The assertion that “sitting is the new smoking” may sound exaggerated, but a substantial body of research supports the idea that a sedentary lifestyle is significantly detrimental to health when compared to a more active way of living. Office workers who are typically seated for the majority of their eight-hour workdays exhibit a higher likelihood of experiencing various health complications such as daytime fatigue, hypertension, and musculoskeletal pain than their counterparts who engage in more physical activity throughout the day. Innovative solutions such as standing desks have shown efficacy in alleviating these health issues and boosting overall productivity. However, the question of which type of workstation—be it stand-biased, sit-stand, or traditional—most effectively promotes physical activity and mitigates health risks remains a topic of ongoing debate and investigation, as our study will show.
To shed light on these uncertainties, a research team led by Tricia Lynn Salzar, DrPH, Kaysey Aguilar, PhD, and their colleagues at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health embarked on a detailed study. The team’s research methodology was distinctive in that it utilized computer usage metrics to indicate work productivity while comparing the effects of different workstations on user health and efficiency.
The study monitored the daily routines of 79 full-time adult office workers at a prominent university over a year from 2019 to 2020. These participants were organized into three groups based on the type of workstation they used: stand-biased, sit-stand, or traditional, with the latter serving as the control group. Stand-biased workstations are characterized by a fixed surface set at standing elbow height and often include options such as a drafting stool or a chair equipped with an extended cylinder. In contrast, sit-stand workstations are equipped with adjustable height surfaces that accommodate sitting or standing postures and are complemented by standard office chairs.
As part of the study, researchers meticulously collected a variety of data. This included demographic details, how often participants utilized office accessories like footrests, monitor arms, and keyboard trays, and how much time they spent standing versus sitting at their workstations. Participants’ comfort levels were also evaluated with surveys that asked them to report discomfort in various body parts, including the neck, back, and shoulders. To objectively measure productivity, computer usage was monitored covertly using data-logging software. Physical activity levels and energy expenditure were also tracked using sophisticated activity sensors throughout the workweek.
Preliminary analysis of the data showed no significant variance in keystroke frequency among the groups. However, the stand-biased group reported a higher word count and more typing errors than those using traditional workstations. Moreover, the activity data collected over 24 hours revealed that participants using stand-biased workstations spent more time standing and less time sitting. They also changed their position less frequently each hour than their peers in the traditional workstation group. Regarding discomfort, 65% of all study participants reported experiencing neck pain. Still, the conventional workstation users reported the highest incidence of lower back pain at 80%, in stark contrast to only 51.7% in the stand-biased group.
Dr. Aguilar concluded the study with a statement that underscores the practical implications of the study’s findings. He highlighted the potential health benefits of alternative workstation setups such as sit-stand or stand-biased desks. “The risks associated with sedentary work environments can be significantly reduced by integrating more dynamic workstation options,” he noted. “These alternatives not only foster better health outcomes but also support the high levels of productivity that employers demand.” This conclusion offers a reassuring endorsement of the effectiveness of alternative workstations in promoting health and productivity among office workers.
More information: Tricia Lynn Salzar et al, Stand-Capable Workstations Reduce Occupational Sedentary Time Among Administrative Workers, IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors. DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2024.2362720
Journal information: IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors Provided by Texas A&M University