Significant Increase In Energy Expenditure Research Articles

Seasonal acclimation of energy and water balance in desert‐dwelling rodents of South America

AbstractSeasonal changes in environmental conditions may induce reversible physiological adjustments in organisms. We studied the acclimatization for multiple stressors in energy expenditure and water balance in Galea leucoblephara, a diurnal hystricognath rodent native to South America that experiences significant changes in temperature, precipitation, and food availability among seasons. We conducted a field study in the Monte Desert of Mendoza, Argentina, where we evaluated adult individuals' physiological status during two contrasting seasons in terms of climate and primary productivity. Reduced temperature, rainfall, and primary productivity during winter were associated with a decrease of 70% in basal metabolic rate (BMR), 30% in total evaporative water loss (TEWL), and 9% in body mass (Mb). In contrast, higher water availability, high temperature, and primary productivity during summer, induced significant increases in energy expenditure and evaporative water loss. As expected, the proportion of dietary items consumed by G. leucoblephara varied seasonally, resulting in a more diverse diet during summer. Our results illustrate how G. leucoblephara can cope with high seasonal contrasts in water availability, temperature, and food availability by modifying its physiological performance. Our data provide support for the hypothesis of physiological flexibility in energetic traits and water balance in response to the environmental challenges of the Monte Desert.

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 vestibular rehabilitation on body composition and daily-living physical activity in chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) may lead to modifications on metabolism and body composition. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) demonstrated its effectiveness in ameliorating balance function and several other daily-living aspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate metabolic composition, by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and daily activity, with the use of a wrist-worn movement tracker, in UVH participants before and after VR, and to compare data with a healthy control group (CG) of adults. 46 UVH and 60 CG participants underwent otoneurological testing, self-report and performance questionnaires, BIA, and wore a device tracking daily movement and energy expenditure for one full day; this was performed before and after VR. UVH participants demonstrated a significant (p = 0.008) increase in muscle mass after VR, and, when compared to CG, no differences were present with respect to visceral fat and muscle mass. UVH adults reported a significant increase in energy expenditure spent in movement (p = 0.008) and during the day (p = 0.009), daily number of strides (p = 0.009) and calories spent in sweeping (p = 0.009) and stairing (p = 0.008). Results from this study show that VR provided an improvement of metabolic function and body composition of people with UVH, possibly by contrasting structural modifications in neural pathways stemming from the vestibular nuclei and connected to autonomous function.

Comparison of an exergame and a moderate-intensity endurance training intervention on physiological parameters

