The effects of walking and cycling computer workstations on keyboard and mouse performance

Impact of Sit-to-Stand and Treadmill Desks on Patterns of Daily Waking Physical Behaviors Among Overweight and Obese Seated Office Workers: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Sit-to-stand and treadmill desks may help sedentary office workers meet the physical activity guideline to "move more and sit less," but little is known about their long-term impact on altering the accumulation patterns of physical behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the impact of sit-to-stand and treadmill desks on physical behavior accumulation patterns during a 12-month multicomponent intervention with an intent-to-treat design in overweight and obese seated office workers.

METHODS

In total, 66 office workers were cluster randomized into a seated desk control (n=21, 32%; 8 clusters), sit-to-stand desk (n=23, 35%; 9 clusters), or treadmill desk (n=22, 33%; 7 clusters) group. Participants wore an activPAL (PAL Technologies Ltd) accelerometer for 7 days at baseline, 3-month follow-up (M3), 6-month follow-up (M6), and 12-month follow-up (M12) and received periodic feedback on their physical behaviors. Analyses of physical behavior patterns included total day and workday number of sedentary, standing, and stepping bouts categorized into durations ranging from 1 to 60 and >60 minutes and usual sedentary, standing, and stepping bout durations. Intervention trends were analyzed using random-intercept mixed linear models accounting for repeated measures and clustering effects.

RESULTS

The treadmill desk group favored prolonged sedentary bouts (>60 min), whereas the sit-to-stand desk group accrued more short-duration sedentary bouts (<20 min). Therefore, compared with controls, sit-to-stand desk users had shorter usual sedentary bout durations short-term (total day ΔM3: -10.1 min/bout, 95% CI -17.9 to -2.2; P=.01; workday ΔM3: -20.3 min/bout, 95% CI -37.7 to -2.9; P=.02), whereas treadmill desk users had longer usual sedentary bout durations long-term (total day ΔM12: 9.0 min/bout, 95% CI 1.6-16.4; P=.02). The treadmill desk group favored prolonged standing bouts (30-60 min and >60 min), whereas the sit-to-stand desk group accrued more short-duration standing bouts (<20 min). As such, relative to controls, treadmill desk users had longer usual standing bout durations short-term (total day ΔM3: 6.9 min/bout, 95% CI 2.5-11.4; P=.002; workday ΔM3: 8.9 min/bout, 95% CI 2.1-15.7; P=.01) and sustained this long-term (total day ΔM12: 4.5 min/bout, 95% CI 0.7-8.4; P=.02; workday ΔM12: 5.8 min/bout, 95% CI 0.9-10.6; P=.02), whereas sit-to-stand desk users showed this trend only in the long-term (total day ΔM12: 4.2 min/bout, 95% CI 0.1-8.3; P=.046). The treadmill desk group accumulated more stepping bouts across various bins of duration (5-50 min), primarily at M3. Thus, treadmill desk users had longer usual stepping bout durations in the short-term compared with controls (workday ΔM3: 4.8 min/bout, 95% CI 1.3-8.3; P=.007) and in the short- and long-term compared with sit-to-stand desk users (workday ΔM3: 4.7 min/bout, 95% CI 1.6-7.8; P=.003; workday ΔM12: 3.0 min/bout, 95% CI 0.1-5.9; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Sit-to-stand desks exerted potentially more favorable physical behavior accumulation patterns than treadmill desks. Future active workstation trials should consider strategies to promote more frequent long-term movement bouts and dissuade prolonged static postural fixity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02376504; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02376504.

The Effect of Cycling While Typing on Patterns of Upper Body Muscle Activation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of one's sex and pedaling intensity on upper body muscle activation patterns during typing while cycling.

BACKGROUND

Females are at a higher risk for computer work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and mobile workstations have been suggested to induce healthier muscular patterns compared with sitting. However, the neuromuscular characteristics of performing computer work in a cycling workstation have not been investigated.

METHOD

Twenty-two participants (10 females) completed a 60-min computer typing task while pedaling on a cycle ergometer at two different intensities (25%, 4% heart rate reserve). Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from seven muscles of the upper body. Effects of time, sex, and intensity were assessed for muscle activation (RMS), activation variability (CV), and normalized mutual information (NMI) via generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

With time, neck/shoulder CV increased in males during higher pedaling intensity, whereas in females it decreased during lower intensity. In females, RMS of neck/shoulder and NMI of neck/shoulder muscle pairs were lower, whereas forearm RMS was 34.2% higher with higher intensity cycling compared with lower intensity. Lower back RMS decreased 28.3% in the initial half of the task in females, but in males it increased 14.4% in the later half.

CONCLUSION AND APPLICATION

Cycling workstation showed a sex- and intensity-specific EMG response. These differing responses should be considered when implementing the use of cycling workstation and may be important for preventing/managing sex-specific muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders.

"It's Been a Game Changer": Examining Treadmill Desk Use When Working from Home

Previous research has established the physical and mental benefits of using active workstations like treadmill desks in the workplace, such as reducing sedentary behavior and improving mood. However, treadmill desk use when working at home has not been examined despite significant increases in working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to be the first to describe how treadmill desks are used when working from home and (2) to describe perceived benefits, motivators, and barriers for treadmill desk use when working from home. Twenty participants who worked from home and used a treadmill desk were interviewed between February 2022 and April 2022. Participants reported using their treadmill desks while completing a variety of work and non-work tasks and experienced physical, mental, social, and work-related perceived benefits. Motivators for use included desires to reduce prolonged sitting and be more active, wanting to be healthier and fitter, tracking and reaching goals like daily step counts, feeling good during use, and to overcome increased sedentary behavior due to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers to use included the type of work being done, physical limitations, accessibility issues, social concerns, and mental barriers. Future research should investigate ways to increase treadmill desk use at home by capitalizing on motivating factors and reducing barriers to use.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41542-023-00144-0.

Does a break from sitting change biomechanical outcome measures or transient pain? A laboratory-based experimental study

BACKGROUND

Sitting can induce transient low back pain (LBP) in healthy individuals. A rest from sitting should provide relief, however, the parameters of breaks (activity type, intensity, duration, and timing) are not currently known.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 2-minute walking breaks at 40-minute intervals on sitting-induced LBP.

METHODS

Thirty-two healthy participants were recruited for a within-control study: two randomly presented sessions of sitting for 2 hours with and without breaks. Outcome measures were compared between condition and pain group using a three-way ANOVA with significance atp > 0.05.

RESULTS

Walking breaks at 40-minute intervals result in significantly lower pain ratings than those taken immediately before the break for sitting-induced back pain developers. However, this relief is short lived (<10 minutes), with ratings increasing to pre-break levels once the sitting exposure resumes. There were no differences in biomechanical factors between sessions. Regardless of session type, pain developers displayed higher spine fidget frequency than non-pain developers, females sat with less spine flexion, with greater gluteal activation levels, and with their center of pressure approximately half a centimeter to the left and forward compared to males, and males had significantly greater peak pressures over a smaller area compared to females.

CONCLUSION

Walking breaks at 40-minute intervals provide significant, but temporary, relief of sitting-induced back pain for pain developers. Future work should optimize break parameters and examine the longer-term benefit of breaks, especially for individuals that are not able to tolerate sitting for extended durations.

