Active Workstation Research Articles

The Impact of Work Desk Shapes on the Utilisation of an Activity-Based-Working Environment

The design of Activity-Based Working (ABW) environments embraces workers’ continuous mobility enabled by technology and the mindset of seeking work zones that best support the task at hand. This paper focuses on aspects of workspace selection within a facility designed to support ABW, focusing on the overall occupancy dynamics, temporal context, and information capturing less-explored details of the physical environment. This study analyses the active use of a workspace in relation to work desk shapes, rectangular and trapezial. Drawing from a longitudinal dataset spanning 12 months from an ABW facility, capturing the active workstation usage of 964 occupants through individual computer logins, this study employs descriptive statistics to analyse the active use of workspace relative to total work hours over the year. Inferential statistical techniques are utilised to compare active use measurements between and within specific workspace areas, revealing significant differences and highlighting the importance of temporal and spatial contexts in workspace utilisation patterns. The presented results demonstrate both tendencies and statistically significant differences, confirming the relevance of the studied variables in examining workspace utilisation. The results show significant usage variations throughout the day across different zones of the observed workspace, with peak activity between 11:00 and 13:00 h for both work desk shapes. This study’s insights are relevant to improving the utilisation of facilities designed for ABW and contribute to a longstanding interest in designing and arranging workplaces to better fit the people who use them.

Effects of portable pedal machines at work on lipoprotein subfraction profile in sedentary workers – the REMOVE study

BackgroundSedentary behaviour at work is a major cause of atherosclerosis, particularly in tertiary workers. However, no studies have ever assessed the effect of active workstation on lipoprotein subfraction profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 12-week portable pedal machines (PPMs) on lipoprotein subfraction profile among healthy sedentary workers.MethodsHealthy administrative workers were randomized into an intervention group using PPMs for 12 weeks or a control group using normal-desk. Lipoprotein subfractions were assessed using Lipoprint® electrophoresis. Main outcomes were explored using mixed models with sensitivity analyses (four models).ResultsWe included 40 participants (43.7 ± 8.6 years old, 100% women, BMI 23.8 ± 3.4 kg/m2; sedentary time at work 7.7 ± 1.8 h/day). Groups did not differ at baseline in any outcomes. 32 participants finished the trial. Changes in lipoprotein subfractions were especially marked for LDL profile. There was an interaction time x group for all parameters related to LDL and their subfractions: total LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.012), LDL particle size (p = 0.027), large LDL subfractions 1 and 2 (p = 0.001), and small dense LDL subfractions 3 to 7 (p = 0.046), using the crude model. The interaction reflects difference in the direction of changes between groups. The LDL particle size significantly increased in the intervention group (from 271.9 ± 2.5 at t0 to 272.8 ± 1.9 Ångström at t1, p = 0.037) while it did not change in the control group (272.5 ± 1.7 at t0 to 271.8 ± 1.5Å at t1, p = 0.52). All interactions were constantly significant whatever the models. Influencing variables were mainly stress at work that was associated with an increase in total LDL-cholesterol (coefficient 3.15, 95CI 0.20 to 6.11 mg/dl, p = 0.038), and BMI that was associated with Large-LDL, Large-HDL, IDL-C and triglycerides.ConclusionsLipoprotein profile was improved after a 12-week PPMs intervention at work in healthy administrative workers. Changes were mainly showed for LDL and LDL subfractions. Lipoprotein profile was worsened by stress at work, BMI and age.Trial registrationNCT04153214.

