Comparison of the postural and physiological effects of two dynamic workstations to conventional sitting and standing workstations

Abstract

Increasing evidence is being found for the association of health risk factors with work-related physical inactivity. An increasing number of people are being exposed to this form of inactivity, and as a result, various interventions aimed at increasing physical activity during working hours are being developed. This study aims to investigate the differences in postural, muscular and physical activities resulting from two dynamic workstations, namely an elliptical trainer and a treadmill workstation, compared with a conventional sitting and standing workstation. Twelve participants completed five standardised office tasks in a laboratory setting at all workstations. No significant effect was found regarding changes in posture and the muscular activity was only significantly higher for the trapezius muscle (50th percentile: 8.1 %MVC) at the dynamic workstations. For the dynamic workstations, physical activity ranged from 4.0 to 14.9 × 10(-2) g, heart rate from 14.3 to 27.5 %HRR and energy expenditure from 1.8 to 3.1 METs. Practitioner Summary: Work-related physical inactivity is associated with health risk factors. In this study, physiological and postural effects of dynamic workstations were assessed in comparison to conventional workstations. No significant effects were found regarding changes in posture and muscular activity. Physical activity, heart rate and energy expenditure increased for the dynamic workstations.

Health and productivity at work: which active workstation for which benefits: a systematic review

“…Specifically, Botter et al 13 reported an increase of 12 beats per minute (bpm) using a treadmill 2.5 km/hour (91 bpm) compared with standing (79 bpm), which was corroborated by Cox et al 14. Moreover, Straker et al 15 reported an increase of 5 bmp for the treadmill 3.2 km/hour and an increase of 7 bmp for cycling 30 W  compared with standing workstations.…”

“…One study13 examined the biomechanics of three active workstations using electromyography of the trapezius and erector spinae, trunk and head 3D kinematics and physical activity quantified by accelerometers on the legs, trunk and arms. Twelve participants were asked to complete general office tasks (ie, typing, reading, correction, telephone use, mouse dexterity and cognitive tasks) while using active workstations.…”

“…Botter et al 13 showed an increase in energy expenditure of 1.2 metabolic equivalent (MET) for treadmill 2.5 km/hour workstations compared with standing. Cox et al 14 measured a similar increase of 1 MET from standing to treadmill 1.61 km/hour .…”

“…Cycling workstations with resistance (ie, 20–30 W) can increase energy expenditure by twice the amount of MET compared with standing workstations 13. Likewise, related to energy expenditure, HR could be increased by 10% compared with standing workstations 13 15.…”

“…Higher walking speeds (3.2 km/hour) produced greater muscular activity in the upper limbs than that observed in standing or cycling workstations. This increase in muscular demand of the trunk muscles and upper limb muscles in order to stabilise posture and gait may affect motor coordination related to computer tasks13 35 and could lead to muscular fatigue and muscle tension 13. In this context, safety issues should be raised, and further studies are required to ensure the safety of workers using treadmill desks.…”