Exploring the use of an under-desk leg swing device during employee aptitude testing and implications on work performance and productivity

BACKGROUND

As modern occupations become more sedentary, desk-bound workers are more at risk of chronic diseases. Active workstations have gained popularity in the workplace, but there remain concerns about their impact on cognitive function.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the use of a novel under-desk leg swing device on cognitive ability in the workplace compared to sitting.

METHODS

Cognitive ability was measured using a pre-employment aptitude test (CCAT), and perceived outcomes were analyzed via self-report questionnaires. Using a randomized, repeated measures crossover design, 18 undergraduate students undertook the CCAT while using the under-desk leg swing device and while sitting only (Experiment 1). 9 students returned two to three weeks later to repeat testing (Experiment 2).

RESULTS

In Experiment 1, CCAT scores did not differ significantly between the under-desk leg swing device and sitting (mean difference (MD) = -1.056, standard error (SE) = 1.302,p = 0.429, d = -0.16). Effect sizes of 0.554 were observed for perceived alertness, 0.446 for attention, 0.446 for focus, and 0.564 for enjoyment, but there were no significant differences between the two conditions. CCAT scores were significantly higher in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1 (MD = 8.444, SE = 2.410,p = 0.008, d = 1.64).

CONCLUSION

Based on Experiment 1, the findings suggest that the use of the under-desk leg swing device promotes movement without detriment to neither workflow nor cognitive ability relevant to employee aptitude compared to sitting.

Effects of Desk Pedaling Work Rate on Concurrent Work Performance among Physically Inactive Adults: A Randomized Experiment

PURPOSE

Under-desk pedaling devices could help reduce health risks associated with the global decline in work-related energy expenditure. However, the optimal pedaling work rate to facilitate concurrent work performance among physically inactive adults is unclear. We examined the effects of two light-intensity pedaling work rates on physically inactive adults' work performance.

METHODS

We recruited equal numbers of older (45-65 yr) versus younger (20-44 yr), male versus female, and overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI], 25-35 kg·m -2 ) versus normal weight (BMI, 18.5-24.9 kg·m -2 ) participants. Using a Graeco-Latin square design, participants ( n = 96) completed a laboratory experiment to evaluate the effects of using an under-desk pedaling device at two seated light-intensity work rates (17 and 25 W), relative to a seated nonpedaling condition on objectively measured typing, reading, logical reasoning, and phone task performance. Ergonomic comfort under each pedaling work rate was also assessed. Equivalence tests were used to compare work performance under the pedaling versus nonpedaling conditions.

RESULTS

Treatment fidelity to the 17- and 25-W pedaling work rates exceeded 95%. Mean work performance scores for each pedaling and nonpedaling condition were equivalent under alpha = 0.025. Age, sex, and BMI did not significantly moderate the effect of pedaling on work performance. Participants reported greater ergonomic comfort while completing work tasks at the 17-W relative to the 25-W work rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Physically inactive adults obtained similar work performance scores under the 17- and 25-W pedaling and the nonpedaling conditions, suggesting that either pedaling work rate could help reduce health risks of sedentary work time. The 17-W work rate yielded greater ergonomic comfort and may be an appropriate starting point for introducing diverse inactive workers to under-desk pedaling.

Heart Rate Response and Flexibility Following Single Bout of Training Using a Seated Elliptical Trainer Among Younger and Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 30-minute activity session using a seated elliptical trainer on heart rate response, knee and ankle range of motion and satisfaction among older and younger adults. Prior to and following completing a 30-minute bout of activity using a seated elliptical trainer, each participant’s leg flexibility was assessed. During every minute of the activity, the participant’s heart rate was recorded. Following the activity, the participants reported their satisfaction with the trainer. Older participants exhibited a greater heart rate response relative to their estimated maximum heart rate during and reported greater satisfaction with the elliptical trainer compared with younger participants. Both groups increased their leg flexibility following use of the trainer. Nurses could prescribe 30 minutes of activity using a seated elliptical trainer to employees in sedentary occupations to improve cardiovascular health and leg flexibility particularly among older adults.

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis in the workplace: The office is on fire

From the second half of the previous century, there has been a shift toward occupations largely composed of desk-based behaviors. This, inevitably, has led to a workload reduction and a consequent lower energy expenditure. On this point, small increments of the non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) could be the rationale to reach health benefits over a prolonged period. Different published researches suggest solutions to reverse sitting time and new alternative workstations have been thought to increase total physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current state of the research regarding the "NEAT approach" to weight-gain prevention in work environments. This review analyzes the main evidence regarding new alternative workstations such as standing, walking workstations, seated pedal, and gymnastic balls to replace a standard office chair.

Changes in Keyboard Typing Accuracy and Spatial Perception after Cardiovascular Fitness Exercise

Background

This study aimed to identify the association between cardiopulmonary exercise and neurological activation by measuring dictation accuracy and the extent of spatial perception.

Methods

First of all, the body composition of subjects was analyzed to verify their physical abnormality. The subjects were given treadmill exercise using modified Bruce protocol. Before and after the treadmill exercise, a spatial perception test and dictation task with auditory and visual stimulation were carried out to identify the changes in neurological activation.

Results

The scores of spatial perception after treadmill exercise were higher than those before treadmill exercise (p < 0.05). In addition, the speed of the post-treadmill dictation task with visual stimulation was significantly increased compared to that of the pre-treadmill dictation task (p < 0.05). However, the accuracy of the post-treadmill dictation task with visual stimulation was significantly decreased compared to that of the pre-treadmill dictation task (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, it was shown that spatial perception and speed of visual dictation were increased after treadmill exercise. These results suggest that cardiovascular fitness exercise increases spatial perception and typing speed by facilitating neurological activation.

Does treadmill workstation use affect user's kinematic gait symmetry?

The effects of treadmill workstation use on kinematic gait symmetry and computer work performance remain unclear. The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze the effects of treadmill workstation use on lower body motion symmetry while performing a typing task when compared to overground and treadmill walking. The lower body motion of ten healthy adults (6 males and 4 females) was recorded by a motion capture system. Hip, knee, and ankle joint rotations were computed and compared for each condition. Despite comparable lower body kinematic gait asymmetries across conditions, asymmetric knee flexion motions at early gait cycle were only found in treadmill workstation users (left knee significantly more flexed than the right one). This demonstrates that the interaction between walking and another task is dependent on the task cognitive content. Our findings suggest that lower body kinematic gait symmetry may be influenced by the use of treadmill workstations.

Investigating the Immediate Influence of Moderate Pedal Exercises during an Assembly Work on Performance and Workload in Healthy Men

Physical inactivity has increased in prevalence among adults in industrialized and developing countries owing to the fact that the majority of job situations require individuals to remain seated for extended periods of time. This research aims to evaluate the influence of cycling on a stationary bike while executing a keyboard assembly task on the task completion time, error percentage, and physiological and subjective measurements. The physiological measures were electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiographic (ECG) signal responses, whereas the subjective measures were subjective workload ratings and subjective body discomforts. Two variables were evaluated, namely assembly methods (with versus without pedal exercises at a moderate intensity) and session testing (pre- versus post-test). Thus, the repeated measures design (i.e., assembly method by session testing of participants) was used. According to the completion time, error %, participant self-reports, and ECG and EEG statistical analysis data, the participants' performances in the keyboard assembly task did not decrease while they performed pedaling exercises (p > 0.05). Additionally, when participants completed the assembly task while executing the pedaling exercises, the mean inter-beat (RR) intervals significantly reduced (p < 0.05) while the mean heart rate increased (p < 0.05), which mean that pedaling exercises caused physical workloads on the participants. Participant performance was unaffected by performing a workout while performing the assembly activity. Thus, administrations should encourage their employees to engage in short sessions of moderate-intensity exercise similar to the suggested exercise in the study to improve a person's physical health during work without interfering with the effectiveness of work.

