Project title
Evaluating the impact of exercise snacking on cardiometabolic health and cognitive function
Project abstract
Modern lifestyles are increasingly sedentary, with many adults spending most of their waking hours sitting even some meet the recommended exercise guidelines. This project investigates whether exercise snacking, short bouts of physical activity accumulated throughout the day, can improve cardiometabolic and cognitive health in adults. The research combines a systematic review, physiological testing, and public involvement approaches to explore practical and accessible alternatives to traditional exercise models. Initial findings from the systematic review suggest that exercise snacking can produce clinically meaningful reductions in systolic blood pressure, with effects comparable to continuous exercise when overall volume is matched. The project also explores how exercise intensity can be monitored using a novel incremental step test and aims to co-design realistic movement strategies with the public. By focusing on time-efficient and achievable activity patterns, this research could help develop more inclusive physical activity interventions for individuals who struggle to engage in longer structured exercise sessions.