Background
 Exergames are interactive video games that stimulate an active, whole-body gaming experience (Best, 2013). By combining electronic entertainment with physical exercise, exergames offer novel opportunities to expand physical activity in different age groups and settings. Even though studies have found a significant increase in energy expenditure when playing exergames compared to normal video games, most games only induce low to moderate-intensity activity which is too low to result in relevant physical adjustments (Biddiss & Irwin, 2010). This study assessed the effects of an 8-week exergame-training (EXT) in an innovative exergame called the ExerCube and compared it with a typical moderate-intensity endurance training (ET) intervention.
 Methods
 In total, 19 individuals (10 female; age 26.9 ±8.7 years; body mass index (BMI) 23.6 ±3.1 kg/m2) participated and were block randomized into an EXT group (n = 9) and an ET group (n = 10). Throughout the 8-week intervention period, the EXT group attended 20-30-minutes of EXT three times a week while the ET group completed 15-45-minutes of ET (jogging/cycling at 65-75% of maximal heart rate) three times a week. Before and after the intervention BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and VO2max (spiroergometry; start: 50 or 75 W; increment: 25 W/min) were assessed and compared (paired-samples t-test, ANOVA).
 Results
 Significant time × group interaction effects were found for VO2max (F(1,17) = 11.345; p = .004, ηp2 = .400). The EXT group revealed significant within-group effects in VO2max from pre (43.2 ±10.6 ml/kg*min) to post (46.9 ±10.9 ml/kg*min; p = .004, d = 1.308) while the ET group revealed no significant changes (pre: 39.4 ±5.4 ml/kg*min; post: 39.7 ±4.9 ml/kg*min; p = .466, d = .241). No significant time × group interaction effects were detected in systolic blood pressure (F(1,17) = .050; p = .825, ηp2 = .003) or diastolic blood pressure (F(1,17) = .005; p = .943, ηp2 = .000). However, there was a significant decrease in the peripheral systolic blood pressure from pre (122 ±10 mmHg) to post (117 ±12 mmHg; p = .034, d = .792) in the ET group but not in the EXT group (pre: 118 ±8; post: 114 ±7; p = .156, d = .523). Concerning BMI, no significant interaction effects (F(1,17) = 2.818; p = .111, ηp2 = .142) were detected.
 Conclusions
 The EXT seems to be more effective as conventional ET exercise approach to improve endurance performance. This is promising as exergame may develop intrinsic motivation/enjoyment for physical activity. Further studies confirming these findings and extending to psychological variables are needed.
 References
 Best, J. R. (2013). Exergaming in youth: Effects on physical and cognitive health. Zeitschrift für Psychologie, 221(2), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.1027/2151-2604/a000137
 Biddiss, E., & Irwin, J. (2010). Active video games to promote physical activity in children and youth: A systematic review. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 164(7), 664-672. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2010.104

NPFF signalling is critical for thermosensory and dietary regulation of thermogenesis

Thermogenesis is a centrally regulated physiological process integral for thermoregulation and energy homeostasis. However, the mechanisms and pathways involved remain poorly understood. Importantly, in this study we uncovered that in an environment of 28 °C that is within the mouse thermoneutral zone, lack of NPFF signalling leads to significant increases in energy expenditure, resting metabolic rate and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, which is associated with decreased body weight gain and lean tissue mass. Interestingly, when exposed to a high-fat diet (HFD) at 28 °C, Npff−/− mice lost the high energy expenditure phenotype observed under chow condition and exhibited an impaired diet-induced thermogenesis. On the other hand, under conditions of increasing levels of thermal demands, Npff−/− mice exhibited an elevated BAT thermogenesis at mild cold condition (22 °C), but initiated comparable BAT thermogenic responses as WT mice when thermal demand increased, such as an exposure to 4 °C. Together, these results reveal NPFF signalling as a novel and critical player in the control of thermogenesis, where it regulates thermosensory thermogenesis at warm condition and adjusts thermoregulation under positive energy balance to regulate diet-induced thermogenesis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of treadmill desks on energy expenditure, sitting time and cardiometabolic health in adults

BackgroundAs the health risks of sedentary working environments become more clear, greater emphasis on the implementation of walking interventions to reduce sitting time is needed. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate the role of treadmill-desk interventions on energy expenditure, sitting time, and cardiometabolic health in adults with sedentary occupations.MethodsRelevant studies published in English were identified using CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases up to December 2020. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to pool study results.ResultsThirteen relevant studies (six workplaces and seven laboratories) were found with a total of 351 participants. Pooled analysis of laboratory studies showed a significant increase in energy expenditure (105.23 kcal per hour, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.41 to 120.4), as well as metabolic rate (5.0 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 3.35 to 6.64), among treadmill desk users compared to sitting conditions. No evidence of significant differences in blood pressure were found. In workplace studies, we observed a significant reduction in sitting time over a 24-h period (− 1.73 min per hour, 95% CI: − 3.3 to − 0.17) among users of treadmill desks, compared to a conventional desk. However, there were no evidence of statistically significant changes in other metabolic outcomes.ConclusionsTreadmill desks offer a feasible and effective intervention to increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate and reduce sitting time while performing work-related tasks. Future studies are needed to increase generalizability to different workplace settings and further evaluate their impact on cardiometabolic health.