Can learning be enhanced with active seating?

Overweightness continues to increase at an exponential rate in children. This coupled with the demand to increase academic time in elementary schools has contributed to efforts to discover solutions that meet both challenges. Potential solutions are movement curricula and active seating options. However, little has been published relative to best practices of their implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the lessons learned while utilizing pedal desks in first and second grade classrooms as stations and whole class seating. Additionally, two different types of heart rate monitors (Polar Oh1 and IHT Spirit) were employed, in an attempt to increase pedaling consistency. It was discovered that elementary students can engage adequately in academic lessons while seated at pedal desks and that limitations do exist relative to the usefulness of the pedal desks. Teachers were also able to develop protocol that adequately maintained classroom management and student learning.

Effects of two types of dynamic office workstations (DOWs) used at two intensities on cognitive performance and office work in tasks with various complexity

This study examines the possible effects on objective work performance while using two types of dynamic office workstations (DOWs). 20 participants each used one type with three intensities (seated, light, moderate) and completed a task battery assessing cognitive performance and office work with two levels of complexity. Repeated measures MANOVA showed a significant interaction effect for work performance between the type of workstation and intensity for the simple level and a significant main effect for intensity for the complex level. Comparing the types of DOWs to each other, accuracy of text processing differed when working sedentary. Using both devices with light and moderate intensity had a significant detrimental effect on mouse tasks compared to working sedentary, but none comparing the intensities. No further results indicated neither a detrimental nor an enhancing effect of using DOWs on cognitive performance and office-work related tasks, regardless of the intensity of use or the task complexity. Practitioner Summary: By using DOWs, light physical activity can be integrated while working at a desk. Results showed that using different types of DOWs with different intensities does have a detrimental effect on tasks requiring a high motor control, but not on cognitive or further office work-related tasks of various complexity. Abbreviations: DOW: dynamic office workstation; aLT: activeLife Trainer; DB: deskbike; RPE: rated perceived exertion; MANOVA: multivariate analysis of variance; ANOVA: analysis of variance.

Freehand interaction with large displays: Effects of body posture, interaction distance and target size on task performance, perceived usability and workload

The past decade has seen increasing popularity of large display-based freehand interaction. This study examined the effects of body posture, interaction distance and target size on freehand interaction with a large display. Participants performed pointing and dragging tasks by freehand interaction with a large display under sitting and standing postures and at different interaction distances. Targets in both small and large sizes were examined. Results showed that interaction distance yielded a significant effect on error rate, but the effect differed by task type. Little measurable difference was found in interaction performance, perceived usability and workload between sitting and standing postures. There were significant interaction effects between posture and interaction distance on perceived workload. Larger target size led to higher efficiency and accuracy in pointing tasks, but reduced accuracy in dragging tasks. This study provided implications that are likely to improve the design and deployment of large display-based freehand interaction techniques.

Does walking improve diagnosis of skin conditions at varying levels of medical expertise?

The use of walking workstations in educational and work settings has been shown to improve cognitive abilities. At the same time, it has been repeatedly shown that medical residents around the world do not meet exercise guidelines, mainly due to a scarcity of available free time. Our study investigates the boundaries of the previously observed phenomenon of improved cognitive performance with physical activity using materials that represent real life tasks. Participants had different level of expertise and involved second year psychology students, medical students, and family medicine residents. We examined the effect of being physically inactive (i.e., sitting) or active (i.e., walking) while diagnosing multiple complex presentations of four skin conditions. We assumed that being physically active, irrespective of the level of expertise, will bolster diagnostic performance. Our findings show, however, that being physically active does not change the performance level of participants with different levels of medical expertise. Implications for medical education and suggestions for further research will be discussed.

Effect of standing desk use on cognitive performance and physical workload while engaged with high cognitive demand tasks

It is clear that the cognitive resources invested in standing are greater than in sitting, but six of eight previous studies suggested that there is no difference in cognitive performance. This study investigated the effects of sitting and standing workstations on the physical workload and cognitive performance under variable cognitive demand conditions. Fifteen participants visited two times for testing sitting and standing workstations, and were asked to play two difficulty levels of Tetris game for 40 min while kinematic variables, CoP regularity, CoP SD, and cognitive performances were captured every 5 min. Results revealed a more neural posture in standing than in sitting, but using the standing workstation degraded attention and executive function. The CoP SD was 7 times greater in standing, but the CoP regularity was 1/4 in sitting, denoting greater attentional investment while engaged at the standing workstation.

Active meetings on stationary bicycle: An intervention to promote health at work without impairing performance

Workers who experienced prolonged sitting have higher risk of mortality from all causes compared to non-sedentary workers. However, work can also be a health enhancement opportunity and it also can be designed to improve health and well-being. This research presents a novel intervention designed to reduce sedentary behavior in the workplace. Seven teams of employees (N = 30) conducted two meetings: one in a sitting position and one on a stationary bike. Repeated measures for heart rate, perceptions of stress, well-being, focus, attention and fatigue were collected before, during and after both meetings. Heart rate was significantly higher during active meeting. Results also indicated a significant effect of active meeting on stress. Well-being, focus and attention were similar during both meetings. Fatigue was perceived to be reduced in the hours following the active meeting. This suggests that active meetings can promote health without impairing performance which offers new perspectives for interventions.

Does type of active workstation matter? A randomized comparison of cognitive and typing performance between rest, cycling, and treadmill active workstations

Active workstations are associated with improved health outcomes, but differences in cognitive and typing outcomes between the types of active workstations are unclear. We addressed two main questions: (1) Are there differences in cognitive and typing performance between seated and active workstations? (2) Are there differences in cognitive and typing performance between cycling and treadmill workstations, specifically? Participants included 137 healthy young adults (74 female, mean age = 20.8 years) who completed two sessions. At session one (baseline), all participants completed cognitive and typing tests including the Rey-Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, a typing test, and a flanker task while sitting at rest. At session two, participants were randomized to an active workstation group (treadmill or cycling desk) during which they performed the tests listed above in a randomized fashion, using alternate versions when available. Participants showed significantly better attention and cognitive control scores during the active session as compared to the seated session, but worse verbal memory scores during the active session. Participants were faster and more accurate at typing during the active session relative to the seated session. There were no significant differences between cycling or treadmill workstations on any cognitive or typing outcomes. Improvements during active sessions may be influenced by practice effects, although alternate forms were used when possible. We conclude that active workstations do not seem to largely impact cognitive abilities, with the exception of a slight decrease in verbal memory performance. Findings suggest active workstations, whether walking or cycling, are useful to improve physical activity, particularly when completing tasks that do not require verbal memory recall.

