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Effects of Desk Pedaling Work Rate on Concurrent Work Performance among Physically Inactive Adults: A Randomized
Liza S Rovniak1, Jay Cho2, Andris Freivalds2
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|August 17, 2022
Summary
Under-desk pedaling at 17W or 25W did not affect work performance in physically inactive adults. The 17W intensity offered better ergonomic comfort, making it a suitable option for reducing sedentary risks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Performance
Background:
- Sedentary work is linked to increased health risks due to reduced energy expenditure.
- Under-desk pedaling devices offer a potential solution to mitigate these risks.
- Optimal pedaling intensity for maintaining work performance remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of two light-intensity under-desk pedaling work rates (17W and 25W) on work performance in physically inactive adults.
- To assess ergonomic comfort associated with different pedaling intensities during work tasks.
Main Methods:
- 96 physically inactive adults (varying age, sex, BMI) participated in a laboratory experiment.
- Participants completed typing, reading, logical reasoning, and phone tasks under three conditions: 17W pedaling, 25W pedaling, and nonpedaling.
- Work performance was objectively measured, and ergonomic comfort was assessed.
Main Results:
- Work performance scores were equivalent across all three conditions (17W pedaling, 25W pedaling, and nonpedaling).
- Pedaling intensity did not significantly affect performance based on age, sex, or BMI.
- Participants reported greater ergonomic comfort at the 17W work rate compared to 25W.
Conclusions:
- Light-intensity under-desk pedaling (17W and 25W) does not impair work performance in inactive adults.
- The 17W pedaling intensity is recommended for enhanced ergonomic comfort, serving as a practical starting point for sedentary workers.
- Under-desk pedaling can be a viable strategy to reduce health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
