Functioning Sit-and-Stand Desks May not Provide Any Benefit and Potentially Harm Your Wellbeing
The market for standing desks is exploding globally, projected to reach an impressive $12.6 billion by 2032. They're often praised as a simple solution to the health risks linked to too much sitting. However, recent research suggests that standing might not be the health miracle everyone expected.
A new study conducted in Australia with over 83,000 participants shed light on this issue. The research revealed that standing for long periods doesn't necessarily improve heart health. Instead, it could even increase the risk of certain circulatory problems.
The study found that standing for extended periods didn't lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. On the contrary, spending too much time sitting or standing was linked to higher risks such as varicose veins and dizziness upon standing up.
The phrase "sitting is the new smoking" has become popular in recent years, highlighting the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sitting has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In response, standing desks gained popularity as a trendy solution to reduce sitting time without significantly changing daily routines.
But was there solid evidence backing up the benefits of standing desks? Most of the enthusiasm was based on limited studies that didn’t thoroughly explore long-term health consequences. This gap in knowledge prompted researchers to delve deeper.
For the study, participants wore devices to monitor their sitting, standing, and physical activity over several years. This objective measurement provided accurate data, reducing the inaccuracies typically found in self-reported information. The researchers discovered that spending more than ten hours a day sitting was associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, merely standing more didn't mitigate this risk. In fact, standing for extended periods was linked to an increased risk of circulatory problems. Prolonged standing can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to conditions like varicose veins.
The study's large sample size and use of objective data strengthened its reliability. However, as an observational study, it couldn't definitively establish cause and effect. The participants' average age was around 61 years, which might limit how these results apply to younger people.
Movement is crucial
These findings suggest that swapping sitting for standing isn't a foolproof solution. Our bodies respond better to regular movement than to static positions, whether it's sitting or standing. Incorporating short walks, stretches, or light exercises throughout the day can break up long periods of inactivity and offer significant health benefits.
Workplace interventions promoting movement have shown promise. Researchers found that office workers who reduced their sitting time by adding periods of standing and light activity saw improvements in blood sugar levels and other health markers. Another study indicated that alternating between sitting and standing, combined with brief walks, was more effective for health than standing alone.
Sit-stand desks, designed to make position changes easy, offer a promising solution. They encourage frequent posture changes and can alleviate discomfort associated with prolonged static positions. Some models even feature reminders to encourage regular movement, integrating activity into the workday.
Getting more physical activity into our lives doesn't have to be complicated. Simple actions like taking the stairs, walking to a colleague instead of emailing, or standing during phone calls can all contribute. Setting a timer to remind you to move every 30 minutes can help break up long periods of sitting or standing, empowering you to take control of your health.
Movement is crucial. Standing all day isn't necessarily healthier than sitting—both have drawbacks when overdone. By focusing on regular physical activity and varying our positions, we can better address the health challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles. Small changes, such as taking short active breaks or incorporating stretching exercises, can make a significant difference.
Ultimately, while standing desks can provide an alternative to prolonged sitting, they shouldn't be seen as a complete solution. Embracing a more active lifestyle, both in and out of the office, is likely to yield the greatest health benefits. It's not just about standing or sitting; it's about moving more and sitting less.
Jack McNamara* is a senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at the University of East London. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article*.
The new study's findings challenge the popular belief that standing desks can significantly improve heart health. Instead, it suggests that prolonged standing could increase the risk of circulatory problems. This reinforces the notion that movement, rather than just standing or sitting, is crucial for maintaining good health.
In the future, integrating science and technology in workplace interventions could potentially lead to more effective solutions for combating the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles. For instance, smart desks with activity reminders could encourage regular movement, helping to mitigate the drawbacks of both sitting and standing for extended periods.