Effect of Cycling on a Stationary Bike While Performing Assembly Tasks on Human Physiology and Performance Parameters

Objective: This study evaluated participants’ ability to assemble a computer keyboard while at a cycling workstation. Depending on task completion time, error percentage, and workload based on subjective workload ratings, subjective body discomfort, electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiographic (ECG) signals, human performances were compared at four different cycling conditions: no cycling, low level cycling (15 km/h), preferred level cycling, and high level cycling (25 km/h). Method: The experiment consisted of 16 participants. Each participant performed the test four times (each cycling condition) on different days. Results: The repeated measure test showed that the alpha and beta EEG signals were high during session times (post) when compared with session times (pre). Moreover, the mean interbeat (R-R) interval decreased after the participants performed the assembly while pedaling, possibly due to the physical effort of cycling. Conclusions: Pedaling had no significant effect on body discomfort ratings, task errors, or completion time.

Computer interactions during walking workstation use moderately affects spatial-temporal gait characteristics

BACKGROUND

Due to increased sedentary workstyles, active workstations have shown the ability to increase activity while only moderately affecting work ability. However, previous examinations have not examine fine motor mousing tasks on tripping descriptors.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What affect do mousing tasks of varying target size have on tripping descriptors during walking workstation use?

METHODS

Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected while participants used a walking workstation completing one baseline and three mousing conditions of varying target sizes.

RESULTS

Target size main effects (p < 0.001) detected decreased stride length in all experimental conditions, which were supported by moderate effect sizes, and decreased stance width and time in double limb support (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Stance width differences resulted in large effect sizes between baseline and all conditions, while only moderate effect sizes were observed between time in double limb support in baseline compared to all conditions. No changes in knee flexion range of motion were observed in response to target size (p = 0.278).

SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicate that walking workstation users shorten their stride length and decrease their base of support while completing mousing tasks. The placement of the upper extremities on the workstation desk likely acted as the primary mechanism to increase stability. It is concluded that performing mousing tasks of varying target size using a walking workstation does not pose greater risk for adverse gait events.

Effects of cycling while typing on upper limb and performance characteristics

Active computer workstations may help reduce workplace sedentarism. However, their impact on the upper limb musculoskeletal system is unknown. Subjects participated in two 60-min computer laptop-based Bike-and-Type sessions at different cycling intensities (LOW, HIGH). Upper trapezius and wrist extensor muscle blood flow, sensitivity and pain thresholds, and typing performance were measured intermittently. Neck/shoulder discomfort increased over time (p < 0.001), and was higher in the HIGH intensity (p = 0.036). Blood flow to the trapezius (p = 0.041) and wrist (p = 0.021) muscles were higher during HIGH, and wrist blood flow increased over time (p = 0.01). Trapezius sensitivity threshold significantly decreased over time (p = 0.003). There were no effects on pressure pain thresholds (interaction p = 0.091). Average typing speed was greater during HIGH (p = 0.046) and increased over time (p < 0.001). Time spent biking while typing effectively improved performance, which may facilitate muscle regeneration, although effects depend on biking intensity.

The musculoskeletal and cognitive effects of under-desk cycling compared to sitting for office workers

Alternate work positions are being considered as a way to address sedentary behaviour for office workers. This study evaluated the effect of two hours of just-sitting versus sitting while under-desk cycling on musculoskeletal discomfort and cognitive function (sustained attention and creative problem solving). To consider mechanisms, muscle fatigue, kinematics and mental state were also measured. Discomfort increased significantly across all body areas with knee and ankle discomfort greater (in a clinically meaningful manner) in under-desk cycling. Sustained attention reaction time was the only cognitive measure to show a difference between conditions (slower for under-desk cycling [β-34.82 CI (-62.12 to -7.53)]). There was no evidence of muscle fatigue, while kinematic differences between conditions were identified. Mental state deteriorated over time in both conditions. This study found no clear benefit of under-desk cycling compared to just-sitting for musculoskeletal health and cognitive function measures.

The effect of using a cycling workstation on mouse dexterity

This study investigated the effect of using a cycling workstation on mouse dexterity, including if and how this changed with practice. Thirty-four healthy adults were allocated to a sitting group (n = 17) or cycling group (n = 17). All participants completed standardised computer tasks on 6 occasions: baseline and final—all participants were seated; practice 1 to 4—sitting group participants were seated, cycling group participants pedalled on an under desk cycle. Three computer tasks were employed: (1) Tracking (continuous task)—participants used the mouse pointer to track a dot in a figure of 8 pattern at 3 different speeds without a guide then with a guide (2) Aiming (discrete task)—participants moved the mouse pointer to a dot which repeatedly disappeared then reappeared again in different locations, creating the outline of a pentagram (3) Steering (continuous task)—participants steered the mouse pointer around two different pathways. Accuracy was measured during the Tracking and Steering tasks as the root mean square error and penalised path accuracy respectively. Speed was measured during the Aiming task as the movement time. Data was analysed using frequentist and Bayes Factor analyses. During the continuous tasks (Tracking and Steering), accuracy was impaired among participants using the cycling workstation, both compared to their accuracy when seated and to the accuracy of participants in the sitting group. In contrast, no deficits in speed were noted among participants using the cycling work station during the discrete task (Aiming). No learning effects were observed among either group for any tasks. These findings suggest using a cycling workstation may impair the accuracy but not speed of mouse use, regardless of task practice. Overall this supports the implementation of cycling workstations in typical office settings, but suggests cycling workstations may impair productivity among workers performing high precision mouse tasks.

Cardiometabolic Effects of a Workplace Cycling Intervention

BACKGROUND

In laboratory settings, cycling workstations improve cardiometabolic risk factors. Our purpose was to quantify risk factors following a cycling intervention in the workplace.

METHODS

Twenty-one office workers who sat at work ≥6 hours per day underwent baseline physiological measurements (resting blood pressure, blood lipid profile, maximum oxygen consumption [V˙O2max], body composition, and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test). Participants were randomly assigned to a 4-week intervention only group (n = 12) or a delayed intervention group (n = 9) that involved a 4-week control condition before beginning the intervention. During the intervention, participants were instructed to use the cycling device a minimum of 15 minutes per hour, which would result in a total use of ≥2 hours per day during the workday. Following the intervention, physiological measurements were repeated.

RESULTS

Participants averaged 1.77 (0.48) hours per day of cycling during the intervention with no changes in actigraphy-monitored noncycling physical activity. Four weeks of the workplace intervention increased V˙O2max (2.07 [0.44] to 2.17 [0.44] L·min-1, P < .01); end of V˙O2max test power output (166.3 [42.2] to 176.6 [46.1] W, P < .01); and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.09 [0.17] to 1.17 [0.24] mmol·L-1, P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

A stationary cycling device incorporated into a sedentary workplace for 4 weeks improves some cardiometabolic risk factors with no compensatory decrease in noncycling physical activity.

