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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Installation of a stationary high desk in the workplace: effect of a 6-week intervention on physical activity

Authors: Motohiko Miyachi, Satoshi Kurita, Julien Tripette, Ryo Takahara, Yoshiko Yagi, Haruka Murakami

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Extended sitting time at work is viewed as a crucial public health issue. Encouraging workers to stand during their office hours via the installation of standing desks maybe one effective option to combat this. Here, we investigate whether the installation of high desks in the workplace can induce positive changes in the amount of physical activity (PA) and thereby lead to subsequent improvements in anthropometric parameters.

Methods

Thirty-two white-collar workers (22 men and 10 women, mean age 44.2) were randomly divided into two groups. A randomised crossover trial was performed for 13 weeks. During the experimental period, subjects completed their office work in a standing position using stationary high desks (standing work, SW) for 10 hours per week or more (SW period). The subjects were asked to maintain their normal sitting working habits during the control period (CONT period). The primary outcome was PA, which was assessed objectively using a triaxial accelerometer during weekdays and weekends. The secondary outcomes were anthropometric measurements. For each group and each parameter, the mean values during each period were recorded and were compared by paired t test.

Results

The daily total PA (10.2 ± 2.4 vs. 9.7 ± 2.3 METs · h/day, P = 0.043), MVPA (4.2 ± 2.2 vs. 3.7 ± 1.8 METs · h/day, P = 0.025), time spent in moderate PA (58.2 ± 20.7 vs. 53.4 ± 17.0 min/day, P = 0.019) and time spent in MVPA (62.8 ± 25.1 vs. 57.0 ± 20.3 min/day, P = 0.019) were significantly higher during the SW period compared to the CONT period. A weekdays verses weekends subanalysis revealed that these parameters were significantly higher during the SW period compared to the CONT period during weekdays only. No significant differences were noted before and after SW periods for most of the anthropometric measures, except waist circumference (83.7 ± 7.9 vs. 83.0 ± 7.9 cm, respectively, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Standing work, via the installation of high desks, significantly increases moderate to vigorous physical activity, especially on weekdays.

Trial registration

UMIN-CRT, UMIN000016731, 7th March 2015.

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Title: Installation of a stationary high desk in the workplace: effect of a 6-week intervention on physical activity
Authors: Motohiko Miyachi
Satoshi Kurita
Julien Tripette
Ryo Takahara
Yoshiko Yagi
Haruka Murakami
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1724-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Installation of a stationary high desk in the workplace: effect of a 6-week intervention on physical activity

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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