WHILE it's good manners to sit still, it seems it's better for our health to fidget.
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New research from the University of Leeds and University College London shows fidgeting may counteract the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, found fidgeting may reduce the risk of mortality associated with sitting for prolonged periods.
Study co-author Janet Cade from the University of Leeds said further research was needed.
"The findings raise questions about whether the negative associations with fidgeting, such as rudeness or lack of concentration, should persist if such simple movements are beneficial for our health," Professor Cade said.
This supports the idea that it's best to avoid sitting still for long periods.
The study followed more than 12,500 British women aged between 37 and 78 from 1999-2002 and analysed their average daily sitting time, overall fidgeting, physical activity, diet and other lifestyle factors. Participants were followed up for 12 years to determine mortality risks.
The findings show no increased mortality risk was evident in women who considered themselves moderately or very fidgety and sat for long periods of time. The risk only appeared to increase in the case of very occasional fidgeters.