Medium-term effects of a two-desk sit/stand workstation on cognitive performance and workload for healthy people performing sedentary work: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Implementing sit/stand workstations in sedentary work environments is a common way to reduce sedentary time, but their medium-term effect on cognitive performance is unclear. To address this circumstance, eighteen office workers participated in a two-arm, randomised controlled cross-over trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02825303), either working at a traditional (sit) or an interventional (sit/stand) workplace for 23 weeks. Cognitive performance (working speed, reaction time, concentration performance, accuracy), workload and relevant covariates (salivary cortisol level, heart rate, physical activity, sitting time) were measured pre- and post-intervention under laboratory conditions. MANOVA and RMANOVA results did not show differences in performance parameters and workload, respectively, between sit/stand and traditional workplace users. Differences in text editing accuracy and cortisol levels for sit/stand workstation users indicate potential connectivity to cognitive parameters which should be further examined with large-scale studies. Practitioner summary: Medium-term effects of working at sit/stand workstations on cognitive performance and workload are unexplored. This randomised controlled trial suggests that cognitive performance and workload are unaffected for sit/stand workstation users after 23 weeks of use. However, accuracy appeared to improve and physiological stress appeared to be altered. Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; IPAQ: International physical activity questionnaire; MET: metabolic equivalent of task; MANOVA: multivariate ANOVA; NASA TLX: NASA task load index; RMANOVA: repeated measures ANOVA.

Pilot Study of Impact of a Pedal Desk on Postprandial Responses in Sedentary Workers

Physical inactivity has been linked to rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease through insulin resistance and other mechanisms. Although sedentary workplace environments have unintentionally contributed to the risk for chronic diseases, innovations in the workplace environment could potentially rectify this public and occupational health problem.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of light-intensity physical activity using a pedal desk (PD) compared with a standard desk (STD) in a pilot study on postprandial metabolic responses and work skills.

METHODS

Twelve overweight/obese full-time sedentary office workers (six men and six women; body mass index, 28.7 ± 3.6 kg·m) were tested in two conditions: 1) PD, pedaling at self-selected light-intensity pace for 2 h and 2) STD, remaining seated for 2 h in a conventional workstation setup while performing scripted computer-based work tasks. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma glucose, insulin, and free-fatty acids in response to a standardized meal and work skills were evaluated. Paired samples t-tests were used to examine the differences in metabolic responses and work performance tasks between the conditions.

RESULTS

Pedal desk use required significantly less insulin to maintain glucose concentrations compared with STD condition (peak insulin concentration, 42.1 μU·mL vs 66.9 μU·mL; P = 0.03; and area under the curve, 302.6 vs 441.8 μU·min·mL; P < 0.001). No significant changes in plasma glucose and free-fatty acid concentrations were observed at any timepoints (all P > 0.05). In addition, pedaling at a self-paced rate caused no adverse effects on work skills (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The PD resulted in lower postmeal insulin concentrations without an overall negative impact on work skills. Thus, the PD could have the potential to achieve public and occupational health goals in sedentary work environments.

Energy Expenditure While Using Workstation Alternatives at Self-Selected Intensities

BACKGROUND

Active workstations offer the potential for augmenting energy expenditure (EE) in sedentary occupations. However, comparisons of EE during pedal and treadmill desk usage at self-selected intensities are lacking.

METHODS

A sample of 16 adult participants (8 men and 8 women; 33.9 [7.1] y, 22.5 [2.7] kg/m²) employed in sedentary occupations had their EE measured using indirect calorimetry during 4 conditions: (1) seated rest, (2) seated typing in a traditional office chair, (3) self-paced pedaling on a pedal desk while typing, and (4) self-paced walking on a treadmill desk while typing.

RESULTS

For men and women, self-paced pedal and treadmill desk typing significantly increased EE above seated typing (pedal desk: +1.20 to 1.28 kcal/min and treadmill desk: +1.43 to 1.93 kcal/min, P < .001). In men, treadmill desk typing (3.46 [0.19] kcal/min) elicited a significantly higher mean EE than pedal desk typing (2.73 [0.21] kcal/min, P < .001). No significant difference in EE was observed between treadmill desk typing (2.68 [0.19] kcal/min) and pedal desk typing among women (2.52 [0.21] kcal/min).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-paced treadmill desk usage elicited significantly higher EE than self-paced pedal desk usage in men but not in women. Both pedal and treadmill desk usage at self-selected intensities elicited approximate 2-fold increases in EE above what would typically be expected during traditional seated office work.

The effects of sedentary behaviour interventions on work-related productivity and performance outcomes in real and simulated office work: A systematic review

This review examined the impact of environmental, behavioral, and combined interventions to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour on work performance and productivity outcomes. Productivity outcomes were defined as variables assessing work-related tasks (e.g., typing, mouse), whereas performance outcomes were categorized as any variables assessing cognition that did not mimic work-related tasks. Nine databases were searched for articles published up to January 2018. Sixty-three studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria: 45 examined a productivity outcome (i.e., typing, mouse, work-related tasks, and absenteeism), 38 examined a performance outcome (i.e., memory, reading comprehension, mathematics, executive function, creativity, psychomotor function, and psychobiological factors), and 30 examined a self-reported productivity/performance outcome (i.e., presenteeism or other self-reported outcome). Overall, standing interventions do not appear to impact productivity/performance outcomes, whereas walking and cycling interventions demonstrate mixed null/negative associations for productivity outcomes. Hence, standing interventions to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour could be implemented without negatively impacting productivity/performance outcomes.

Health and productivity at work: which active workstation for which benefits: a systematic review

In order to reduce sedentary behaviour at work, research has examined the effectiveness of active workstations. However, despite their relevance in replacing conventional desks, the comparison between types of active workstations and their respective benefits remains unclear. The purpose of this review article is thus to compare the benefits between standing, treadmill and cycling workstations. Search criteria explored Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases. The review included studies concerning adults using at least two types of active workstations, evaluating biomechanical, physiological work performance and/or psychobiological outcomes. Twelve original articles were included. Treadmill workstations induced greater movement/activity and greater muscular activity in the upper limbs compared with standing workstations. Treadmill and cycling workstations resulted in elevated heart rate, decreased ambulatory blood pressure and increased energy expenditure during the workday compared with standing workstations. Treadmill workstations reduced fine motor skill function (ie, typing, mouse pointing and combined keyboard/mouse tasks) compared with cycling and standing workstations. Cycling workstations resulted in improved simple processing task speeds compared with standing and treadmill workstations. Treadmill and cycling workstations increased arousal and decreased boredom compared with standing workstations. The benefits associated with each type of active workstation (eg, standing, treadmill, cycling) may not be equivalent. Overall, cycling and treadmill workstations appear to provide greater short-term physiological changes than standing workstations that could potentially lead to better health. Cycling, treadmill and standing workstations appear to show short-term productivity benefits; however, treadmill workstations can reduce the performance of computer tasks.

Worker acceptability of the Pennington Pedal Desk™ occupational workstation alternative

BACKGROUND

Active workstation alternatives (e.g., treadmill desks and pedal desks) have the potential to elevate workplace energy expenditure by replacing occupational sedentary behavior with opportunities to generate low-intensity non-exercise physical activity, but only to the extent that workers find them acceptable and congruent with their primary working tasks and therefore can frequently use them for extended periods of time.

OBJECTIVE

To assess workers' acceptability of the Pennington Pedal Desk™.

METHODS

Full-time sedentary workers (N = 42; 76% female; mean+SD age 39.6±11.3 years; BMI 25.7±5.4 kg/m2) used the pedal desk for 15 minutes while they: 1) searched the internet, 2) composed an email, and 3) completed acceptability ratings using an online Likert scale anchored from 1/strongly disagree to 5/strongly agree. Garmin Vector power meter pedals and EDGE 510 GPS bike computer (Garmin ®, USA) continuously captured revolutions per minute (RPM) and power.