Study on the effect of workstation on college students' health and feasibility analysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Analyze the promotion effect and feasibility of active workstations such as ' vertical desks ', ' movable desks and chairs ', and ' adjustable workstations ' on the health of college students, and explore whether they are beneficial to students. Increase physical activity time and improve cognitive ability.
 Methods: According to the principle of PICO, a unified literature screening standard was designed to retrieve relevant foreign literatures, and finally 8 research literatures were included. Meta-analysis of some outcome indicators was performed using RevMan5.2 software, and the outcome indicators that could not be quantified were determined to be analyzed by systematic evaluation.
 Results: Active workstations have played a relatively positive role in reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity, and can promote students to improve classroom attention and reduce fatigue. In addition, the feasibility analysis results obtained for the active workstation in this study are generally good, so we believe that the feasibility of the strategy is high.
 Conclusion: The introduction of active workstation is an effective measure to promote students ' physical activity, reduce sedentary time and improve cognitive ability.

Knee Extension Exercise Effects on Physiological and Psychophysical Performance: Normal Weight Versus Obese Office Workers.

Knee extension exercise is useful and practical for obese and overweight people as this form of exercise is effective in minimizing body weight loading on joints and improving the body's physiological function. This study aimed to compare the physiological and psychophysical parameters of office workers while computer-based working in an active workstation equipped with an active footrest (AFR) prototype with a mechanism for performing knee extension exercises in a sitting position, and also to compare the physiological and psychophysical parameters among normal-weight and obese office workers. In this quasi-experimental study, the physiological parameters of heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) (measured with the Fitbit Charge HR smartwatch) were measured in two cross-over random sessions for 32 office workers (16 normal-weight and 16 obese) aged 28 to 50 years (M = 42.72, standard deviation [SD] = 4.37) while performing office tasks in sitting and active workstations (equipped with AFR). Perceived physical exertion, comfort, fatigue, and liking were also measured by rating the participants. Short-term activity of the participants with AFR performing computer tasks significantly improved physiological and psychophysical parameters compared with the participants in sitting workstations. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of AFR on physiological and psychophysical parameters between normal-weight and obese participants. Given the significant increase in EE and HR resulting from exercise with AFR compared with the conventional workstation, the use of AFR can help office workers achieve the minimum standard of physical activity at their workplace.

Effects of a Treadmill Workstation on Coagulation Potential

IntroductionApproximately 2.7 million blood clot‐induced events occur each year, including most strokes and heart attacks. An upright, seated position reduces blood flow, promotes blood pooling, viscosity, and may active the coagulation system. Thus, occupational environments that include prolonged periods of seated work may contribute to the formation of a thrombus. Use of an active workstation may beneficially impact thrombolytic potential.PurposeTo observe the effects of low intensity walking at a treadmill workstation on changes in coagulation potential compared to use of a traditional, sedentary workstation.MethodsFive apparently healthy college‐aged students (n= 4 men, 1 woman; 22 ± 2 yrs; 27.3 ± 6.2 kg/m2) completed the same series of mental tasks at a sedentary workstation and while walking one mile‐per‐hour at a treadmill workstation. Blood samples were collected at baseline and immediately after completion of tasks and analyzed for the following: prothrombin time (PT), active partial thromboplastin time (APTT), factor VII (FVII), factor VIII (FVIII), and fibrinogen (FGN).ResultsThe walking condition elicited greater responses in FVII compared to the sedentary condition at baseline. Additionally, there was a non‐significant trend observed for FVIII. All data presented in Table 1.ConclusionLow intensity walking at a treadmill workstation can attenuate prothrombotic changes that are associated with completing tasks at a sedentary workstation.

Designing and usability testing of a new prototype active footrest for knee extension exercise among office workers

Objectives. The active factor along with light exercise can reduce static muscle work and increase muscle flexibility and endurance. Accordingly, this study aimed to design and prototype a new active footrest, implemented in conventional sitting workstations, and to test its usability among office workers. Methods. The steps taken to design and prototype the active footrest were: selection of an exercise appropriate for goals of ergonomic interventions; idea development; selection of the best conceptual design; design with SOLIDWORKS version 2016; and fabrication of a prototype. Afterward, usability of the active footrest prototype was assessed among 20 office workers (10 females) using field data by the system usability scale. Results. Upon completion of the design steps, the active footrest prototype was prototyped by taking into account design criteria (e.g., functionality, inclusive design, easy application and reduction of additional body movement), anthropometric data and mechanical properties. The participants rated the usability of the active workstation as 89 ± 8.21 (out of 100), indicating good usability results. Conclusion. In this study, an active footrest was designed and prototyped to perform knee extension exercise with the capability of being implemented in conventional sitting workstations.

