Sit Stand Desks - a current study

Technological advances, changes in patterns of work and social interaction have seen people spending a lot more time being sedentary – sitting down.

A considerable body of evidence exists to highlight the harmful effects our sedentary lives are resulting in. A current study documented higher rates of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cancer-related deaths in very sedentary people. An unrelated study has linked more sitting and less activity with an increased risk of developing dementia.

But, is using a sit stand desk going to provide enough of a health benefit to counter these harmful effects?

The evidence suggest no.

An analysis of 26 previous studies involving 2,174 people – conducted by Cochrane - found that sit-stand desks reduced sitting by between 30 minutes and two hours a day. While this sounds impressive, the researchers say the studies mostly did not deliver the up-to-four-hours of standing/movement that experts recommend. Standing desks were also not found to have much benefit for issues such as weight reduction. If an average-sized man and woman spent half of their eight-hour working day standing, they would spend an additional 20 calories and 12 calories each – that’s equivalent to half a cucumber or 2 large celery sticks respectively. This, the researchers point out, is obviously not enough to prevent obesity or type 2 diabetes.

So, while the benefits of standing desks may be overstated, the risks of sitting are not and if we are honest – there is no magic bullet for our sedentary problems. Even a person who goes to the Gym for 30mins during their lunch break can end up sitting for 13 hours a day.

But what is clear is that the combined benefits of simple every day tools/habits can deliver more benefits than a sit stand desk, such as

• Use of apps on smartphones to remind you to get up from sitting, vary your posture, perform a task or activity that requires movement. (especially if you include when you are at home).
• Stand/move when talking on the phone.
• Rather than email, get up and visit colleges to discuss issues.
• Get rid of your water bottle on your desk – get up and regularly take water in smaller quantities from the break area.
• Ensure as much of your break time’s – morning, lunch, afternoon – are spent moving/standing away from your desk.

Where individuals are looking to prevent the exacerbation of an existing injury by using a sit stand desk it is vital that they get medical advice. The specific use of sit stand desks is rarely used to manage an injury. Prolonged standing is frequently found to be difficult for people with low back pain. Most cases involve the use of physiotherapy, a tailored exercise program and regular variation of posture throughout the day to manage an injury.

Accommodation standards and work practices at the University.

The general standard of furniture for offices and open plan areas in the University complies with Australian design standards and ensures your workstation can be adjusted to meet your ergonomic needs. Should you require any information or help adjusting your workstation please refer to the on-line resources the University provides.

The provision of sit-stand desks, like all other fit-out decisions at the University, is purely at the discretion of your Head of School/Area. It does not require an ergonomic assessment.

So it pays to think carefully about ‘why’ you might choose a sit stand desk and ensure that you are making your decision based on fact rather than any advertised claims or assumptions.