Alteration in central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions in males – a secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Alteration in the central vascular hemodynamics is speculated to influence cognitive functions, including executive functions in young adults. Prolonged sitting is associated with compromised central vascular functions, which activity micro-breaks could mitigate. However, the association between the carotid vascular hemodynamic alteration and the executive functions is yet to be explored. Methods: We administered a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of various intensities' micro-breaks on central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions for four hours. The carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions were measured by Duplex ultrasound at 0th, 2nd and 4th  hour and computer-based Flanker tests at 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour of visit days, respectively.  From the randomised controlled trial, we extracted the secondary data of carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions change at the 4th hour from the baseline and analysed for any relation. Results: Though we observed linear relation between the carotid artery hemodynamics and the executive functions, the relation was not statistically significant. we found a significant reduction in carotid artery diameter during prolonged sitting (0.03 cm [95%CI 0.01, 0.05]), velocity (10.35 cm/s [95%CI -2.85, 17.86]) and shear rate during interrupted sitting (174.39 [95%CI 65.67, 283.11]) We found increased accuracy during prolonged sitting (12.7% [95%CI 0.66, 24.81]) and sitting with light-intensity activity breaks (6.92% [95%CI 1.39, 12.44]). We did not find any significant relation between the change in central vascular functions (carotid artery diameter, velocity, shear rate and blood flow) and the cognitive functions during three different work conditions.  Conclusion: Though a significant relation between carotid artery function and cognitive function could not be established, microbreaks can mitigate the vascular and cognitive risks associated with prolonged sitting.