Feasibility Analysis of Standing Desks for Sixth Graders

Abstract

Background. In this pilot study, the authors aimed to examine the implementation of standing desks on classroom performance and behavior. They also examined how the standing desks affected in-class physical activity and body mass index. Methods. Eight sixth graders from Hope Lutheran elementary school participated in the study (age 11.3 ± 0.5 years). Baseline and 8-month postintervention measures were step counts using (W4L Classic pedometers), height, weight, and behavioral markers. Results. Data showed that there were no statistically significant changes in the participants’ body mass index (19.4 kg/m2 vs 19.3 kg/m2), step counts (1886 steps vs 2248 steps), and behavioral markers including classroom management, concentration, and discomfort. Height and weight changes were significant and are attributed to the normal growth rate associated with the age of the participants (146.8 cm vs 151.8 cm, P < .0001; 41.4 kg vs 44.5 kg, P > .0007). Conclusions. It is feasible to integrate standing desks into a classroom without negative effects. Although the authors observed over a 19% increase in pedometer activity, it was not statistically significant. This highlights the importance for larger experimental groups and the use of more advanced physical activity tracking and body composition technologies.

Classroom Standing Desks and Sedentary Behavior: A Systematic Review

“…Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMIfor-age percentiles, 28 3 samples had a normal mean BMI (BMI ≥5th and <85th percentiles). 25,26,29 Three other samples were overweight/obese (BMI ≥85th percentile), 27,30,31 and 2 additional studies did not report BMI or height and weight measures to derive BMI. 24,32 Geographically, 4 studies were conducted in the United States, 2 in New Zealand, 1 in Germany, and 1 article reported individual findings from Australia and England.…”

“…[30][31][32] The other design was a "sit-to-stand" desk that incorporated both an adjustable standing desk and stool, and some desks included a swinging foot pendulum that permits extra movement and helps to correct posture. [24][25][26][27]29 There were no marked differences in outcomes between standing desk or sit-tostand desk designs; henceforth, the term "standing desk" is used to represent both types of desks. Where applicable, the control condition for each study was a traditional seated desk.…”

“…In 4 studies, the amount of time spent stepping and total step counts improved relative to baseline or control after implementation of the standing desk intervention, but mean differences or effect sizes were either not significant or were small or modest. 26,27,29,30 However, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and BMI in 1 large RCT, the classrooms with standing desks had a higher mean step count compared with the control group during the fall semester (1.61 steps/ min; P < .001), but the difference 26 Sitting time (% of wear The intervention class reported 71 min per day less television viewing and computer use in the fi nal measurement compared with baseline (t = 2.67; P = .02). Benden et al, 2014 25 Step Physical activity (accelerometer) (counts/min):…”

The effect of standing desks on manual control in children and young adults

“…interacting with the tablet PC, the motor tasks, and the use of the standing desk, could have focused the child's attention and this could have resulted in more accurate movements when standing This does seem plausible considering that although previous research has reported that while objective measurements showed no difference in 'focus' or attention of participants, all class teachers reported behavioural benefits associated with using standing desks in the classroom (3,24).…”

Do You Want Your Students to Pay More Attention in Class? Try Dynamic Seating!

“…There is some evidence that light-intensity levels of PA from dynamic seating are positively related to academic behaviour [10]. Over the past few years, there have been a number of studies conducted to explore the effects of dynamic seating (e.g., standing desks, stability balls, therapy cushions, and cycling desks) versus standard classroom seating on academicrelated outcomes [8,[11][12][13]. One outcome of interest that is associated with student learning and subsequent academic performance is attention.…”