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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.).
Standing desks reduced workplace sedentary time (ST) and boosted productivity in office workers. Students showed no significant changes in ST or productivity with the standing desk intervention.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Prolonged sitting is prevalent in modern workplaces, contributing to sedentary time (ST).
- Understanding the impact of interventions like standing desks is crucial for mitigating health risks associated with sedentary behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the four-week impact of a standing desk intervention on workplace ST, fatigue, and productivity.
- To differentiate the effects of standing desks between office workers and students.
Main Methods:
- A four-week intervention involving 18 office workers and 15 students.
- Sedentary time (ST) was measured using the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire.
- Desk perceptions and productivity were evaluated through surveys.
Main Results:
- Office workers significantly reduced workplace ST (5.5 to 4.4 hours/day) and reported increased productivity.
- Total ST remained unchanged for office workers; no ST changes were observed in students.
- No significant changes in fatigue levels were reported for either group.
Conclusions:
- Standing desks show potential for reducing workplace sedentary time and enhancing productivity among office workers.
- The intervention had minimal impact on students' sedentary time and productivity.
- Further research may explore tailored interventions for different populations.