Exploration of sedentary behaviour among GPs: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundSedentary behaviour, which may have increased among GPs due to increasing use of telemedicine, is associated with many illnesses and increased all-cause mortality.AimTo explore levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs and General Practice Specialty Trainees (GPSTs).Design & settingSequential, cross-sectional design (initial online sedentary behaviour questionnaire and subsequent thigh-worn accelerometer substudy) of GPs and GPSTs in Northern Ireland.MethodSelf-reported questionnaire data were aggregated and compared with device-measured accelerometry data.ResultsData from 353 participants (17.7% of GPs and GPSTs in Northern Ireland) revealed doctors in general practice self-reported higher workday sedentary time (10.33 hours, SD 2.97) than those in secondary care (7.9 hours, SD 3.43 [mean difference {MD} 2.43 hours; P<0.001]). An active workstation (for example, sit-stand desk), was used by 5.6% of participants in general practice, while 86.0% of those without one would consider using one in future. Active workstation users self-reported lower workday sedentary time (7.88 hours, SD 3.2) than non-users (10.47 hours, SD 2.88 [MD –2.58 hours, P = 0.001]). Accelerometer substudy participants underestimated their workday sedentary time by 0.17 hours (95% confidence interval [CI] = –1.86 to 2.20; P = 0.865), and non-workday sedentary time by 2.67 hours (95% CI = 0.99 to 4.35; P = 0.003). Most GPs (80.7%) reported increased workday sitting time compared to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, while 87.0% would prefer less workday sitting time.ConclusionGPs have high levels of workday sedentary time, which may be detrimental to their health. It is imperative to develop methods to address sedentary behaviour among GPs on workdays, both for their own health and the health of their patients.

Feasibility and acceptability of \u201cactive\u201d classroom workstations among French university students and lecturers: a pilot study

BackgroundSedentary lifestyles plague today’s society in terms of physical, psychosocial and cognitive health. Students are particularly at risk because they spend most of their daily time sitting and inactive. The current pedagogical model must be rethought in order to promote students’ health, well-being and therefore their success. The objective of this project was to equip one classroom of the sport science department at a university with various active workstations (standing desks, Swiss balls, cycling desks, pedal- or stepper-board) and to evaluate the feasibility and influence of these types of active workstations on the cognitive and psychological factors of the students, and to collect the feedback of lecturers during this experience.MethodsParticipation in the study was voluntary and students had the opportunity to choose or not to use an active workstation during lectures. A total of 663 students and 14 lecturers completed a survey to evaluate subjective feelings about physical, psycho-cognitive and academic aspects after their first experience with active workstations in the classroom.ResultsThe majority of students and lecturers reported positive effects of active workstations in reducing fatigue, distraction, and boredom. The preferred active workstations were the cycling desks and the Swiss balls. Finally, 89.4% of students favoured using active workstations in future lectures if they had the option, as well as 71% of lecturers, demonstrating the acceptance of such active workstations.ConclusionThe present study brings promising results toward a more general implementation of active workstations in universities. Once a familiarisation period is observed, having such workstations in the classroom could help prevent the deleterious effect of sedentary behaviour and promote a more active daily life for the future.