The role of leptin in monitoring training loads during rowing: a systematic review

Objective: In competitive sports, too small or too large loads lead to poor sports results. Situation of overload are particularly dangerous to the body, which may lead to overtraining. In this work, the literature on the possibility of assessing training loads with the use of leptin concentration measurement in men and women practicing rowing was analysed. Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed using the Scopus, Pubmed and Google Scholar databases between 1995-2020. After an initial analysis of 56 articles and taking the analysed topics into account, 25 articles were included in this review. As part of the review, data for 75 rowers were analysed. The usefulness of leptin - a hormone produced by adipose tissue - as a marker of training loads in several sports disciplines, with particular emphasis on rowing, was evaluated. Within this context, the role of leptin may be to control these loads due to its relatively high sensitivity in response to increases in training intensity or volume. The presented general characteristics of rowing and the physiological basis of exercise are the background for considerations on the possibility of using leptin as a burden marker in this discipline. Results: Due to the fact that the concentration of leptin correlates with the content of adipose tissue and BMI (Body Mass Index), its changes may inform about training loads directly related to the amount of energy expenditure. A review of the literature from the last 25 years, i.e. from the moment when this hormone was discovered, allowed to formulate the thesis that leptin may be a marker of training loads, however, determining its concentration makes sense when the same factors that may affect its secretion are taken into account each time. Conclusions: Training in rowing, that involves high training loads, causes significant changes in blood leptin levels. Training periods with high exercise load, associated with a significant increase in energy expenditure, lead to a decrease in resting leptin concentration, while periods with less load increase it. The main factor determining changes in leptin concentration during training is the amount of energy expenditure, which in the case of rowing involving very large muscle groups, is very high. Although the amount of energy expenditure in training, leading to a decrease in leptin concentration is difficult to determine, the energy expenditure cannot be less than 800 kcal in a single training unit.

Cold-Water Effects on Energy Balance in Healthy Women During Aqua-Cycling.

While the popularity of aquatic physical activities continues to grow among women, the effects on energy expenditure (EE) and appetite control remain unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of water temperature during aqua-cycling session on EE, rate of perceived exertion, energy intake, appetite sensations, and food reward in healthy premenopausal women. Participants completed three experimental sessions, in the postprandial condition, in a randomized order: a land control session (CON), an aqua-cycling session in 18 °C (EXO18), and an aqua-cycling session in 27 °C (EXO27). The EE, food intake, appetite sensations, and food reward were investigated for each condition. EXO18 induced a significant increase in EE (p < .001) and oxygen consumption (p < .01) compared with EXO27. The carbohydrate oxidation was higher in EXO18 session compared with EXO27 and CON (p < .05 and p < .001, respectively). While fat oxidation was higher in exercise sessions compared with CONT (p < .01), no difference was observed between EXO18 and EXO27. Exercise sessions did not alter absolute energy intake session but induced a decrease in relative energy intake (p < .001) and in hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption compared with CON (p < .001). The authors also show here that cold-water exposure can increase EE while rate of perceived exertion is lower at the end of exercise session compared with same exercise at 27 °C (p < .05). An exposure to a moderately cold-water during aqua-cycling is an efficient strategy to promote increased EE and decreased hunger, which may be effective for energy balance management in healthy premenopausal women.

Drp1 is required for AgRP neuronal activity and feeding.

The hypothalamic orexigenic Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are crucial for the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis. Here, we show that fasting-induced AgRP neuronal activation is associated with dynamin-related peptide 1 (DRP1)-mediated mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial fatty acid utilization in AgRP neurons. In line with this, mice lacking Dnm1l in adult AgRP neurons (Drp1 cKO) show decreased fasting- or ghrelin-induced AgRP neuronal activity and feeding and exhibited a significant decrease in body weight, fat mass, and feeding accompanied by a significant increase in energy expenditure. In support of the role for mitochondrial fission and fatty acids oxidation, Drp1 cKO mice showed attenuated palmitic acid-induced mitochondrial respiration. Altogether, our data revealed that mitochondrial dynamics and fatty acids oxidation in hypothalamic AgRP neurons is a critical mechanism for AgRP neuronal function and body-weight regulation.

