Does Reducing Sedentarity With Standing Desks Hinder Cognitive Performance?

Boosting arousal and cognitive performance through alternating posture: Insights from a multi-method laboratory study

This study investigated the role of arousal and effort costs in the cognitive benefits of alternating between sitting and standing postures using a sit-stand desk, while measuring executive functions, self-reports, physiology, and neural activity in a 2-h laboratory session aimed to induce mental fatigue. Two sessions were conducted with a one-week gap, during which participants alternated between sitting and standing postures each 20-min block in one session and remained seated in the other. In each block, inhibition, switching, and updating were assessed. We examined effects of time-on-task, acute (local) effects of standing versus sitting posture, and cumulative (global) effects of a standing posture that generalize to the subsequent block in which participants sit. Results (N = 43) confirmed that time-on-task increased mental fatigue and decreased arousal. Standing (versus sitting) led to acute increases in arousal levels, including self-reports, alpha oscillations, and cardiac responses. Standing also decreased physiological and perceived effort costs. Standing enhanced processing speed in the flanker task, attributable to shortened nondecision time and speeded evidence accumulation processes. No significant effects were observed on higher-level executive functions. Alternating postures also increased heart rate variability cumulatively over time. Exploratory mediation analyses indicated that the positive impact of acute posture on enhanced drift rate was mediated by self-reported arousal, whereas decreased nondecision time was mediated by reductions in alpha power. In conclusion, alternating between sitting and standing postures can enhance arousal, decrease effort costs, and improve specific cognitive and physiological outcomes.

The Relevance of Attention Control, Not Working Memory, in Human Factors

OBJECTIVE

Discuss the human factors relevance of attention control (AC), a domain-general ability to regulate information processing functions in the service of goal-directed behavior.

BACKGROUND

Working memory (WM) measures appear as predictors in various applied psychology studies. However, measures of WM reflect a mixture of memory storage and controlled attention making it difficult to interpret the meaning of significant WM-task relations for human factors. In light of new research, complex task performance may be better predicted or explained with new measures of attention control rather than WM.

METHOD

We briefly review the topic of individual differences in abilities in Human Factors. Next, we focus on WM, how it is measured, and what can be inferred from significant WM-task relations.

RESULTS

The theoretical underpinnings of attention control as a high-level factor that affects complex thought and behavior make it useful in human factors, which often study performance in complex and dynamic task environments. To facilitate research on attention control in applied settings, we discuss a validated measure of attention control that predicts more variance in complex task performance than WM. In contrast to existing measures of WM or AC, our measures of attention control only require 3 minutes each (10 minutes total) and may be less culture-bound making them suitable for use in applied settings.

CONCLUSION

Explaining or predicting task performance relations with attention control rather than WM may have dramatically different implications for designing more specific, equitable task interfaces, or training.

APPLICATION

A highly efficient ability predictor can help researchers and practitioners better understand task requirements for human factors interventions or performance prediction.

The effectiveness of a 6-month intervention with sit-stand workstation in office workers: Results from the SUFHA cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Prolonged periods of sitting have been linked to negative health outcomes. Implementation of sit-stand desks in the workplace has been one strategy to reduce prolonged sitting.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of sit-stand workstations on reducing sitting time and improving other health outcomes of office-based workers.

METHODS

39 Portuguese office workers were randomized into a 6-month parallel-group cluster RCT consisting by the implementation of sit-stand desks in the workplace. The primary outcome of sitting time was assessed using ActivPAL. Secondary outcomes included biometric, psychological, and diet-related variables. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months for the whole sample and at 3 months for a sub-sample of the intervention group (n = 11).