Executive Function Performance And Cortical Activation When Cycling On An Active Workstation In Young Adults

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested that exercise on an active workstation while working may be a promising intervention strategy for reducing sedentary time at workplace. The influence of active workstation on cognitive function are not well studied and the existing studies yielded mixed findings. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cycling on an active workstation on executive function and cortical activation in young adults. METHODS: In a cross-over study design, 35 young adults (mean age = 21.4 ± 2.6 years, 45.7% females) were randomly assigned the following two task conditions separated by 48 hours: performing cognitive tests while sitting (SIT) and performing cognitive tests while self-paced cycling on an active workstation (ACTIVE). Executive function was assessed by a task-switching paradigm and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) programed using E-Prime 2 professional (Psychology Software Tools, Inc., Sharpsburg, PA, USA), respectively. Global switch costs, local switch costs and Stroop effects were derived and used as the behavioral outcomes of the two tasks. Cortical activation during the two conditions was monitored using a 38-channel fNIRS (NIRx Medical Technologies LLC, USA). RESULTS: There were no significant differences on Stroop effects (136.25 ± 125.67 vs. 101.61 ± 137.10, p = 0.19) between SIT and ACTIVE conditions. The global switch costs (463.19 ± 206.86 vs. 452.77 ± 167.05, p = 0.73) and local switch costs (-6.14 ± 147.22 vs. 9.97 ± 156.08, p = 0.70) also did not differ. For the fNIRS results, ACTIVE condition led to greater cortical activity in left-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (left-DLPFC) related to Stroop effects (0.88 ± 17.75 vs. 13.85 ± 19.44 a.u, p = 0.02). For the task switch test, there were no significant differences in cortical activation between SIT and ACTIVE conditions. CONCLUSION: The results suggests that the performances on Stroop task and task-switching were not impaired by self-paced cycling on a workstation. Importantly, cycling led to greater recruitment of sub-region of prefrontal cortex indicated by a greater cortical activation related to Stroop effects in the left-DLPFC.

Executive Function Performance in Young Adults When Cycling at an Active Workstation: An fNIRS Study.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of self-paced cycling at an active workstation on executive functions and cortical activity. Methods: In a crossover study design, 37 young adults (45.9% females) were randomly assigned to the following two task conditions: (1) performing cognitive tests during sitting, (2) performing cognitive tests while cycling at an active workstation. Executive functions were assessed by the Stroop color and word test and the task-switching paradigm. Cortical activity was monitored using a multi-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. Results: The behavioral results showed that there were no significant differences on the Stroop interference effects (P = 0.66) between the sitting and the cycling conditions. In all probability, no differences on the global switch costs (P = 0.90) and local switch costs (P = 0.67) were observed between the sitting and the cycling conditions. For the fNIRS results, the oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in response to the Stroop interference in channels 5, 10, and 12 were decreased during the cycling condition (all Ps < 0.05, FDR-corrected). Conversely, the oxy-Hb associated with the global switch costs in channels 3, 29, and 31 were increased during the cycling condition (all Ps < 0.05, FDR-corrected). Conclusions: The findings indicated that behavioral performances on executive functions were not affected by cycling at an active workstation, while cognitive resources were reallocated during cycling at an active workstation.

The effects of using an active workstation on executive function in Chinese college students.

This study aimed to examine the effects of active workstation use on the executive function by measuring the three components of executive function (Inhibition, Updating, and Shifting) during sitting, standing, and walking at an active workstation with different speeds. Twenty-four college students completed a cognitive test battery while sitting, standing, walking on an active workstation with a self-selected speed (mean = 2.3 km/h) and a faster speed (mean = 3.5 km/h). The three components of executive function (Inhibition, Updating, and Shifting) were assessed by Stroop task, N-back task, More-odd shifting task, respectively. Performance of each task was determined by the response time and accuracy. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted with workstation condition and trial type as within-subjects factors. There were no significant main effects for workstation condition and no interaction between workstation condition × trial type in Stroop task and More-odd shifting task. There was a significant main effect for workstation condition (F (3, 69) = 4.029, p = 0.011) and interaction effect between workstation condition × trial type (F (6, 138) = 9.371, p < 0.001) in N-back task. Decomposition of the interaction showed that accuracy of 2-back task in self-paced walking was significantly lower than that in sitting condition (p = 0.017) and in standing condition (p < .001). But there was no difference in accuracy of 2-back task between self-paced walking condition and faster walking condition (p = 0.517). Our results suggest that using an active workstation may have a selective impact on three components of executive function, in which the Updating may be impaired to a certain extent while the Inhibition and Shifting remain unaffected.