RESULTS

Participants indicated that they would use the pedal desk for 4 (median) hours per work day and 97.6% of participants were somewhat or completely confident that they could type proficiently while using the pedal desk. Participants pedaled at 54.8±11.2 RPM and 23.1±8.6 watts (mean+SD).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants rated the Pennington Pedal Desk™ workstation positively and indicated potential for extended daily use.

Effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiometabolic parameters in sedentary workers: review and meta-analysis

Purpose. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiovascular and biochemical indicators in sedentary workers. Materials and methods. In February 2018, six databases were searched. Both parallel and crossover design studies evaluating workplace cycle and treadmill desks compared to a conventional seated condition were included. Results. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Cycle and treadmill desks significantly increased energy expenditure (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.84, p < 0.001, I² = 95%) and the heart rate (SMD = 1.68, p < 0.001, I² = 91%), and lowered blood glucose and insulin levels (SMD = -0.54, p < 0.001, I² = 0% and SMD = -3.13, p < 0.001, I² = 76%, respectively). The interventions had no effect on blood pressure and other biochemical indicators. Conclusion. Cycle and treadmill desks may positively influence energy expenditure in sedentary workers and could be effective for reducing negative effects of workplace-related sedentary behaviour. However, considerable heterogeneity is present in the measuring protocols for energy expenditure.

Introducing a Dynamic Workstation in the Office: Insights in Characteristics of Use and Short-Term Changes of Well-Being in a 12 Week Observational Study

The present field study evaluates the use of dynamic workstations (cycling devices) in a real-life office environment. Specific characteristics of use were recorded and possible relationships with short-term changes in well-being were investigated. For a period of 12 weeks, 36 employees were given free access to eight devices. Frequency, duration and speed of use were self-determined but registered objectively for every event of use. Immediately before and after using a cycling device, employees rated their well-being with a modified version of the EZ-scale from Nitsch to assess changes in the short-term. In total, 817 events of use were registered. On each day of the intervention period one of the devices was used. Participants used the devices between one day to all days present at the office, for 21.09 (SD 0.58) to 31.58 (SD 2.19) minutes on average per event of use per day. Comparing the pre- and post-measurements, a significant increase in well-being after using a cycling device was found. Results of a Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis showed mixed effects for the duration of use, the speed and variation of speed on the probability of reporting positive changes in recovery, calmness and mood. Therefore, using cycling devices in the office might improve short-term well-being.

Musculoskeletal and Cognitive Effects of a Movement Intervention During Prolonged Standing for Office Work

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether use of a movement intervention when undertaking prolonged standing affected discomfort and cognitive function.

BACKGROUND

Alternate work positions to break up prolonged sitting for office workers are being trialed, such as standing. Prolonged standing has potential negative health implications, including low back and lower limb discomfort, and may influence cognitive function. Introducing movement during standing may provide a healthy and productive alternative work posture.

METHOD

Twenty adult participants undertook a laboratory study of 2 hr of standing and standing with movement (using a footrest) while performing computer work. Changes in discomfort and cognitive function, with muscle fatigue, low back angle, pelvis movement, lower limb swelling, and mental state, were investigated.

RESULTS

Discomfort increased significantly over time across all body regions. Ankle/foot differed between conditions (incident rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.89 [1.10-3.23]), with higher discomfort during standing with movement. Creative problem-solving errors increased during standing with movement and decreased during standing (Time × Condition: β = 0.64 [0.10-1.18]), with no other cognitive function measure differences. Mental state deteriorated over time for both conditions, greater during standing with movement (Time × Condition: β = 2.44 [0.23-4.66]). No significant interaction effects were found for the other outcome variables.

CONCLUSION

Standing with movement provided no advantage in discomfort or cognitive function. There were some negative effects for ankle/foot discomfort and creative problem solving. An alternate footrest design and protocol for use may yield more favorable results.

APPLICATION

Based on the results from this study, footrest use to raise alternative foot for forced 5-min intervals would not be recommended to assist with managing discomfort while prolonged standing in workplaces.

A "NEAT" Approach to Obesity Prevention in the Modern Work Environment

Increased prevalence of obesity may be due to an increase of being sedentary at work. Increasing non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) using walking workstations may increase total physical activity and promote a leaner physical body composition (or phenotype). The purpose of this study was to test whether walking slowly during work was sufficient to promote a leaner phenotype by increasing physical activity in sedentary desk workers without inducing compensation or a decrease in activity or energy expenditure during the nonworking hours. We conducted a prospective cohort study using a within-subjects crossover design. The design involved two phases each lasting 2 weeks: a treadmill exercise phase in which subjects used a walking workstation for 2.5 hours a day 5 days/week and a control phase in which subjects maintained their normal work activity. Twenty-five sedentary adults working at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. We measured body weight, body composition, food intake, 24-hour physical activity, and self-reported physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Treadmill exercise caused a leaner phenotype (lean mass gain and fat mass loss) and significantly increased their 24-hour physical activity. Walking workstation use had favorable effects on physical well-being and mental focus and did not adversely affect productivity. Light treadmill exercise during work can increase physical activity and result in a leaner body composition. This is a potentially useful intervention to increase NEAT in the modern sedentary work environment.

Effects of standing on typing task performance and upper limb discomfort, vascular and muscular indicators

Standing is a popular alternative to traditionally seated computer work. However, no studies have described how standing impacts both upper body muscular and vascular outcomes during a computer typing task. Twenty healthy adults completed two 90-min simulated work sessions, seated or standing. Upper limb discomfort, electromyography (EMG) from eight upper body muscles, typing performance and neck/shoulder and forearm blood flow were collected. Results showed significantly less upper body discomfort and higher typing speed during standing. Lower Trapezius EMG amplitude was higher during standing, but this postural difference decreased with time (interaction effect), and its variability was 68% higher during standing compared to sitting. There were no effects on blood flow. Results suggest that standing computer work may engage shoulder girdle stabilizers while reducing discomfort and improving performance. Studies are needed to identify how standing affects more complex computer tasks over longer work bouts in symptomatic workers.

The Effects of Walking Workstations on Biomechanical Performance

Prolonged sitting has been associated with negative health effects. Walking workstations have become increasingly popular in the workplace. There is a lack of research on the biomechanical effect of walking workstations. This study analyzed whether walking while working alters normal gait patterns. A total of 9 participants completed 4 walking trials at 2.4 and 4.0 km·h^-1: baseline walking condition, walking while performing a math task, a reading task, and a typing task. Biomechanical data were collected using standard motion capture procedures. The first maximum vertical ground reaction force, stride width, stride length, minimum toe clearance, peak swing hip abduction and flexion angles, peak swing and stance ankle dorsiflexion, and knee flexion angles were analyzed. Differences between conditions were evaluated using analysis of variance tests with Bonferroni correction (P ≤ .05). Stride width decreased during the reading task at both speeds. Although other parameters exhibited significant differences when multitasking, these changes were within the normal range of gait variability. It appears that for short periods, walking workstations do not negatively impact gait in healthy young adults.

Use and physiological responses of portable dynamic office workstations in an occupational setting - A field study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of two types of dynamic workstations (Deskbike, activeLife Trainer) and their effects on physiological activation in an occupational setting.

