The Value of Standing Desks | This Is What Research Says
Sit-stand desks have to gain popularity in the last few years. From offices to gaming enthusiasts, most people are now going for these desks. But the main reason for this popularity is the many health benefits they offer. But in the recent past, there has been some confusion due to conflicting results on these desks.
But what does the research say about the value of sit-stand desks? That's what we have covered for you later in this article. We're going to find out if these desks are still among the best solutions to sedentary behaviours. Can they decrease the health risks associated with sitting for an extended period? That's what we are going to look for in this article.
Evidence That Standing Desks Improve Our Health
Even with conflicting results, studies show that standing desks improve the user's health. Most of the research work is based on the impact that long sitting hours have on humans. We all know the impact that sedentary behaviour can have on individuals' health. It causes back pain and other posture-related problems.
Sitting for long hours at work and gaming are the common sedentary behaviours today. But with a desk with sit-stand combination, users can decrease long sitting hours. With these desks, users are able to stand when still working. Even without scientific studies, this fact alone shows the value of standing desks. But what does the research say?
Research Evidence on Standing Desk Value
Standing desk critics cite lack of evidence to support their health benefits. This is not true since there is a lot of evidence about these desks out there. But, the lack of large-scale, reliable studies to provide conclusive evidence is a fact. What we have are small sample sizes that cannot be relied on. But the smaller sample sizes are also very crucial in that they show the need for larger studies.
But we can rely on small reputable studies as evidence for the value of standing desks. The Centre for Disease Control is among scientific institutions that studied these desks. Though a small sample study. it provides evidence that sit-stand desks improve your health. The study claimed that sit-stand desks success in reducing employees' sitting patterns. According to the study, standing desks can reduce sitting behaviours by as much as an hour in a day. Use of these desks also reduced neck and back pains and improved users' moods.
The CDC study went ahead and noted that all gains vanished with the removal of sit-stand desks for two weeks. This means the user will enjoy the greatest benefits if they continue using these desks. But the bottom line is that they can help improve your health.
Use in Moderation
Even with all the evidence, how you use standing desks makes a huge difference. To get the most benefits out of these desks, you need to use them in moderation. The trick is to avoid sitting or standing for too long. That's how you get a perfect balance of the forces acting on your body. When you stand, do some exercises such as stretching your legs to improve circulation. That's how these desks will help you to get rid of sedentary work life.
Standing for an extended period of time puts extra stress on your lower feet joints. That's because of the pressure applied by your body weight. This means you will need sitting breaks to avoid lower joint problems. Similarly, sitting for long hours causes slouching or posture problems. So, you will need standing or sitting breaks to help keep the right good posture.
What Everyone Knows
Apart from scientific evidence, other sources can prove value of standing desks. Everyone knows is that a sedentary lifestyle has negative impacts on health. From the body to the mind, you will be unhealthy if you lead a sedentary life. Unfortunately, almost 85% of the world's population leads to a sedentary lifestyle. That's why diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases are a major health issue.
Whether you're working, or gaming, get a little bit active and decreasing sitting time. This will have a huge positive impact on your health. You will reduce the risk of health complications associated with sedentary behaviours. We also know that sitting for long hours causes loss of bone density, and decreased mobility. It can also cause stiff joints and poor circulation.
We also know that sitting for too long weakens your underused muscles. The legs and abdomen muscles are the most affected. When you develop weak muscles, you might lose balance, motion and physical appearance. Last but least is the impact long sitting hours can have to your brain. Without a fresh supply of oxygen and blood, your brain will slow down as well as the rest of the body. This causes increased anxiety, stress, and sometimes sleeping disorders such as insomnia. All these health risks have been found to decrease with the use of sit-stand desks.
Start with Small Bits
If you lead a sedentary life, even a little bit of changes in your lifestyle will improve your health. You need to start with small bits of changes for your body to get used to new work life. Studies have shown that standing two hours a day at work can raise your levels of good cholesterol. It can also lower your BMI by about 11%, makes your waist thinner and lower blood fat.
Setting the alarm is the most efficient way to track your sit-standing program. The alarm will help to avoid sitting or standing for too long. That's how you will get the most off your standing desks.
Final Verdict
Most studies, though small, shows a correlation between standing desks and healthy employees. These desks can decrease health problems associated with prolonged sitting hours. Even without large-scale scientific studies, there's evidence standing desks can reduce sedentary behaviours. So, why should you wait for more extensive studies to decide whether to get a standing desk? Get one, and your health and productivity at work will never be the same.
Article Source : heightadjustableworktable.c...