Preferred temperature with standing and treadmill workstations

Prolonged sedentary behavior has been shown to increase chronic diseases. Using standing and treadmill desk reduces sitting time, increases metabolic rate and thus has potential to improve health. There is little existing guidance on how to keep thermal comfort when using standing and treadmill desk. It is unknown what are the suitable ambient temperatures for occupants at elevated office activity levels. This experiment investigated thermal sensation and preferred temperature at elevated office activity levels, including sitting (SED), standing (STD), and two slow-walk speeds: walking at 1.2 km/h (TRD1) and walking at 2.4 km/h (TRD2). Comfort votes were obtained from 20 subjects under personal controlled ambient temperature. The active workstation significantly increased human metabolic level and reduced preferred temperature. The measured metabolic rates were 1.0, 1.1, 1.9 and 2.5 met for SED, STD, TRD 1 and TRD 2. The preferred ambient temperature reduced from 25.85 °C for SED, to 25.0, 24.1 and 23.2 °C for STD, TRD 1 and TRD 2 respectively. All subjects were comfortable at their preferred temperatures. PMV model was found to predict too cool temperature than needed for higher metabolic rates.

The Impact of Active Workstations on Workplace Productivity and Performance: A Systematic Review.

Active workstations have been recommended for reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace. It is important to understand if the use of these workstations has an impact on worker productivity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of active workstations on workplace productivity and performance. A total of 3303 articles were initially identified by a systematic search and seven articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion. A quality appraisal was conducted to assess risk of bias, confounding, internal and external validity, and reporting. Most of the studies reported cognitive performance as opposed to productivity. Five studies assessed cognitive performance during use of an active workstation, usually in a single session. Sit-stand desks had no detrimental effect on performance, however, some studies with treadmill and cycling workstations identified potential decreases in performance. Many of the studies lacked the power required to achieve statistical significance. Three studies assessed workplace productivity after prolonged use of an active workstation for between 12 and 52 weeks. These studies reported no significant effect on productivity. Active workstations do not appear to decrease workplace performance.

Active Workstations Do Not Impair Executive Function in Young and Middle-Age Adults.

This study aimed to examine the effects of self-selected low-intensity walking on an active workstation on executive functions (EF) in young and middle-age adults. Using a within-subjects design, 32 young (20.6 ± 2.0 yr) and 26 middle-age (45.6 ± 11.8 yr) adults performed low-intensity treadmill walking and seated control conditions in randomized order on separate days, while completing an EF test battery. EF was assessed using modified versions of the Stroop (inhibition), Sternberg (working memory), Wisconsin Card Sorting (cognitive flexibility), and Tower of London (global EF) cognitive tasks. Behavioral performance outcomes were assessed using composite task z-scores and traditional measures of reaction time and accuracy. Average HR and step count were also measured throughout. The expected task difficulty effects were found for reaction time and accuracy. No significant main effects or interactions as a function of treadmill walking were found for tasks assessing global EF and the three individual EF domains. Accuracy on the Tower of London task was slightly impaired during slow treadmill walking for both age-groups. Middle-age adults displayed longer planning times for more difficult conditions of the Tower of London during walking compared with sitting. A 50-min session of low-intensity treadmill walking on an active workstation resulted in accruing approximately 4500 steps. These findings suggest that executive function performance remains relatively unaffected while walking on an active workstation, further supporting the use of treadmill workstations as an effective approach to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time in the workplace.

