Cerebrovascular function response to prolonged sitting combined with a high-glycemic index meal: A double-blind, randomized cross-over trial.

Abstract

Acute prolonged sitting leads to cerebrovascular disruptions. However, it is unclear how prolonged sitting interacts with other common behaviors, including high- (HGI) and low-glycemic index (LGI) meals. Using a double-blind randomized cross-over design, this study evaluated the effects of prolonged (3\xa0hr) sitting, with a high- (HGI; GI: 100) or low-glycemic index (LGI; GI: 19) meal on total brain blood flow (QBrain ) and executive function. Eighteen young, healthy, active participants (22.6 [3.1] y, 33% F, 24.3 [3.7] kg/m2 ) sat for 3\xa0hr after consuming an HGI or LGI meal. Using Doppler ultrasound to measure internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) artery blood flow, QBrain was calculated: (ICA blood flow + VA blood flow) × 2. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop Test and Trail Making Test-Part B. Brain fog was measured using a modified Borg Category Scale with Ratio properties (CR10). Following 3\xa0hr of sitting, there was a significant decrease in QBrain with time (p\xa0=\xa0.001, ES = -0.26), though there were nonsignificant interaction (p\xa0=\xa0.216) and condition effects (p\xa0=\xa0.174). Brain fog increased (p\xa0=\xa0.024, ES = 0.27) and Stroop reaction time worsened with time (p\xa0=\xa0.001, ES: -0.40), though there were nonsignificant condition effects for brain fog (p\xa0=\xa0.612) and the Stroop test (p\xa0=\xa0.445). There was a nonsignificant condition effect (p\xa0=\xa0.729) for the Trail Making Test-Part B, but completion time improved with time (p\xa0=\xa0.001, ES = -0.40). In conclusion, 3\xa0hr of prolonged sitting decreases QBrain and executive function independent of glycemic index in young, healthy adults.