Effects of One Session of Treadmill Desk Walking on Free-Living Physical Activity

Abstract

PURPOSE: Treadmill desks are being implemented in office and classroom settings to counteract long durations of sedentary behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of one treadmill desk walking session on daily physical activity patterns outside of work or school in healthy individuals. METHODS: Male and female participants (age = 38 yrs ± 8.0, weight = 166.2 lbs ± 47.5, height = 62.0 in ± 71.5) were recruited for this study. To assess baseline free-living physical activity patterns, all participants wore an Actigraph GT9X link accelerometer for one week during waking hours. Participants completed one session of treadmill desk walking at a speed of 2.0 mph for a total of 3 hours. During the 3 hours, participants performed typical office or school related tasks. Physical activity patterns were then recorded via accelerometer for 2 additional days following the treadmill workstation bout. RESULTS: Participants classified as “low active” (mean steps/day = 7368.0 steps ± 540.4) did not show a significant difference in average steps/day (p=0.190) or activity counts (p=0.204) between the 2 days prior and after the treadmill desk session. No significant differences in average steps/day (p=0.233) or activity counts (p=0.119) were observed pre and post treadmill desk session in participants classified as “somewhat active” to “active” (mean steps/day = 9538.5 steps ± 578.7) indicating there was no change in daily physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that treadmill desk walking does not influence free-living physical activity regardless of activity classification.