METHODS

30 employees were given access to the devices for 28 days. Frequency and duration of borrowing and use was recorded by a Chipcard-system. Physiological activation (energy expenditure, heart rate) while working in a seated position and using the workstations was measured with the activity tracker Fitbit Charge HR.

RESULTS

Participants used dynamic workstations on 40% of their working days for an average of 54.3 ± 23.9 min per day. Energy expenditure and heart rate increased significantly while using the workstations compared to working seated. The Deskbike was used more frequently and resulted in greater heart rate elevation.

CONCLUSION

Both types of dynamic workstations were used by the employees and had positive effects on physiological activation. The implementation of either type can be recommended.

Sedentary Behavior at Work and Cognitive Functioning: A Systematic Review

Background: It is now well-established that sedentarity has a negative impact on the physiological functioning and health of humans, whereas very little is known about the psychological repercussions, especially in cognitive functioning. Yet, studying the cognitive effects of the sedentary lifestyle is particularly relevant in the short term for productivity and in the long term for cognitive health (accelerated aging). This systematic review therefore aims to make an inventory of the potential cognitive effects of sedentarity at the workplace. Methods: Pubmed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for English-language peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2017 to identify studies including sedentary behavior and objective measures from cognitive domains (cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, etc.). To carry out this systematic review, the 3 keywords "Sedentary" and "Cognition" and "Work" (and their derivatives) had to appear in the title or in the summary of the paper. Results: Of the 13 papers that met the inclusion criteria, 9 were short-term interventions, 3 medium-term interventions, and 1 long-term intervention. Nine of them reported non-significant results. Two studies study reported deterioration in cognitive performance. Two reported an improvement in performance in cognitive tasks with one study with overweight adults and the only one study with a long-term intervention. However, these studies intend to reduce sedentary behavior, but do not allow answering the question of the potential cognitive effects of the sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: These data suggest that sedentary behavior is not associated with changes in cognitive performance in interventions that intend to reduce sedentary behavior. Then, and given the trend toward increased time in sedentary behavior, long-term prospective studies of high methodological quality are recommended to clarify the relationships between sedentary behavior and the cognitive functioning. Our systematic review identifies also the need for retrospective, longitudinal, or epidemiologic studies. It also recognizes the need to standardize methodology for collecting, defining, and reporting sedentary behavior and the need to standardize the cognitive tests used. The relationship between sedentary behavior and cognitive functioning remaining uncertain, further studies are warranted for which 8 recommendations are proposed.

A detailed description of the short-term musculoskeletal and cognitive effects of prolonged standing for office computer work

Due to concerns about excessive sedentary exposure for office workers, alternate work positions such as standing are being trialled. However, prolonged standing may have health and productivity impacts, which this study assessed. Twenty adult participants undertook two hours of laboratory-based standing computer work to investigate changes in discomfort and cognitive function, along with muscle fatigue, movement, lower limb swelling and mental state. Over time, discomfort increased in all body areas (total body IRR [95% confidence interval]: 1.47[1.36-1.59]). Sustained attention reaction time (β = 18.25[8.00-28.51]) deteriorated, while creative problem solving improved (β = 0.89[0.29-1.49]). There was no change in erector spinae, rectus femoris, biceps femoris or tibialis anterior muscle fatigue; low back angle changed towards less  lordosis, pelvis movement increased, lower limb swelling increased and mental state decreased. Body discomfort was positively correlated with mental state. The observed changes suggest replacing office work sitting with standing should be done with caution. Practitioner Summary: Standing is being used to replace sitting by office workers; however, there are health risks associated with prolonged standing. In a laboratory study involving 2 h prolonged standing discomfort increased (all body areas), reaction time and mental state deteriorated while creative problem-solving improved. Prolonged standing should be undertaken with caution.

Implementation of Active Workstations in University Libraries-A Comparison of Portable Pedal Exercise Machines and Standing Desks

Sedentary behaviors are an important issue worldwide, as prolonged sitting time has been associated with health problems. Recently, active workstations have been developed as a strategy to counteract sedentary behaviors. The present study examined the rationale and perceptions of university students’ and staff following their first use of an active workstation in library settings. Ninety-nine volunteers completed a self-administered questionnaire after using a portable pedal exercise machine (PPEM) or a standing desk (SD). Computer tasks were performed on the SD (p = 0.001) and paperwork tasks on a PPEM (p = 0.037) to a larger extent. Men preferred the SD and women chose the PPEM (p = 0.037). The appreciation of the PPEM was revealed to be higher than for the SD, due to its higher scores for effective, useful, functional, convenient, and comfortable dimensions. Younger participants (<25 years of age) found the active workstation more pleasant to use than older participants, and participants who spent between 4 to 8 h per day in a seated position found active workstations were more effective and convenient than participants sitting fewer than 4 h per day. The results of this study are a preliminary step to better understanding the feasibility and acceptability of active workstations on university campuses.

The effects of using an active workstation on executive function in Chinese college students

This study aimed to examine the effects of active workstation use on the executive function by measuring the three components of executive function (Inhibition, Updating, and Shifting) during sitting, standing, and walking at an active workstation with different speeds. Twenty-four college students completed a cognitive test battery while sitting, standing, walking on an active workstation with a self-selected speed (mean = 2.3 km/h) and a faster speed (mean = 3.5 km/h). The three components of executive function (Inhibition, Updating, and Shifting) were assessed by Stroop task, N-back task, More-odd shifting task, respectively. Performance of each task was determined by the response time and accuracy. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted with workstation condition and trial type as within-subjects factors. There were no significant main effects for workstation condition and no interaction between workstation condition × trial type in Stroop task and More-odd shifting task. There was a significant main effect for workstation condition (F (3, 69) = 4.029, p = 0.011) and interaction effect between workstation condition × trial type (F (6, 138) = 9.371, p < 0.001) in N-back task. Decomposition of the interaction showed that accuracy of 2-back task in self-paced walking was significantly lower than that in sitting condition (p = 0.017) and in standing condition (p < .001). But there was no difference in accuracy of 2-back task between self-paced walking condition and faster walking condition (p = 0.517). Our results suggest that using an active workstation may have a selective impact on three components of executive function, in which the Updating may be impaired to a certain extent while the Inhibition and Shifting remain unaffected.

Effect of alternating postures on cognitive performance for healthy people performing sedentary work

Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for several diseases and the prevalence of worksite-based interventions such as sit-to-stand workstations is increasing. Although their impact on sedentary behaviour has been regularly investigated, the effect of working in alternating body postures on cognitive performance is unclear. To address this uncertainty, 45 students participated in a two-arm, randomised controlled cross-over trial under laboratory conditions. Subjects executed validated cognitive tests (working speed, reaction time, concentration performance) either in sitting or alternating working postures on two separate days (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02863731). MANOVA results showed no significant difference in cognitive performance between trials executed in alternating, standing or sitting postures. Perceived workload did not differ between sitting and alternating days. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant learning effects regarding concentration performance and working speed for both days. These results suggest that working posture did not affect cognitive performance in the short term. Practitioner Summary: Prior reports indicated health-related benefits based on alternated (sit/stand) body postures. Nevertheless, their effect on cognitive performance is unknown. This randomised controlled trial showed that working in alternating body postures did not influence reaction time, concentration performance, working speed or workload perception in the short term.

