Effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiometabolic parameters in sedentary workers: review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiovascular and biochemical indicators in sedentary workers. Materials and methods. In February 2018, six databases were searched. Both parallel and crossover design studies evaluating workplace cycle and treadmill desks compared to a conventional seated condition were included. Results. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Cycle and treadmill desks significantly increased energy expenditure (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.84, p < 0.001, I 2 = 95%) and the heart rate (SMD = 1.68, p < 0.001, I 2 = 91%), and lowered blood glucose and insulin levels (SMD =-0.54, p < 0.001, I 2 = 0% and SMD =-3.13, p < 0.001, I 2 = 76%, respectively). The interventions had no effect on blood pressure and other biochemical indicators. Conclusion. Cycle and treadmill desks may positively influence energy expenditure in sedentary workers and could be effective for reducing negative effects of workplace-related sedentary behaviour. However, considerable heterogeneity is present in the measuring protocols for energy expenditure.

A Cluster-Randomised Crossover Pilot Feasibility Study of a Multicomponent Intervention to Reduce Occupational Sedentary Behaviour in Professional Male Employees

“…Similarly, the score for productivity in the present study decreased from pre-to post intervention, however, the 'neutral' response demonstrates that although the intervention did not improve productivity, neither did it reduce work productivity. This may be important as workplace pedalling, compared with treadmill and standing workstations, allows employees to experience greater cardiometabolic gains, together with the maintenance of acceptable levels of productivity in work performance [102]. Increasing PA throughout the working day can contribute to increased productivity and reduction in injuries and absenteeism [103], which may be particularly advantageous in a corporate environment.…”

Reducing sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity in the workplace: protocol for a review of systematic reviews

“…Published SRs will also be searched to identify additional keywords. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] In addition to these searches, we will search the reference lists of included publications to identify other relevant SRs. Field experts will be also be contacted, and searches on the Sedentary Behaviour Research Network website will be conducted.…”

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The scope of these reviews largely varies according to whether included primary studies aim at specifically reducing SB, [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] increasing PA [21][22][23][24] or both. 25 Some SRs have focused on specific types of interventions, such as height-adjustable workstations 16 19 or cycle and treadmill desks 23 ; while others have focused on specific types of outcomes (eg, health outcomes 15 23 24 ) or populations (eg, women 24 ). In this context, the diversity of the literature makes it difficult to have a clear overview of what works in reducing SB and/or increasing PA at work, for whom, and to which extent.…”

Does type of active workstation matter? A randomized comparison of cognitive and typing performance between rest, cycling, and treadmill active workstations

“…Calorie expenditure increases from sitting (ranging from 72 kcal to 88 kcal) to active (ranging from 191 kcal to 376 kcal) workstations [6]. In a meta-analysis, cycling workstations showed a greater effect on energy expenditure compared to treadmill workstations [cycling standard mean difference = 6.50, treadmill standard mean difference = 2.23 [7].…”

“…High responders lost 4 kg on average (SD = 4) after 12 months, suggesting there may be variability in weight loss among active workstation users [8]. Active workstations are also related to decreased total cholesterol, decreased blood glucose, decreased insulin levels, and lower blood pressure when compared to sedentary work time [5,7,10]. While there are clearly health benefits to active workstations, it is important to note some studies do not find significantly different health outcomes after active workstation interventions (e.g., systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and some studies suggest possible risks associated with the use of active workstations [e.g., musculoskeletal, leg/foot swelling] [7,9].…”