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Introducing sit-stand desks increases classroom standing time among university students
Matthew Jerome1, Kathleen F Janz1, Barbara Baquero2
1Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, 225 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
Preventive Medicine Reports
|November 22, 2017
Summary
Sit-stand desks significantly increased standing time in university classrooms, reducing sedentary behavior. Students favored these desks, reporting improved engagement and well-being, supporting their adoption in higher education settings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ergonomics
- Higher Education Wellness
Background:
- Excessive sedentary behavior is linked to adverse health outcomes.
- University students exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior.
- Sit-stand desks effectively reduce sedentary time in other populations but haven't been studied in university classrooms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of introducing sit-stand desks in a university classroom setting.
- To assess changes in students' sitting and standing behaviors during class time.
- To gauge student perceptions and affective outcomes associated with sit-stand desk use.
Main Methods:
- A crossover design study involving 304 undergraduate students in two small university classrooms.
- Students experienced both traditional seated desks and sit-stand desks for six-week periods.
- Classroom sitting and standing behaviors were objectively measured via video surveillance.
Main Results:
- Students stood significantly more when using sit-stand desks (9.3% of class time) compared to seated desks (1.6% of class time).
- No significant difference was found in the number of sit-stand transitions between desk types.
- Students reported high favorability towards sit-stand desks and noted improvements in engagement and affective outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Introducing sit-stand desks into university classrooms is an effective strategy to decrease student sedentary behavior.
- Sit-stand desks promote increased physical activity and positively influence student engagement and well-being.
- Findings support the integration of sit-stand workstations to improve health in higher education environments.