Lower limb blood flow and mean arterial pressure during standing and seated work: Implications for workplace posture recommendations

Sit-stand workstations are a popular workplace intervention. Organizations often require a medical professional's guidance for implementation. Therefore, it is important to understand potential negative outcomes associated with standing work, such as lower limb discomfort and peripheral vascular issues. The objective of this study was to compare changes in lower limb discomfort, blood pressure and blood flow accumulation during a light-load repetitive upper limb work task accomplished from seated and standing postures. At the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital (Laval, Quebec, Canada), 16 participants were outfitted with Laser Doppler Flow (LDF) electrodes to measure blood flow in the lower limb, and a sphygmomanometer to measure lower limb mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). Participants completed simulated work over 34 min in standing and seated conditions. Repeated measures ANOVAs (Posture x Time) were used to assess the differences. There were significant effects for both Posture (p = 0.003) and Time (p = 0.007) for LDF-measured of blood flow accumulation in the soleus and the foot, with a mean increase of 77% blood flow over time in the standing posture, when compared to seated work. There was a significant 'Posture × Time' (p = 0.0034) interaction effect and a significant Posture (p = 0.0001) effect for MAP, with higher values in the standing posture by a mean of 37.2 mmHg. Posture had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on lower limb discomfort, with standing posture reporting higher levels. These results suggest that recommendations for using static standing work postures should be tempered, and physicians' guidance on workstation changes should consider the impacts on the lower limb.

Decreasing Physical Inactivity in the Veterans Health Administration Employee Population

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe a comprehensive approach to decrease physical inactivity in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employee population.

METHODS

The approach included (1) initiatives to decrease physical inactivity in the workplace; (2) two operational surveys to assess system-wide service provision; and (3) two national employee surveys.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2012, 86 employee fitness centers were completed in VA medical centers. A grants program (2010 to 2015) funded smaller projects designed to decrease physical inactivity in the workplace. Projects involved the provision of equipment to decrease sedentary behaviors, including stability balls, treadmill and sit-to-stand desks, stairwell projects, and funding for on-site fitness classes, bicycle racks, and outdoor par courses and walking paths among others.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive approach to decrease physical inactivity in VHA employees was successful. Overall, self-reported, age-adjusted physical inactivity in VHA employees decreased from 25.3% in 2010 to 16.1% in 2015.

Sit-stand workstations and impact on low back discomfort: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sit-stand workstations are proposed solutions to reduce sedentary time at work. Numerous companies are using them to mitigate health concerns such as musculoskeletal discomfort.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on sit-stand workstations and low back discomfort.

METHOD

We conducted a meta-analysis on literature published before 17 November 2016 that addressed the relationship between sit-stand workstations and musculoskeletal discomfort, focusing on the low back.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were identified and eight that presented results in means (SD) were included. Among a pain-free population, the standardised mean difference was -0.230 for low back discomfort with use of sit-stand workstations. When applying the SMD to studies using the 10-point pain scale, the effect estimates ranged between -0.30 and -0.51.

CONCLUSION

sit-stand workstations may reduce low back pain among workers. Further research is needed to help quantify dosage parameters and other health outcomes. Practitioner Summary: In a sedentary population, changing posture may reduce the chance of developing low back pain. The literature lacks studies on specific populations such as those who have pre-existing low back pain and also does not adequately address the dosage of sit-stand time required to help reduce pain.

The Effectiveness of Standing on a Balance Board for Increasing Energy Expenditure

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate differences in energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), productivity, fatigue, and pain while performing desk work while sitting (SIT), standing (STAND), and standing on a balance board (BOARD).

METHODS

Thirty healthy adults (60% female, age = 39.7 ± 11.8 yr, body mass index = 26.7 ± 5.0 kg·m) employed in sedentary-based jobs volunteered for this randomized crossover trial. Participants performed typing work in three different positions: SIT, STAND, and BOARD, each condition lasting 30 min. Oxygen consumption (V˙O2) was measured via indirect calorimetry, and EE was calculated using respiratory quotient and corresponding caloric equivalent values. Productivity was quantified by measuring words typed per minute, accuracy, and typing mistakes. Overall feelings of fatigue and pain were self-reported three times during each position using validated 10-cm visual analog scales. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess differences in outcome variables across conditions.

RESULTS

V˙O2 was significantly different among all conditions regardless of current standing desk use (SIT = 3.35 ± 0.53, STAND = 3.77 ± 0.48, BOARD = 3.92 ± 0.54 mL·kg·min, P < 0.001). EE (kcal·min) also differed (P < 0.001) among SIT (1.27 ± 0.22), STAND (1.42 ± 0.26), and BOARD (1.48 ± 0.29). Compared with sitting (67 ± 9 bpm), HR was higher in STAND (76 ± 11 bpm) and BOARD (76 ± 11 bpm, P < 0.001). Measures of productivity were not different across conditions (P > 0.05). Fatigue progressively increased over each 30-min condition, whereas pain in SIT and BOARD increased from minute 10 to minute 20 and then leveled off between minutes 20 and 30. For STAND, pain continued to increase over time.

CONCLUSION

Compared with sitting, a balance board may be effective for increasing EE without interfering with productivity in an occupational setting.

Metabolic Rate during a Cognitive Vigilance Challenge at Alternative Workstations

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare energy expenditure (EE, kcal/min) at three workstations during an attention-demanding cognitive function task (Test of Variables of Attention or TOVA). Workstations included the seated desk (SIT), standing desk (STAND), and seated workstation designed to promote spontaneous movement (SWING).

METHODS

Adult males (n = 11) and females (n = 13) were assessed for EE using VO2 and VCO2 per quarter of the 22-min TOVA.

RESULTS

Average EE were 1.39 ± 0.06 (SIT), 1.55 ± 0.08 (SWING), and 1.44 ± 0.08 (STAND). Main effects (P < 0.05) were seen for workstation (SWING, STAND > SIT), and quarter of TOVA (Q2 < Q1,Q3,Q4). TOVA errors and response times were not different for workstations but increased for Q3 and Q4.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous movement at an alternative workstation elevated EE 10% to 11% compared with sitting and could increase daily nonexercise activity thermogenesis without diminishing mental attention to desk work.

Effects of Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, Frequency of Protein Consumption, Lower Extremity Strength and Lean Mass on All-Cause Mortality

Background

No study has evaluated the potential independent and cumulative effects of physical activity, sedentary behavior, daily frequency of protein consumption, lean mass and muscular strength on mortality risk.

Methods

Data from the 1999–2002 NHANES were utilized (N = 1,079 adults 50–85 yr), with follow-up through 2011. Leg lean mass was estimated from DXA scans. Knee extensor strength was assessed using the Kin Com MP dynamometer. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed via questionnaire, with the number of meals/day of ≥30 g of protein/meal assessed via a “multiple pass” 24-hour dietary interview. An index score was created (range = 0–5) indicating the number of these health characteristics each participant had.

Results

Only less sedentary behavior was independently associated with reduced mortality risk (HR_adjustment = 0.46; 0.32–0.66). After adjustments, and compared to those with an index score of 0, those with an index score of 1, 2 and 3+, respectively, had a 34%, 49%, and 57% reduced risk of all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

While considering physical activity, sedentary behavior, daily protein frequency consumption, lean mass and muscular strength, only sedentary behavior was independently associated with mortality risk among older adults.