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Work (Reading, Mass.) 2023Adjustable height sit-stand desks are becoming the norm in many workplaces. It is not known how task type, worker preference, and occupation impact utilization of the...
BACKGROUND
Adjustable height sit-stand desks are becoming the norm in many workplaces. It is not known how task type, worker preference, and occupation impact utilization of the adjustable height feature.
OBJECTIVE
This survey-based study aimed to determine how task type, preference and occupation affect office workers' sitting and standing behaviors at work.
METHODS
Office workers (n = 123) from different occupations completed surveys about actual and preferred positions (sit, stand, either/both) during 39 common tasks from 4 different categories, as well as barriers to use. Each position was analyzed by task type, behavior, and occupation.
RESULTS
There were differences between actual and preferred behavior for each position, with participants sitting more and standing less than preferred across all task categories. There were differences between task categories with participants sitting less for generative and routine, and standing more for communication tasks. The highest rates of either/both responses were for routine tasks. Engineers reported the lowest standing rates, and also indicated standing more than preferred. Information Tech and Engineering had the highest either/both responses. Finance reported the highest sitting rates. Personal, task-based and workplace limitations were cited as barriers to preferred use.
CONCLUSION
Office workers would prefer to stand more at work. Occupation-specific needs and preferences, as well as types of tasks should be considered when providing workplace standing options.
Topics: Humans; Sedentary Behavior; Standing Position; Occupations; Sitting Position; Workplace; Occupational Health
PubMed: 36245351
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211274 -
Field- and Laboratory-derived Power-Cadence Profiles in World-Class and Elite Track Sprint Cyclists.Journal of Sports Sciences Sep 2023Previous investigations comparing Torque-Cadence (T-C) and Power-Cadence (P-C) profiles derived from seated and standing positions and field and laboratory conditions...
Previous investigations comparing Torque-Cadence (T-C) and Power-Cadence (P-C) profiles derived from seated and standing positions and field and laboratory conditions are not congruent with current methodological recommendations. Consequently, the aim of this investigation was to compare seated and standing T-C and P-C profiles generated from field and laboratory testing. Thirteen world-class and elite track sprint cyclists ( = 7 males, maximal power output (P) = 2112 ± 395 W; = 6 females, P = 1223 ± 102 W) completed two testing sessions in which field- and laboratory-derived T-C and P-C profiles were identified. Standing P-C profiles had significantly ( < 0.05) greater P than seated profiles, however there were no significant differences in optimal cadence (F) between seated and standing positions. P and F were significantly lower in field-derived profiles in both positions compared to laboratory-derived profiles. However, there was no significant difference in the goodness-of-fit (R) of the P-C profiles between laboratory (0.985 ± 0.02) and field-testing (0.982 ± 0.02) in each position. Valid T-C and P-C profiles can be constructed from field and laboratory protocols; however, the mechanical variables derived from the seated and standing and field and laboratory profiles cannot be used interchangeably. Both field and laboratory-derived profiles provide meaningful information and provide complementary insights into cyclists' capacity to produce power output.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Exercise Test; Bicycling; Sitting Position; Standing Position; Torque
PubMed: 38049956
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2288435 -
Medical Problems of Performing Artists Sep 2023The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of playing brass and wind instruments in seated versus standing positions on cardiovascular parameters in musicians....
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of playing brass and wind instruments in seated versus standing positions on cardiovascular parameters in musicians. We hypothesized that heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) would be higher while playing compared to resting, and would be higher in standing compared to seated positions.
METHODS
Ten musicians completed two study visits. In both, resting, supine HR and BP were recorded, followed by 30 minutes of playing. In one visit, participants played seated, and in the other, played while standing. The order of these positions was randomized. BP and HR were recorded every 5 minutes during playing.
RESULTS
Systolic BP was not affected by playing (p = 0.09, eta2 = 0.046) or position (p = 0.35, eta2 = 0.024). Diastolic BP increased while playing (p < 0.0001, eta2 = 0.32), but did not differ between positions (p = 0.21, eta2 = 0.03). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased while playing (p < 0.0001, eta2 = 0.25), but did not differ between positions (p = 0.68, eta2 = 0.03). There was a significant time X position interaction for HR (p = 0.0001, eta2 = 0.037). Simple main effects analysis revealed that HR was higher while playing in the standing compared to the seated position at all but one time point.
CONCLUSION
Playing brass and wind instruments increases diastolic BP and MAP, regardless of playing position, while playing in the standing position induces a higher HR compared to the seated position.
Topics: Humans; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Rest; Music; Posture; Sitting Position; Supine Position; Standing Position
PubMed: 37659059
DOI: 10.21091/mppa.2023.3016 -
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine :... May 2021Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, there are no electrophysiological biomarkers to assess this risk. This...
