Active workstations that promote movement such as standing, walking, or stepping can help combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Individuals working in offices who are striving to stay healthy may have a new tool at their disposal.
According to the study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on April 4, prolonged sedentary behavior poses an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), adverse health outcomes, and premature mortality, even for individuals who engage in regular physical activity.
Individuals who spend long periods sitting during their workday are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, other health issues, and reduced lifespan, as per the researchers. They examined the effects of three types of workstations on 44 healthy adults, including 28 men and 16 women, aiming to determine whether active workstations positively impact fine motor skills and neurocognitive abilities such as concentration, information processing, and comprehension.
Benefits Extend Beyond the Heart
Active workstations are effective because muscle contractions facilitate blood circulation throughout the body, benefiting the cardiovascular system, explained Dr. Amy Beard, a certified functional medicine practitioner and medical doctor, in an interview with The Epoch Times.
“Improving cardiovascular health has positive effects on the entire body,” Dr. Beard stated. “Engaging in active workstations can enhance cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain’s micro-circulation, providing more oxygen to the brain, resulting in improved brain function.”
Standing, walking, or stepping throughout the workday can also alleviate another common health issue.
“Prolonged sitting can contribute to back pain,” Dr. Beard noted, emphasizing that sitting for extended periods causes numerous health problems. “Sitting for eight hours straight can lead to various health issues. I have seen this in my patients and experienced it myself. As a former busy ER physician who now spends more time sitting during consultations, I have developed back pain, which I never had before.”
Reducing Stress and Obesity Through Increased Movement
The Mayo Clinic researchers suggested that office workers, who typically spend an average of 8.8 hours per day at work, should aim to minimize sedentary behavior in their work environments. There is a correlation between obesity and sedentary behavior, with obese individuals spending around 2.5 more hours seated per day than others.
Dr. Beard highlighted that active workstations could help individuals address weight concerns, particularly due to their impact on stress and anxiety.
“Movement is beneficial for the body from various physiological perspectives and can help alleviate stress,” she explained. “Physical activity is effective in reducing stress because it promotes deeper breathing, leading to increased oxygen supply to the brain and halting the stress response caused by shallow breathing.
“When individuals are seated at a desk for prolonged periods, they may experience stress due to insufficient oxygen intake. Stress plays a significant role in obesity and weight-related issues. Physical activity boosts blood circulation, enhances tissue oxygenation, and benefits numerous physiological processes, including mitochondrial function. These benefits can aid individuals dealing with weight problems.”