RESULTS

No significant time*group interaction was found for the primary or secondary outcomes, apart from waist circumference favoring the control group (Δ-1.81 cm, pinteraction = 0.04). There were significant changes within the intervention group for sitting time (-44.0 min/day), prolonged sitting (>30 min) (-45.3 min/day) and standing time (51.7 min/day) at 3 months in the sub-sample and in prolonged sitting (>30 min) (-26 min/day) in the full intervention group (p < 0.05). Changes were also observed within the intervention group for percent body fat (Δ-3.7%) and ratings of quality of life (Δ2.2), musculoskeletal discomfort (Δ-4.9), overall fatigue (Δ-2.2), and the need for recovery after work (Δ-1.7) at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although not being effective for reducing sitting time, the implementation of sit-stand desks in the Portuguese workspace was shown to be feasible over the long term, received well by users, and may offer other health benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

OSF Registration, OSF.IO/JHGPW. Registered 15 November 2022. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JHGPW.

Sitting vs. standing: an urgent need to rebalance our world

During their activities of daily living, humans run, walk, stand, sit and lie down. Recent changes in our environment have favored sedentary behavior over more physically active behavior to such a degree that our health is in danger. Here, we sought to address the problem of excessive time spent seated from various theoretical viewpoints, including postural control, human factors engineering, human history and health psychology. If nothing is done now, the high prevalence of sitting will continue to increase. We make a case for the standing position by demonstrating that spending more time upright can mitigate the physiological and psychological problems associated with excessive sitting without lowering task performance and productivity. The psychological literature even highlights potential benefits of performing certain tasks in the standing position. We propose a number of recommendations on spending more time (but not too much) in the standing position and on more active, nonambulatory behaviors. There is a need to inform people about (i) harmful consequences of excessive sitting and (ii) benefits of spending more time performing active, nonambulatory behaviors. One clear benefit is to reduce detrimental health consequences of excessive sitting and to provide potential additional benefits in terms of productivity and performance.

Fostering flow experiences at work: a framework and research agenda for developing flow interventions

Flow, the holistic experience of intrinsic motivation and effortless attention, is positively associated with job performance, work engagement, and well-being. As many individuals struggle to enter and maintain flow states, interventions that foster flow at work represent valuable catalysts for organizational and individual improvement. Since the literature on work-related flow interventions is still sparse, this article aims to provide a foundation for the systematic development of these interventions. Through a narrative review of the empirical and theoretical field, we develop a comprehensive framework with three dimensions, (1) the intervention aim (entering, boosting, or maintaining flow), (2) the target (context, individual, or group), and (3) the executor (top-down or bottom-up), for systematically classifying flow interventions at work. We complement the framework with guiding questions and concrete starting points for designing novel interventions. In addition, we explain how to build on these dimensions when operationalizing flow as the outcome variable in evaluating intervention effectiveness. By acknowledging individual and situational variability in flow states and the contingent limitations of flow interventions, we offer a broad perspective on the potential for fostering flow at work by using adaptive interventions.

Common Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures: Ergonomic Considerations

Background Otolaryngologists in high-volume children's hospitals developed their operating room workflow practices based on the factors of safety, efficiency, and surgeon preference. Recent data show important benefits and potential reduced risks of proper ergonomic positioning for surgeons to prevent injury. These data suggest that the current operating room workflow practices, in addition to prior training, should be monitored and hopefully improved for surgeons' health. Surprisingly, recent studies have suggested the benefits of standing versus sitting on cognitive function. Objective This study reports the workflow norms for seven operating procedures in pediatric otolaryngology. We seek to identify 1) surgeon preferences, 2) when practices become norms, and 3) whether procedure positions are associated with surgeon discomfort or injury. Methods The Otolaryngology Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics was queried employing a 23-question survey. We included demographic information, reasons for preferences, and surgeon-reported pain. We focused on three workflow issues: 1) length of procedures, 2) site selection (operating room bed vs. transport stretcher), and 3) position of the surgeon (sitting vs. standing). Results Sixty-nine American Academy of Pediatrics members completed the survey. The length of the procedure had minimal effect, with 90% sitting for short procedures such as bilateral myringotomy with tubes, myringoplasty, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy. All sit for direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. Most stand for the removal of nasal foreign bodies, drainage of neck abscess procedures, and thyroglossal duct cyst excision. Residency training (75%) and personal comfort (81%) were the more frequently cited reasons for preference. Fewer than one in five (16%) reported preexisting neck or back pain, but this doubled (35%) throughout their otolaryngology practice. Conditional distributions of pain showed reports of pain were greater for individuals in practice for over 20 years. Conclusions Pediatric otolaryngologists develop their operating room preferences early during residency training. High rates of neck and back pain (35%) may develop during a surgeon's career. We suggest improved understanding of ergonomics in concert with operating room workflow should be considered during otolaryngology residency training since recent data suggest potential benefits of standing on cognitive function.

