Tapping feet and shaking legs

[Supernick]

What is it called when people who are sitting down incessantly tap their feet of jog their leg up and down? I used to do it when i was at school but seemed to grow out of it, but now there's a girl in my office who does it and it drives me up the wall. Why do people do it?

[Jilly007]

Hi

I used to do the same thing when I was at school and growing up. People then explained a couple of reasons - is the person deep in thought? Is this a sign of nerves?

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I still do it and my dad used to go mad (and still does if i am visiting).  He used to call it St Vitus Dance.

I am not a nervous person, and I tend to it when i am concentrating on something because I am never aware I am doing it until it is brought to my attention.

[admarlow]

this might get banned but i read in a text book that it was linked to masterbation.

[Supernick]

Just had a quick look for St. Vitus dance to see if I could find anything, but it seems to be a rather nore serious affliction than this particular annoyance. I can hear cowboy boots tapping on the floor as I speak.....

[kick3m0n]

my gran did this, but then she did have Parkinsons disease, bless her.

[Scarlett]

I have noticed that people who can't dit still are often quite "jiffly" in other areas of their life- and are often THIN as a result! they are constantly moving and so burn up energy constantly. Is this true?!

[ondemania]

i heard that too. people who fidget lots use more energy and therefore burn more calories.

[MargeB]

There are 3 types of people. Type A, Type B, and Type X. Most are A or B. Type A tap their feet a lot when seated, or shake their legs. They are generally a bit more jumpy and pushy.

Type A were normally thought to be much more prone to heart attacks, but it's now thought only if they are a bit hostile as well.

Craig - Type A, ok. Science - Type A, heart attack candidate.

[ludwig]

I do this alot. Sometimes I'm aware of it and sometimes I'm not. However I'm not jumpy, or pushy, or anything like Craig or Science. I sit on my arse all day staring at a computer screen, so I reckon it's an outlet for the energy I would otherwise be using up if I was doing something more physical.

[GucciGal]

my mate Rob does this, with him it's excess energy!

[Supernick]

But still there's no apparent name for it that anyone can find? I'm going to get a grant from the government for a couple of million pounds, name it after myself and provide them with a report in 10 years time that basically just tells them that people have "excesss energy that needs to be burned". I may link it to mobile phone radiation or processed food in childhood to give it a topical spin.