Sedentary Life Style among Salespersons: Cognitive Performance

In recent trend, young adult and middle age salesperson spends lengthy time with sedentary activity (such as TV viewing, usage of mobile phone, gossiping and reading newspaper) in their working schedule. Recently indication suggests that increased sedentary behaviour is related with impaired cognitive function. However, there is no indication, in what way sedentary habits affecting cognitive function in terms of maintaining good health among salespersons. The current study is designed to assess sedentary (inactive) behaviour among salespersons and its impact on cognitive performance. A cross-sectional study was done among (n=170, male candidates, having age <50 yrs) salespersons in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. A predesigned questionnaire [using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)] was used to assess sedentary behavior and physical activity. The cognitive function including visual memory, executive functions and attention is evaluated with the computerized Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) Test and cognitive tests (Cog State) (such as Detection task, Identification task, one back task, Matching task and continuous paired associative learning task). Selected participants is divided into following groups on the base in scoring of physical activity (IPAQ scoring): Group I-(n=68)-person having low level of physical activity, Group II (n=52)-person having moderate level of physical activity, Group III-(n=50)-person having high level of physical activity. We observed that there was no statistical significant difference in body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, aerobic fitness, MMSE score and performance of cognitive task among group II and group III. However, group I had significant increase in BMI, and percentage of body fat in addition to MMSE score as compared to group II and III. Aerobic fitness and the cognitive performance were significantly lower in group I as compared to group II and III. In this study, we established that sedentary behaviour is significantly associated with cognitive decline in salesperson. It is, therefore, essential to identify and take corrective actions to encourage physical activity for healthy lifestyle practices among salespersons.