A Mix of Natural Bioactive Compounds Reduces Fat Accumulation and Modulates Gene Expression in the Adipose Tissue of Obese Rats Fed a Cafeteria Diet.

Scientists are focusing on bioactive ingredients to counteract obesity. We evaluated whether a mix containing grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), anthocyanins, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and chicken feet hydrolysate (CFH) could reduce body fat mass and also determined which mechanisms in the white adipose tissue (WAT) and the brown adipose tissue (BAT) were affected by the treatment. The mix or vehicle (VH) were administered for three weeks to obese rats fed a cafeteria (CAF) diet. Biometric measures, indirect calorimetry, and gene expression in WAT and BAT were analyzed as was the histology of the inguinal WAT (IWAT). The individual compounds were also tested in the 3T3-L1 cell line. The mix treatment resulted in a significant 15% reduction in fat (25.01 ± 0.91 g) compared to VH treatment (21.19 ± 1.59 g), and the calorimetry results indicated a significant increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation. We observed a significant downregulation of Fasn mRNA and an upregulation of Atgl and Hsl mRNA in adipose depots in the group treated with the mix. The IWAT showed a tendency of reduction in the number of adipocytes, although no differences in the total adipocyte area were found. GSPE and anthocyanins modulated the lipid content and downregulated the gene and protein levels of Fasn compared to the untreated group in 3T3-L1 cells. In conclusion, this mix is a promising treatment against obesity, reducing the WAT of obese rats fed a CAF diet, increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and modifying the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism of the adipose tissue.

DOES THE NUMBER OF JOINTS INVOLVED IN EXERCISE PROMOTE CHANGES IN ENERGY EXPENDITURE?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The benefits of strength training (ST) include not only strength improvement but also favorable body composition changes, which has led to a considerable increase in the indication of this training method in overweight and obese individuals, and has made the investigation of outcomes attributed to different manipulations of ST variables an important task. However, acute metabolic responses related to energy expenditure (EE) associated with the manipulation of exercises which, in turn, are associated with the number of joints involved in movement, are still inconclusive. Objective: To verify the influence of the number of joints involved in movement on EE with equalized volume in ST at different intensities. Methods: This training program was held on alternate days, with a 48-hour interval between each session, and with two randomized protocols, as follows: multi joint protocol with four common exercises for ST participants compared to the single joint protocol with four exercises. Each protocol was evaluated at three training intensities (90%, 75% and 60% of 1-RM) according to the one-repetition maximum test. Results: Significant increases in EE were observed in the multi joint session as compared to the single joint session: 90% 1-RM multi joint 246.80 ± 26.17 kcal vs single joint 227.40 ± 24.54 kcal (∆ -7.86, 95% CI 7.33; 31.46; t 3.44; p &lt;0.05); 75% 1-RM multi joint 124.13 ± 25.40 kcal vs single joint 111.80 ± 22.78 kcal (∆ -9.93, 95% CI 3.25; 21.41; t 2.91; p &lt;0.05); 60% 1-RM multi joint 70.80 ± 6.28 kcal vs single joint 64.40 ± 6.72 kcal (∆-9.04, 95% CI 3.95; 8.84; t 5.60; p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Multi joint exercises may be a variable to consider when EE balance is the main target of the ST program. However, further studies are needed to supplement our findings. Level of evidence II; Diagnostic studies-Investigating a diagnostic test.

Black bean protein concentrate ameliorates hepatic steatosis by decreasing lipogenesis and increasing fatty acid oxidation in rats fed a high fat-sucrose diet.

