Active Workstations Do Not Impair Executive Function in Young and Middle-Age Adults.

Area of Science:

• Exercise science
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Occupational health

Background:

• Sedentary behavior is a growing concern in modern workplaces.
• Active workstations offer a potential solution to increase physical activity during work hours.
• The impact of low-intensity walking on cognitive functions, particularly executive functions, needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of self-selected low-intensity walking on an active workstation on executive functions (EF) in young and middle-aged adults.
• To assess how treadmill walking influences specific EF domains including inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and global EF.

Main Methods:

• A within-subjects design was employed with 32 young and 26 middle-aged adults.
• Participants completed an executive function test battery under two conditions: low-intensity treadmill walking and seated control, in randomized order.
• Executive functions were assessed using modified Stroop, Sternberg, Wisconsin Card Sorting, and Tower of London tasks, measuring reaction time and accuracy.

Main Results:

• No significant main effects or interactions were found for treadmill walking on global EF or individual EF domains.
• Accuracy on the Tower of London task was slightly impaired during walking for both age groups.
• Middle-aged adults showed longer planning times for complex Tower of London conditions while walking compared to sitting.

Conclusions:

• Executive function performance is largely unaffected by low-intensity walking on active workstations.
• Treadmill workstations are a viable option for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time in the workplace.
• Further research may explore optimal walking parameters for cognitive benefits.