Effect of Active Workstation Use on Workload, Task Performance, and Postural and Physiological Responses

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATION: We assessed workload and performance when using two active workstations. Our results, consistent with earlier evidence, indicates that active workstations do not increase physical activity at the expense of reduced performance and operator workload, if these workstations are used for simple tasks that do not require great attention or fine motor control. Active workstations also allowed for more variability in posture and reduced static posture. However, reinforcement of ergonomics recommendations in terms of reducing non-neutral postures may be necessary.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Over the past 30 years, work has become more sedentary due to increased computer desk work, which has led to the development of major health consequences such as obesity and diabetes. One promising intervention for decreasing sedentariness is the incorporation of active workstations. Objective: We investigated the impact of two active workstations (standing and walking) on workload, task performance, and postural and physiological responses during standard office work tasks. Methods: Using a counterbalanced, within-subjects design, 30 subjects (aged 23.2 [3.1] years) were tested in three workstations: sitting, standing, and walking. A battery of simulated office tasks, including mousing, keyboarding, and cognition tasks, were presented in a randomized order during each trial. Subjective workload was assessed using the NASA-Task Load Index. Performance outcomes included reaction time, number of errors, and total task time. Physiological responses included percent heart rate reserve and heart rate variability. Neck, trunk, and shoulder inclination angles were analyzed to identify differences between workstations with respect to working posture. Results: Compared to sitting, standing and walking both resulted in significantly higher objective measures of workload. While use of walking workstation led to significantly decreased performance on fine motor control tasks, standing did not reduce performance and resulted in improved mousing performance. Both standing and walking allowed for more variability in posture. There was also an indication of more deviation from idle sitting posture while standing and walking compared to sitting. Conclusions: This study contributes to the guidance needed for the use of active workstations, to take advantage of the potential health benefits without sacrificing performance or substantially increasing workload. A standing workstation, properly adjusted based on user anthropometry and ergonomics recommendations, decreased sedentary time, allowed for more postural variability, and enhanced performance on some mousing and cognition tasks, while perceived workload remained consistent with levels while seated.

Effects of Active Workstation Use on Walking Mechanics and Work Efficiency

Recently, the amount of time dedicated to sedentary work-related tasks has increased. Further, this trend toward decreased physical activity in the workplace is expected to increase. Active workstations such as treadmill desks provide health benefits; however, concerns for the ability to walk safely and work efficiency remain unclear. The purposes of this investigation were to: 1) compare kinematics of treadmill walking (TW) with kinematics of walking while performing computer mousing tasks (WC) using a treadmill desk, and 2) examine work efficiency in terms of the time to complete computer mousing tasks during WC compared to standing (SC). Trunk and lower-extremity kinematic data were obtained from 9 males (23.4 ± 4.2 yrs; 81.7 ± 16.4 kg; 176.3 ± 5.5 cm) and 7 females (23.0 ± 3.3 yrs; 58.4 ± 6.5 kg; 171.7 ± 9.0 cm) using a 10-camera motion capture system. Kinematic data were normalized to the gait cycle and were divided into sub-phases for analysis. Kinematic data of the first and last 10 WC strides were compared to identify shortterm kinematic adaptations (α=0.05). Neither computer task performance (p=0.071) nor walking velocity (p=0.089) was sacrificed during WC compared to SC and TW, respectively. Significant kinematic changes occurred in response to WC (p<0.05). Significant differences were identified between the first and last 10 WC strides (p<0.05), which revealed that some participants trended toward a return to normal gait as exposure to WC increased. Results suggest that active workstations do not diminish computing performance, and that walking safety is not sacrificed after initial exposure. We suggest gradual introduction to an active workstation, particularly if the computer task is challenging.

Active workstation allows office workers to work efficiently while sitting and exercising moderately

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of a moderate-intensity active workstation on time and error during simulated office work. MethodsThe aim of the study was to analyse simultaneous work and exercise for non-sedentary office workers. We monitored oxygen uptake, heart rate, sweating stains area, self-perceived effort, typing test time with typing error count and cognitive performance during 30 min of exercise with no cycling or cycling at 40 and 80 W. ResultsCompared baseline, we found increased physiological responses at 40 and 80 W, which corresponds to moderate physical activity (PA). Typing time significantly increased by 7.3% (p = 0.002) in C40W and also by 8.9% (p = 0.011) in C80W. Typing error count and cognitive performance were unchanged. ConclusionsAlthough moderate intensity exercise performed on cycling workstation during simulated office tasks increases working task execution time with, it has moderate effect size; however, it does not increase the error rate. Participants confirmed that such a working design is suitable for achieving the minimum standards for daily PA during work hours.