The black bean is a legume widely consumed in Latin America, however its consumption has decreased significantly in recent decades. There is evidence that its consumption generates beneficial health effects due in part to the type of protein, resistant starches and polyphenols. Thus, their use in food formulation could impact health status. Therefore, the purpose of the present work was to evaluate the effects of the consumption of a bean protein concentrate (BPC) and a whole cooked bean flour (WCB) on body composition, glucose metabolism and energy expenditure in Wistar rats fed a control diet or high-fat diets with 5% sucrose in the drinking water. With this aim, rats were fed the experimental diets for 10 weeks. The results showed that consumption of either BPC or WCB reduced weight gain and body fat despite the consumption of a high-fat diet. This change was associated with a significant increase in energy expenditure and the capacity to adapt fuel oxidation to fuel availability. As a result, rats fed a bean-based diet had lower circulating glucose and insulin concentrations and normal glucose tolerance, which was associated with decreased expression of lipogenic genes in the liver. These results suggest that the type of protein and bioactive compounds particularly phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in BPC are suitable to improve the formulations used in dietary strategies for subjects with obesity or type 2 diabetes. The addition of legumes to the diet of subjects with insulin resistance, including black beans, could improve their metabolic status.

Proper sit–stand work schedule to reduce the negative outcomes of sedentary behavior: a randomized clinical trial

Objective. This study aimed to recommend an appropriate sit–stand schedule among office workers. Methods. The participants were randomly allocated into Time Regime 1 (TR1), Time Regime 2 (TR2) and Control (C) groups. A sit–stand workstation was provided to the TR1 and TR2 groups. The following variables were assessed: energy and macronutrients, energy expenditure in the workshift, blood parameters, depression, musculoskeletal symptoms, fatigue, productivity, workstation comfort and acceptability of the sit–stand workstation. Results. The results showed a significant increase in energy expenditure in the TR1 and TR2 groups in comparison to the C group. After the intervention, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the shoulders, wrists/hands, and ankles/feet was related to the TR1 group, which was significantly different from the TR2 and C groups. Additionally, the ‘severity of depression’ was reduced significantly in the TR1 and TR2 groups compared to the C group. The scores for ‘total fatigue’ and its subscales were also reduced in the TR2 group. Furthermore, TR2 improved ‘total productivity’ and some of its subscales. Moreover, TR2 had a higher acceptability compared to TR1. Conclusions. TR2 had a positive effect on the office workers’ energy expenditure, blood parameters, depression, fatigue and productivity.

Daily systemic energy expenditure in the acute phase of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage often have impaired consciousness and cannot regulate nutritional intakes themselves. Previous studies have demonstrated elevated energy expenditure in the acute phase, but it is not known whether the energy demand is constant during the first week after onset of the disease. In this study, we performed daily measurements of energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry during the first 7 days after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods: Metabolic measurements were performed daily with indirect calorimetry in 26 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. All patients were intubated and mechanically ventilated. The measured value was compared to the predicted values from the Harris–Benedict equation and the Penn State University 1998 equation. Urinary nitrogen excretion was measured daily.Results: There was a significant increase in energy expenditure during days 2–3 compared to days 5–6. The Harris–Benedict equation underestimated metabolic demand. The Penn State 1998 equation was closer to the measured values, but still underestimated caloric need. Urinary nitrogen excretion increased throughout the first week from initially low values.Conclusions: There is a dynamic course in energy expenditure in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with increasing metabolic demand during the first week of the disease. Indirect calorimetry could be used more often to help provide an adequate amount of energy.

Surgeon Energy Expenditure and Substrate Utilization During Simulated Spine Surgery.

