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Abstract
Prolonged sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for multiple negative health outcomes. Evidence supports introducing standing desks into K-12 classrooms and work settings to reduce sitting time, but no studies have been conducted in the college classroom environment. The present study explored the acceptability and feasibility of introducing standing desks in college classrooms. A total of 993 students and 149 instructors completed a single online needs assessment survey. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the fall semester of 2015 at a large Midwestern University. The large majority of students (95%) reported they would prefer the option to stand in class. Most students (82.7%) reported they currently sit during their entire class time. Most students (76.6%) and instructors (86.6%) reported being in favor of introducing standing desks into college classrooms. More than half of students and instructors predicted having access to standing desks in class would improve student’s “physical health”, “attention”, and “restlessness”. Collectively, these findings support the acceptability of introducing standing desks in college classrooms. Future research is needed to test the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and efficacy of introducing standing desks in college classrooms. Such studies would be useful for informing institutional policies regarding classroom designs.
Highlights
Sedentary behaviors have become ubiquitous in today’s society, with many social and technological advances contributing to ever increasing sedentary behaviors [1,2]
A study conducted by Healy et al found that increased interruptions of sedentary time was associated with better cardiometabolic risk factors [1]
The findings of this study indicate most students (83%) currently sit for the entirety of their college classes due in large part to the lack of access to standing desk options
Summary
Sedentary behaviors have become ubiquitous in today’s society, with many social and technological advances contributing to ever increasing sedentary behaviors [1,2]. Independent of physical activity, prolonged sedentary time has been associated with increased risk for several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and various cancers [5]. Previous studies have reported a negative association may exist between sedentary behavior and brain health (decreased cognitive performance, mental distress, and dementia) [6,7]. Evidence suggests breaking up prolonged bouts of sedentary time may attenuate such negative health consequences [1]. A study conducted by Healy et al found that increased interruptions of sedentary time was associated with better cardiometabolic risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, and 2 h plasma glucose levels) [1]. With evidence suggesting potential health benefits from interrupting sedentary periods, it is time to identify effective and sustainable interventions that reduce or interrupt sedentary behaviors amongst sedentary populations [1]
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