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, there are no electrophysiological biomarkers to assess this risk. This study aimed to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular reflexes in the supine and standing positions during wakefulness in patients with RLS.
METHODS
Fourteen drug-naïve patients with RLS (12 women and 2 men, mean age, 42.14 ± 7.81 years) and 10 healthy control patients underwent tests for blood pressure, heart rate when in the supine and standing positions, and deep breathing and handgrip tests in controlled laboratory conditions. Data on 5-minute R-R intervals at each position were collected and analyzed for HRV.
RESULTS
Expected cardiovascular reflexes were within the normal range and were similar between the 2 groups. In HRV analysis, the normalized unit of the low-frequency component and the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio during standing were lower in patients with RLS than in the control patients. The low-frequency/high-frequency ratio responses during the change from the supine to the standing position were significantly reduced in patients with RLS (mean ± standard deviation, 2.94 ± 3.11; control patients: 7.51 ± 5.58; P = .042.) On Spearman rank correlation, questionnaires related to sleep problems were associated with the parameters of HRV.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with RLS showed reduced sympatho-vagal responses during the change from the supine to the upright position during wakefulness, and RLS-related sleep disturbance was a contributing factor for autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This case-control study showed a difference in HRV response to position change in a considerably small group of patients with RLS. The relevance of this finding is uncertain, but it may be worthy of further investigation in longitudinal studies on RLS and cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Restless Legs Syndrome; Standing Position
PubMed: 33438574
DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9074 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2022Vision has been shown to influence body posture. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlations between visual acuity and body postural control both in a...
Vision has been shown to influence body posture. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlations between visual acuity and body postural control both in a standing and seated position. This cohort study included 37 patients examined using Adaptica's (Italy) Kaleidos and VisionFit. Objective refraction was measured with Kaleidos both in a standing and seated position by the same operator and in the same environmental conditions. The parameters obtained with the device were binocular refraction, monocular refraction, pupil distance, pupil size, head tilt, gaze, phorias, and tropias. The results obtained were then subjectively tested using VisionFit: an electronic trial frame with phoropter functionalities. The study's outcome revealed that the differences in the visual acuity parameters obtained in standing and seated positions were statistically significant; the Student's -test showed a -value < 0.001 in all parameter averages. Automated refraction is widely being performed and postural control can affect the visual acuity parameters; therefore, it is relevant to consider the possibility of measuring in orthostatism. It might be appropriate to take into account the possibility of measuring in orthostatism and wearing trial frames in orthostatic conditions as well as walking freely around the room, looking outside of a window, sitting, and reading.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Electronics; Humans; Postural Balance; Posture; Sitting Position; Standing Position
PubMed: 35162580
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031558 -
International Journal of Occupational... Mar 2022This study aimed to assess cognitive and skill performance at sitting and standing workstations among students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Forty...
This study aimed to assess cognitive and skill performance at sitting and standing workstations among students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Forty students (20 females and 20 males) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Tests were performed among randomly selected participants over two consecutive days: day 1, the Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory were used to assess the severity of depression and anxiety in the study participants, respectively, and Raven's general intelligence test was used to measure intelligence quotient; day 2, five performance assessment tests (cognitive performance assessment tests '-back', 'Stroop' and 'advanced reaction time'; skill performance assessment tests 'two-arm coordination' and 'Purdue pegboard') were randomly selected and presented to individuals at each workstation (sitting and standing workstations). At the end of each sitting and standing position, the comfort of the workstation was measured using a visual analog scale. No statistically significant difference was shown between sitting and standing positions in terms of '-back', 'Stroop', 'advanced reaction time', 'two-arm coordination' and 'Purdue pegboard'. Participants were more comfortable in sitting positions and more easily distracted in standing positions. Sitting and standing positions had no significant effects on participants' cognitive and skill performance.
Topics: Cognition; Female; Humans; Male; Sitting Position; Standing Position; Students; Workplace
PubMed: 32757725
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1806565 -
Health Psychology Review Dec 2023During their activities of daily living, humans run, walk, stand, sit and lie down. Recent changes in our environment have favored sedentary behavior over more...
During their activities of daily living, humans run, walk, stand, sit and lie down. Recent changes in our environment have favored sedentary behavior over more physically active behavior to such a degree that our health is in danger. Here, we sought to address the problem of excessive time spent seated from various theoretical viewpoints, including postural control, human factors engineering, human history and health psychology. If nothing is done now, the high prevalence of sitting will continue to increase. We make a case for the standing position by demonstrating that spending more time upright can mitigate the physiological and psychological problems associated with excessive sitting without lowering task performance and productivity. The psychological literature even highlights potential benefits of performing certain tasks in the standing position. We propose a number of recommendations on spending more time (but not too much) in the standing position and on more active, nonambulatory behaviors. There is a need to inform people about (i) harmful consequences of excessive sitting and (ii) benefits of spending more time performing active, nonambulatory behaviors. One clear benefit is to reduce detrimental health consequences of excessive sitting and to provide potential additional benefits in terms of productivity and performance.