Orthopaedic surgery can be a physically demanding occupation with high rates of fatigue and burnout. Fatigue has been shown to affect surgeon performance with higher rates of errors in fatigued surgeons. The metabolic cost of performing surgery has yet to be quantified. A better understanding of these costs may provide insights into surgeon fatigue and its effect on patient safety. Eight subjects performed a one-level lumbar laminectomy and fusion on cadavers. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured via indirect calorimetry and used to calculate energy expenditure (EE). Substrate utilization was estimated from measurements of inspired and expired gases (ie, O2 and CO2, respectively). EE was also measured with the use of triaxial accelerometers. The peak VO2 was 11.3 ± 0.4 mL/kg/min. The EEtotal was 132 ± 6 kcal corresponding to the EEtotal/hr of 142 ± 7 kcal/hr. Upper arm accelerometers (154.8 ± 9.8 kcal; r = 0.54) accurately estimated total EE. Subjects used, on average, 53% ± 4% CHO versus 47% ± 7% fat, with peak utilization of 65% ± 5% CHO versus 35% ± 15% fat. Simulated orthopaedic spine surgery elicited modest but significant increases in EE over resting. Surgeons used a higher percentage of carbohydrate than would be expected for the intensity of the activity.

Use of the "Cool Fat Burner" in conjunction with drinking of cold water is associated with acute and minor increases in energy expenditure and fat metabolism in overweight men and women.

Exposure to cold is associated with increased energy expenditure to maintain thermal equilibrium. The Cool Fat Burner vest and Gut Buster are chilling devices used to induce shivering and increase calorie use. Drinking chilled water has a similar effect. Indirect calorimetry was performed on volunteers at rest with induced shivering. Eight men and 6 women with a mean age of 32.14+7.26 years were evaluated while wearing the Cool Fat Burner Vest and Gut Buster and drinking chilled water. Use of the chilling devices was associated with a significant increase in VO2, VT, VE, R, and EE. An over 20% increase in fat use as a fuel source was observed along with a 67% increase in EE. The energy expenditure during the final 30 minutes of shiver chilling was 74.6% above that of the RMR. Chilling induced significant increases in energy expenditure associated with a shift in energy source towards more fat tissue use. Indirect calorimetry evaluation of overweight subjects wearing a Cool Fat Burner vest and Gut Buster and drinking chilled water demonstrated significant increases in oxygen uptake and energy expenditure, and a shift in fuel utilization towards fat as the substrate of choice.

Effects of Different Percentages of Blood Flow Restriction on Energy Expenditure.

The study aimed to analyze the effect of different levels of blood flow restriction (BFR) on energy expenditure (EE) and subjective perceptions of discomfort (SPD) during aerobic exercises. A sample group of 24 young men was required to walk on a treadmill for 14 min at 40% of their maximum speed, with 4 different percentages of BFR (0, 50, 80 and 100%) applied in the lower limbs (LL) once a week with a 7-day interval between the 4 evaluations. EE data were collected during the exercise periods; SPD data were collected after the exercises. There was a significant increase in EE at 50, 80 and 100% BFR compared to the condition without BFR, and between 50 and 100% BFR; however, there were no differences between 50 and 80% and 80 and 100% BFR. Discomfort showed a significant increase according to the increase in BFR. During the walking exercises with BFR, the EE strongly increased until 50% of BFR; after this level the additional increases slowed. It can be concluded that when performing aerobic exercises with BFR, there is no need to use BFR levels above 50% to reach satisfying level of EE with only a moderate level of discomfort to the practitioner. This study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) under number RBR-3XHSJX.

