Impact of micro‐mobility‐induced step reduction in healthy adults on vascular and glycemic health: A real‐world investigation

Abstract

We investigated the effects of a 7‐day e‐scooter‐induced step reduction followed by 7 days of recovery on vascular function, body composition, and glycemic control in healthy adults. Longitudinal time series. Twelve adults (5 male and 7 women; 20.3 ± 1.8 years) completed a three‐week study: (1) baseline, (2) 7‐day step reduction via e‐scooter, and (3) 7‐day recovery. Assessments included daily steps (accelerometry), glycemic control (continuous glucose monitoring), body composition (bioelectrical impedance), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [cf‐PWV]). Steps decreased by ~33% during Reduced Activity (10,466 ± 2872 to 6965 ± 3408 steps/day; p  < 0.05) and returned to baseline (9103 ± 2896) during Recovery. Step reduction decreased lean mass and increased glycemic variability. While some lean mass recovered, glycemic variability remained elevated during Recovery. cf‐PWV was unchanged during step reduction but decreased by 0.4 m/s after Recovery. Short‐term, modest physical activity reduction impairs glycemic control and reduces lean mass. Rapid recovery of lean mass contrasts with persistent increases in glycemic variability, suggesting residual metabolic impacts. Resuming normal activity may improve vascular function via reduced arterial stiffness.