Objective The aim of this study was to explore longitudinal associations between sitting and physical and psychological symptoms in mid-age women.

Method Mid-age (53–58 years) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed mail surveys in 2004 (n = 10,286), 2007 (n = 10,128) and 2010 (n = 9452) with questions about sitting time (< 6, 6–9, and ≥ 9 h/day) and frequency of 19 symptoms in the preceding 12 months (often vs. never/rarely/sometimes). Associations between sitting and symptoms were examined using two logistic generalized estimating equations models: (a) sequential cross-sectional data from 3 surveys, and (b) prospective model with a 3-year time lag (significance level = 0.01).

Results Approximately 53%, 30% and 17% of the women were classified as sitting < 6, 6–9 and ≥ 9 h/day in 2004. In adjusted cross-sectional models, women sitting ≥ 9 h/day had significantly higher odds of breathing difficulties (OR = 1.52, 99% CI = 1.17–2.00), tiredness (OR = 1.21, CI = 1.05–1.40), bowel problems (OR = 1.26, CI = 1.02–1.56), eyesight problems (OR = 1.16, CI = 1.01–1.34), and depression (OR = 1.39, CI = 1.15–1.68) than women sitting < 6 h/day. Adjusted prospective models showed higher odds of breathing difficulties (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.40–2.69), chest pain (OR = 2.04, CI = 1.14–3.70), and tiredness (OR = 1.24, CI = 1.04–1.48). Associations with breathing difficulties and chest pain remained significant after excluding participants with chronic conditions in 2004.

Conclusion Prolonged sitting may a determinant of breathing difficulties and chest pain three years later in mid-age women.