In reports published by the Internal Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2021, several studies were analyzed using height-adjustable standing desks in various office settings. The purpose was to find any correlation in the results of the studies and to determine what work environment benefits could be inferred from their findings. Many positive advantages associated with periodic standing throughout the workday were demonstrated, ranging from improved musculoskeletal conditions to increased work productivity.
The Methodology
Each participant in the intervention group received a personal sit–stand desk that allowed them to switch between sitting and standing positions and set their desk height freely during work hours. Participants were then asked to conduct their work as usual. Before and after the intervention, four health promotion magazines were provided once a month to the intervention group via a group email sent through a department representative. The content of these magazines included information about physical activity and health, including articles related to sedentary behavior.
The Results
After the three-month intervention, the intervention group data indicated that their sitting time at work and their neck and shoulder pain scores had significantly decreased. Their scores of subjective health, vitality in work-related engagement, and self-rated work performance over four weeks significantly improved.
To put these findings into perspective, it seems that using a height-adjustable workstation to switch between sitting and standing at work may be as important as going to the gym. Regular, moderate exercise is widely recognized as beneficial for overall well-being, but this report makes it clear that low-impact movement can be just as impactful on your health. By doing something as simple as using a sit-stand workstation, you can enjoy various advantages ranging from alleviating back pain to enhancing work productivity.
Ma,Jiameng, Ma,Dongmei, Li,Zhi, Kim,Hyunshik. Effects of a Workplace Sit–Stand Desk Intervention on Health and Productivity. Faculty of Physical Education, Sendai University, Shibata 9891693, Japan:2021. Web.
Ma,Jiameng, Ma,Dongmei, Li,Zhi, Kim,Hyunshik. Effects of a Workplace Sit–Stand Desk Intervention on Health and Productivity. Faculty of Physical Education, Sendai University, Shibata 9891693, Japan:2021. 2.2. Web.
Ma,Jiameng, Ma,Dongmei, Li,Zhi, Kim,Hyunshik. Effects of a Workplace Sit–Stand Desk Intervention on Health and Productivity. Faculty of Physical Education, Sendai University, Shibata 9891693, Japan:2021. 3. Web.