A recently published study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reported that an increased risk of mortality from sitting for long periods was only found in those who consider themselves very occasional fidgeters.

Breaks in sitting time have previously been shown to improve markers of good health. But until now, no study has ever examined whether fidgeting may counteract the adverse health impacts of sitting for long periods.

Study co-lead author Dr Gareth Hagger-Johnson from UCL, who conducted the data analysis said: "Our results support the suggestion that it's best to avoid sitting still for long periods of time, and even fidgeting may offer enough of a break to make a difference."

Find out more about this research on fidgeting.