Effect of Active Workstation on Energy Expenditure and Job Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Recently developed active workstation could become a potential means for worksite physical activity and wellness promotion. The aim of this review was to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of active workstation in energy expenditure and job performance. The literature search was conducted in 6 databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscuss, Web of Science, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Scopuse) for articles published up to February 2014, from which a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The cumulative analysis for EE showed there was significant increase in EE using active workstation [mean effect size (MES): 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22 to 1.72, P < .0001]. Results from job performance indicated 2 findings: (1) active workstation did not affect selective attention, processing speed, speech quality, reading comprehension, interpretation and accuracy of transcription; and (2) it could decrease the efficiency of typing speed (MES: -0.55; CI: -0.88 to -0.21, P < .001) and mouse clicking (MES: -1.10; CI: -1.29 to -0.92, P < .001). Active workstation could significantly increase daily PA and be potentially useful in reducing workplace sedentariness. Although some parts of job performance were significantly lower, others were not. As a result there was little effect on real-life work productivity if we made a good arrangement of job tasks.

Active workstations to fight sedentary behaviour.

The impact of active workstations has been studied in several settings, and several outcomes have been investigated. However, the effects on health, work performance, quality of life, etc., have never been systematically reviewed. To evaluate the existing literature about active workstations and their possible positive health and work performance effects. We searched the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science (up until 28February 2014). The search terms we used were 'active workstation', 'standing workstation', 'standing desk', 'stand up workstation', 'stand up desk', 'walking desk', 'walking workstation', 'treadmill workstation', 'treadmill desk', 'cycling workstation', 'cycling desk' and 'bike desk', in combination with 'health', 'quality of life', 'cognition', 'computer task performance', 'absenteeism', 'productivity', 'academic achievement', 'cognitive decline', and 'independent living'. In addition, we searched the reference lists of relevant published articles. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials and non-randomized non-controlled trials investigating the introduction of active workstations in humans were included in this systematic review. Only original studies were included, and we did not accept studies combining the introduction of active workstations with other interventions. Outcomes concerning health, energy expenditure, cognition, quality of life and work performance were included. We included 32 studies, of which five were longitudinal studies in school-aged children, 10 were longitudinal studies in adults and 17 were non-longitudinal studies in adults. Sixteen studies investigated standing desks, 15 investigated walking desks, and one investigated a cycling workstation. The general findings were decreased sitting time, increased energy expenditure, a positive effect on several health markers, no detrimental effect on work performance, no acute effect on cognitive function and no straightforward findings concerning computer task performance. The implementation of active workstations might contribute to improving people's health and physical activity levels. The effect of the use of these active workstations on cognition and applied work tasks, such as computer task performance, needs further investigation before conclusions can be drawn. Another aspect that needs further investigation is the implementation of the different active workstations in all age groups.

Cognitive function during low-intensity walking: a test of the treadmill workstation.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of walking at self-selected speed on an active workstation on cognitive performance. Sixty-six participants (n = 27 males, 39 females; mean age = 21.06 ± 1.6 years) completed a treadmill-desk walking and a seated control condition, separated by 48 hours. During each condition, participants completed computerized versions of the Stroop test, a modified flanker task, and a test of reading comprehension. No significant differences in response speed or accuracy were found between walking and sitting conditions for any the cognitive tests. These findings reveal that performance on cognitive tasks, including executive control processes, are not impaired by walking on an active workstation. Implementing active workstations into offices and classrooms may help to decrease sedentariness without impairing task performance.