Task type, preference, and occupation affect standing desk utilization in office workers

BACKGROUND

Adjustable height sit-stand desks are becoming the norm in many workplaces. It is not known how task type, worker preference, and occupation impact utilization of the adjustable height feature.

OBJECTIVE

This survey-based study aimed to determine how task type, preference and occupation affect office workers' sitting and standing behaviors at work.

METHODS

Office workers (n = 123) from different occupations completed surveys about actual and preferred positions (sit, stand, either/both) during 39 common tasks from 4 different categories, as well as barriers to use. Each position was analyzed by task type, behavior, and occupation.

RESULTS

There were differences between actual and preferred behavior for each position, with participants sitting more and standing less than preferred across all task categories. There were differences between task categories with participants sitting less for generative and routine, and standing more for communication tasks. The highest rates of either/both responses were for routine tasks. Engineers reported the lowest standing rates, and also indicated standing more than preferred. Information Tech and Engineering had the highest either/both responses. Finance reported the highest sitting rates. Personal, task-based and workplace limitations were cited as barriers to preferred use.

CONCLUSION

Office workers would prefer to stand more at work. Occupation-specific needs and preferences, as well as types of tasks should be considered when providing workplace standing options.

Association between Physical Activity Levels and Brain Volumes in Adults Visiting Radio-Imaging Center of Tertiary Care Hospital

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There is evidence to support the favorable impact of physical activity (PA) on brain volume. However, the empirical evidence exploring the relationship between physical and sedentary behavior remains mixed. We aimed to explore the relationship between PA and sedentary behavior and brain volume.

METHODS

The study sample (n = 150, mean age = 39.7 years) included patients interviewed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) who underwent an MRI brain scan. From the images obtained, we measured total intracranial, gray matter, and white matter volume along with the hippocampus, amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Multivariable linear regression analysis was done.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Left hippocampus and overall PA were positively and significantly associated (β = 0.71, p = 0.021) whereas time spent on vigorous physical activity showed a negative association (β = -0.328, p = 0.049) with left hippocampal volume.

CONCLUSION

We found a positive association between total PA and the left hippocampus, whereas vigorous PA showed a negative association with the left hippocampus.

Acute Impact of the Use of a Standing Desk on Appetite Sensations and Energy Intake

BACKGROUND

Sedentariness has been shown to increase energy intake and is associated with increased obesity prevalence. Active workstations are used to implement physical activity interventions in workplaces, but it is unclear if they can lead to reductions in body weight. This study aims to observe the acute impact of a standing desk on energy intake and appetite sensations.

METHODS

Participants came to the laboratory, where they were randomly assigned to a seated or a standing desk. They completed a work session (∼75 min) during which they performed cognitive tasks and reported their levels of stress. Following this, they had a 15-minute break during which buffet-type snacks were served. Subjects were asked to rate their appetite sensations on visual analog scales.

RESULTS

Thirty-six normal-weight men and women aged 24.3 (4.3) years participated in this study. Energy intake from snacks was similar (P = .472) between participants who sat (427.8 [286.9] kcal) and the ones who stood (461.2 [272.8] kcal) during the work session. There was no difference in satiety quotients around the snack and no significant interaction time × condition for appetite sensations.

CONCLUSION

The use of a standing desk for 75 minutes did not increase food consumption following a meal.