Topics: Humans; Standing Position; Activities of Daily Living; Workplace; Ergonomics; Walking
PubMed: 36412920
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2022.2150673 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Oct 2021The purpose of this study was to compare the natural head position (NHP) in the sitting position to the NHP in a standing position using inertial measurement unit (IMU)...
AIMS
The purpose of this study was to compare the natural head position (NHP) in the sitting position to the NHP in a standing position using inertial measurement unit (IMU) and lateral photographs.
MATIERIALS & METHODS
Twenty healthy young adult volunteers were asked to look at a mirror located at 1 metre in front of their eyes while being recorded with the IMU system. Lateral photographs were also taken. This procedure was undertaken for the standing and sitting positions, on two separate occasions within a one-week interval.
RESULTS
A strong correlation was found between the IMU system and the lateral photographs (r > .99) with regard to the pitch axis, the absolute mean difference was 0.4 ± 0.5 (p = .99) for both standing and sitting positions. We found that in the sitting position the head was elevated by 2.5 ± 2.4 (p < .05) more than in the standing position, but no significant differences were observed for the other two axes (roll and yaw).
CONCLUSION
The IMU system is comparable to lateral photographs for pitch assessment. Except for a slight elevation of the head in the sitting position, no clinical differences were observed for the NHP when comparing the standing and sitting positions.
Topics: Head; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Sitting Position; Standing Position; Young Adult
PubMed: 34293214
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13233 -
International Urogynecology Journal Nov 2020This study was aimed at comparing pelvic floor parameters between the standing and supine positions using upright computed tomography (CT) and evaluating the effects of...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
This study was aimed at comparing pelvic floor parameters between the standing and supine positions using upright computed tomography (CT) and evaluating the effects of sex and age in normal healthy volunteers.
METHODS
In total, 139 volunteers (70 men, mean 46.7 years; 69 women, mean 47.3 years) underwent both upright CT in the standing position and conventional CT in the supine position. The distances from the bladder neck to the pubococcygeal line (PCL) and anorectal junction (ARJ), defined as the posterior aspect of the puborectalis muscle, to PCL were measured. The length, width, and area of the levator hiatus (LH) were measured on oblique axial images.
RESULTS
The bladder neck (men, 22.2 ± 4.9 mm vs 28.3 ± 5.3 mm; women, 9.0 ± 5.1 mm vs 19.0 ± 4.0 mm) and ARJ (men, -18.8 ± 5.5 mm vs -12.1 ± 5.1 mm; women, -20.0 ± 4.7 mm vs -11.2 ± 4.3 mm) were significantly lower in the standing position than in the supine position (all p < 0.0001). The LH area (men, 1,990 ± 380 mm vs 1,697 ± 329 mm; women, 2,284 ± 344 mm vs 1,811 ± 261 mm) was significantly larger in the standing position (both p < 0.0001). Differences in all parameters between the standing and supine positions were larger in women than in men. ARJ in women showed a significant tendency to descend with age only in the standing position (r = -0.29, p = 0.017).
CONCLUSIONS
The bladder neck and ARJ descend and the LH area enlarges in the standing position. Pelvic floor mobility is greater in women than in men. Descent of the ARJ in the standing position is associated with aging in women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Pelvic Floor; Sex Characteristics; Standing Position; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Urinary Bladder
PubMed: 32500162
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04335-z -
Motor Control Jan 2020The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of ankle angular position and standing surface type on static upright balance. Ten young adults stood on a force...
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of ankle angular position and standing surface type on static upright balance. Ten young adults stood on a force platform or on a firm wedge that induced 15° of either dorsiflexion or plantarflexion. In addition, a piece of foam was placed on top of the force platform and on the wedge. The center of pressure distance and velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were calculated. Significantly larger magnitudes in most of the investigated variables were seen while standing with ankles in the dorsiflexion when compared with standing with the ankle joints in a natural position (p < .05). Plantarflexion increased the center of pressure anteroposterior velocity by 87% when compared with a natural stance (p < .05). Standing on the foam surfaces resulted in increases in all of the center of pressure measures by an average of 38% in all of the ankle conditions.
Topics: Adult; Ankle; Female; Humans; Male; Postural Balance; Standing Position; Young Adult
PubMed: 31972537
DOI: 10.1123/mc.2019-0079