Pulse Rate and SpO₂ in Prolonged Sitting versus Specific Isotonic Exercises Among Young Adults in UniKL RCMP

Insyirah Arifah Binti Ismail (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)
Khadijah Binti Mohamad Sukri (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)
Muhammad Ar Rizq Bin Zainal (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)
Nur Hasliana Fatiha Binti Hasfarizal (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)
Nur Maisarah Binti Noorzaid (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)
Syed Faris Danial Bin Syed Syahril Anuar (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)
Noorzaid Bin Muhamad (Cluster Integrative Physiology and Molecular, Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine,UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak, Ipoh, 30450, Malaysia)

Sumatera Medical Journal
Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026): Sumatera Medical Journal (SUMEJ)

Background: This study seeks to investigate the relationship between prolonged seated immobility and lower extremity circulation and to identify effective lower extremity exercises that can be performed in confined spaces to improve venous blood flow, with emphasis on isotonic exercises. Objective: To enhance health and well-being during prolonged sitting by implementing strategies that improve lower extremity circulation. Methods: This observational study investigates the physiological responses to prolonged sitting including and excluding isotonic exercises among medical students at UniKL RCMP. The study measured muscle activation patterns using electromyography (EMG) and a pulse oximeter for oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Results: After 60 minutes of uninterrupted sitting, PR showed a decline during extended sitting but increased following tiptoe exercises and squats. SpO₂ remained stable throughout, suggesting efficient oxygen transport. However, squats induced a greater cardiovascular response than tiptoe exercises. Conclusion: This study shows that lower limb isotonic exercises (tiptoes, squats) significantly improve lower limb circulation and venous return.