitudinal associations between sitting and physical and psychological symptoms in mid-age women 

Method: Mid-age (53-58. years) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed mail surveys in 2004 (n = 10,286), 2007 (n = 10,128) and 2010 (n = 9452) with questions about sitting time (<. 6, 6-9, and ≥. 9. h/day) and frequency of 19 symptoms in the preceding 12. months (often vs. never/rarely/sometimes). Associations between sitting and symptoms were examined using two logistic generalized estimating equations models: (a) sequential cross-sectional data from 3 surveys, and (b) prospective model with a 3-year time lag (significance level = 0.01). 

Results: Approximately 53%, 30% and 17% of the women were classified as sitting <. 6, 6-9 and ≥. 9. h/day in 2004. In adjusted cross-sectional models, women sitting ≥. 9. h/day had significantly higher odds of breathing difficulties (OR = 1.52, 99% CI = 1.17-2.00), tiredness (OR = 1.21, CI = 1.05-1.40), bowel problems (OR = 1.26, CI = 1.02-1.56), eyesight problems (OR = 1.16, CI = 1.01-1.34), and depression (OR = 1.39, CI = 1.15-1.68) than women sitting <. 6. h/day. Adjusted prospective models showed higher odds of breathing difficulties (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.40-2.69), chest pain (OR = 2.04, CI. = 1.14-3.70), and tiredness (OR = 1.24, CI. = 1.04-1.48) Associations with breathing difficulties and chest pain remained significant after excluding participants with chronic conditions in 2004. 

Conclusion: Prolonged sitting may a determinant of breathing difficulties and chest pain three years later in mid-age women.