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Sit-to-Stand Desk Converters Decrease Self-reported Workplace Sedentary Time and Improve Perceived Productivity in
Emily E MacDonald1, Jocelyn Waghorn, Madeline E Shivgulam
1From the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (E.E.M.); Division of Kinesiology, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (J.W., M.K.I., D.S.K.); Physiotherapy and Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (M.E.S., O.T.); Centre de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Université de Sherbrooke, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada (M.E.S., M.W. O.); and Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (M.W.O.).
Objective:
The workplace is often a site of excessive sedentary time (ST). This study evaluated the effects of a 4-week standing desk intervention on ST, fatigue, and productivity in office workers and students.
Methods:
This was a 4-week intervention with 18 office workers (40 ± 13 years, 15 females, body mass index = 22.9 kg/m 2 ) and 15 students (21 ± 2 years, 10 females, body mass index = 26.1 kg/m 2 ). ST was measured using the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, and desk perceptions and fatigue were assessed via surveys.
Results:
Office workers reduced workplace ST from 5.5 ± 1.1 to 4.4 ± 1.7 hours per day ( P = 0.01); total ST remained unchanged ( P = 0.97). Students exhibited no changes in ST ( P > 0.19). Office workers reported increased productivity ( P = 0.01) and willingness to use the desk ( P = 0.01). No changes in fatigue were observed for either group ( P > 0.06).
Conclusions:
Standing desks may reduce workplace ST and improve productivity for office workers but had minimal impact on students' activity or productivity.
