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. 2024 Jul-Sep;12(3):162-174.
doi: 10.1080/24725838.2024.2362720. Epub 2024 Jun 17.

Stand-Capable Workstations Reduce Occupational Sedentary Time Among Administrative Workers

Tricia Lynn Salzar  1 , Kaysey N Aguilar  2 , Matthew Lee Smith  2   3 , Adam Pickens  2 , Gang Han  2   4 , Grace Anderson  2   5 , Mark E Benden  2
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Stand-Capable Workstations Reduce Occupational Sedentary Time Among Administrative Workers

Tricia Lynn Salzar et al. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors. 2024 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSIn this study, we found that workers who use stand-biased desks stood more and sat less during their workday compared to workers who use traditional desks. Stand-biased users also experienced significantly less lower back discomfort compared to both traditional and sit-stand workstation users. Based on these findings, we recommend that the use of stand-biased workstations be considered when designing or renovating work office workspaces. The health risks of sedentary behavior are inherent in most office work, but these risks can be alleviated with intentional equipment choices. Using stand-biased desks can encourage workers to move more throughout the workday without their productivity or comfort being disturbed.

Keywords: Stand-biased workstation; occupational seated time; sit-stand workstation.

Plain language summary

Background: Sedentary activity, especially occupational sitting, is a leading cause of musculoskeletal discomfort among office workers. The amount of time employees spend seated is associated with the type of workstation that they utilize.Purpose: We investigated differences in computer utilization, physical activity, and discomfort among office workers who used three workstation types (stand-biased, sit-stand, or traditional).Methods: Among a sample of office workers (n = 61), we used data-logging software to measure computer utilization over 10 days, activity sensors to measure daily general activity levels (i.e., sitting, standing, running, etc.) during the 8am–5pm workday and the 24-h day, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to evaluate discomfort.Results: There was no significant difference in the number of keyclicks between the three groups; however, the stand-biased group had a significantly higher word count and more errors than the traditional group. The 24-h activity data revealed that the stand-biased group had significantly more standing time, less sitting time, and fewer transitions per hour compared to their traditional counterparts.Conclusions: Stand-biased workstations can be a viable workstation alternative to reduce sitting time without decreasing activity or creating additional discomfort.

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