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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Oct;106(10):1849-54.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303323. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Stand-Biased Versus Seated Classrooms and Childhood Obesity: A Randomized Experiment in Texas

Monica L Wendel  1 , Mark E Benden  1 , Hongwei Zhao  1 , Christina Jeffrey  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Stand-Biased Versus Seated Classrooms and Childhood Obesity: A Randomized Experiment in Texas

Monica L Wendel et al. Am J Public Health. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: To measure changes in body mass index (BMI) percentiles among third- and fourth-grade students in stand-biased classrooms and traditional seated classrooms in 3 Texas elementary schools.

Methods: Research staff recorded the height and weight of 380 students in 24 classrooms across the 3 schools at the beginning (2011-2012) and end (2012-2013) of the 2-year study.

Results: After adjustment for grade, race/ethnicity, and gender, there was a statistically significant decrease in BMI percentile in the group that used stand-biased desks for 2 consecutive years relative to the group that used standard desks during both years. Mean BMI increased by 0.1 and 0.4 kilograms per meter squared in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The between-group difference in BMI percentile change was 5.24 (SE = 2.50; P = .037). No other covariates had a statistically significant impact on BMI percentile changes.

Conclusions: Changing a classroom to a stand-biased environment had a significant effect on students' BMI percentile, indicating the need to redesign traditional classroom environments.

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Comment in

  • Standing vs Sitting Time in Stand-Biased Classrooms.
    Chubbs C. Chubbs C. Am J Public Health. 2017 Mar;107(3):e4. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303617. Am J Public Health. 2017. PMID: 28177812 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Wendel and Benden Respond.
    Wendel ML, Benden ME. Wendel ML, et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 Mar;107(3):e4-e5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303618. Am J Public Health. 2017. PMID: 28177813 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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