The Physical And Psychological Effects Of Standing Desks In Office Workers

The present study demonstrates differences between energy expenditure in typical office workers and whether or not sit-stand desk options are beneficial. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine differences in energy expenditure between sitting and standing in typically sedentary office workers. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine mindset differences with regards to job boredom, job stress, and job satisfaction. METHODS: Participants (N = 26, 4 males and 22 females) were from two moderately sized communities in the Midwest that had standing desk options available to them. Data was collected using BodyMedia SenseWear armbands for energy expenditure and self-reported Likert-scale surveys for psychological data. Data was collected during four sessions; two sitting sessions where participants were asked to not use their standing desk option, and two standing sessions where participants were allowed to stand as they desired. Data was analyzed using paired-samples t-tests to determine mean differences between energy expenditure and survey data. RESULTS: Results of the t-test for energy expenditure indicated the standing condition expended an average of 7.25 kcal more per hour than the sitting condition (t (24) -3.352, p = 0.003). No differences were found between average total survey data or specific question survey results (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest there is a statistically significant increase in energy expenditure when utilizing a standing desk option at the typical office workstation. Participants expressed improvements in mindset, but this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, individuals that participate in standing throughout the day rather than strictly sitting can increase energy expenditure while at their normal workstation, potentially resulting in increased weight loss and decreased negative health risk factors for typically sedentary office workers.

The effects of home oxygen therapy on energy metabolism in patients with COPD.

BackgroundCOPD is preventable and treatable and is characterized by completely nonreversible airflow obstruction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of long-term oxygen therapy on patients with stage 4 COPD who were followed up and treated at the polyclinic or clinic service. We evaluated the effects of oxygen therapy on energy metabolism and physical activity in patients with COPD.MethodsNineteen patients with COPD (16 male/3 female), treated with oxygen therapy for the first time, were included in this study. Analysis of arterial blood gases and pulmonary function test was performed. Metabolic Holter device (SenseWear® Armband) was placed pre- and post-oxygen therapy on the patients’ arm for at least 3 days. This device captures Holter data in a digitized electronic system, and the daily average value was calculated from the data.ResultsPost-oxygen treatment showed a significant increase in energy expenditure by patients with COPD (pretreatment, 1,497±596 joule; posttreatment, 2,977±5,985 joule; P=0.044). Moreover, number of steps during walking (pretreatment, 2,056±256; posttreatment, 2,120±195; P=0.03), resting (pretreatment, 6.36±3.31 hours; posttreatment, 3.47±2.19 hours; P<0.03), and sleeping (pretreatment, 4.23±2.13 hours; posttreatment, 2.33±1.42 hours; P<0.00) showed significant differences. Increased daily energy expenditure in patients with respiratory failure was detected with long-term oxygen therapy. In addition, the immobility of patients decreased and duration of physical activity increased in patients with COPD.ConclusionIn this study, positive effects of long-term oxygen therapy have been demonstrated with respect to energy metabolism and physical activity of patients with COPD. Thus, we recommend that medication adherence and long-term oxygen therapy should begin early in patients with COPD.

RAAAF's office landscape The End of Sitting: Energy expenditure and temporary comfort when working in non-sitting postures.

An earlier study suggested that the activity-inviting office landscape called “The End of Sitting”, designed by Rietveld Architecture Art Affordances (RAAAF), should be considered as an alternative working environment to prevent sedentary behavior. The End of Sitting lacks chairs and tables but consists instead of a myriad of sloped surfaces at different heights that afford workers to stand, lean or recline at different locations. In this study, we assessed the impact of four of its workspaces on physical intensity, temporary comfort and productivity of office work and compared the outcomes with sitting and standing behind a desk. Twenty-four participants worked for 10 minutes in each of the six test conditions. Energy expenditure, measured by indirect calorimetry, and heart rate were recorded. Questionnaires were used to assess the perceived comfort. The number of words found in the word search test was counted as a measure of productivity. The majority of The End of Sitting workspaces led to a significant increase in energy expenditure compared with sitting behind a desk (ps < .05). Average MET values ranged from 1.40 to 1.58 which is a modest rise in energy expenditure compared to sitting (1.32 METs) and not significantly different from standing (1.47 METs). The scores on the general comfort scale indicated that some workspaces were less comfortable than sitting (ps < .05), but the vast majority of participants reported that at least one of The End of Sitting workspaces was equally or more comfortable than sitting. No differences in productivity between the test conditions were found. Further long-term studies are required to assess the behavioral adaptations, productivity and the level of comfort when using The End of Sitting as a permanent office.