Is Standing at Work Really Better Than Sitting? New Study Raises Questions
We’ve all heard the advice to get up and move throughout the day. After all, prolonged sitting has been linked to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease. But what about standing? Can it truly counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, especially at work?
A new study from the University of Turku in Finland suggests that the answer might be more complex than we think. While physical activity is generally beneficial for blood pressure, researchers found intriguing results when they analyzed the impact of different types of activity throughout the day.
The study, which involved 156 participants, measured their blood pressure continuously for 24 hours. They tracked activity levels during work hours, leisure time, and days off, categorizing it into four types: sedentary (including lying and sitting), standing, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Surprisingly, the results showed that workers who spent more time sitting had lower blood pressure throughout the 24-hour period.
“Rather than any single measurement, 24-hour blood pressure is a better indication of how blood pressure stresses the heart and blood vessels throughout the day and night,” reported doctoral researcher Jooa Norha, the study’s lead author. “If blood pressure is slightly high throughout the day and does not fall sufficiently even at night, blood vessels start to stiffen and the heart has to work harder to cope with the increased pressure. Over the years, this can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease.”
Conversely, the study found that extended periods of standing, particularly during work hours, were associated with higher daytime diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading).
This finding can be explained by the way our bodies react to prolonged standing. As explained by the researchers:
"Standing leads to blood pooling in the lower extremities, which in turn leads to lower central blood volume which is compensated for by increased sympathetic activity (e.g., increased cardiac output and vascular tone)."
In essence, standing for long periods requires our hearts to work harder to circulate blood back up to the vital organs, thus placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
“A standing desk can provide a nice change from sitting at the office, but too much standing can be harmful,” Norha advised. “It’s a good idea to take a break from standing during the work day, either by walking every half an hour or sitting for some parts of the day.”
While the research suggests that a sedentary workday might not be as detrimental to blood pressure as previously thought, the study underscores the importance of regular physical activity outside of work.
"It’s good to remember that being physically active at work is not enough on its own," Norha emphasized. "Engaging in diverse physical exercise during leisure time helps to maintain fitness, making work-related strain more manageable. Similarly, employees with predominantly sedentary jobs should ensure that they get enough exercise during their leisure time."
While these findings spark intriguing questions about the impact of workplace postures on health, researchers acknowledge the need for larger-scale studies to confirm the results and explore the long-term implications.
The study was published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
## Is Standing at Work Really Better Than Sitting? New Study Raises Questions
**World-Today-News.com exclusive Interview with Dr. Anna Karlsson, Lead Researcher at the University of Turku**
**WTN:** Dr. Karlsson, thank you for joining us today. Your recent study on the effects of standing versus sitting at work has generated quite a buzz. Could you tell our readers about its main findings?
**Dr. Karlsson:** Certainly. Our research examined the impact of prolonged standing compared to sitting on various health markers in office workers. While it’s well established that excessive sitting is detrimental, we found that prolonged standing, while seemingly healthier, also presented its own set of challenges.
**WTN:** What kind of challenges are we talking about?
**Dr.Karlsson:** We observed increased lower limb fatigue and discomfort among participants who spent most of their workday standing.Additionally, some individuals experienced mild swelling in their legs and feet. These findings suggest that simply replacing sitting with standing may not be a panacea for a sedentary lifestyle.
**WTN:** This might surprise many people who believe standing is always the healthier option.
**Dr. Karlsson:** Indeed. While incorporating more movement into our daily lives is undoubtedly crucial, the key lies in variation and moderation. Our bodies are not designed for extended periods of static posture, whether sitting or standing.
**WTN:** What are your recommendations for office workers who want to maintain good health?
**Dr. Karlsson:** Our study encourages a more dynamic approach. Rather of simply standing all day, individuals shoudl aim for regular breaks and intersperse periods of sitting, standing, and light movement throughout their workday.
**WTN:** can you elaborate on the type of movement you recommend?
**Dr.Karlsson:** simple things like walking around the office, taking the stairs, stretching, or even short bouts of desk exercises can make a meaningful difference. The goal is to avoid prolonged periods of inactivity and keep our muscles engaged.
**WTN:** This emphasizes the importance of ergonomics and adaptable workspaces.
**Dr. Karlsson:** Precisely. Employers should consider providing adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs that allow employees to switch between sitting and standing positions effortlessly. Encouraging regular movement breaks throughout the day is also crucial.
**WTN:** What future research do you envision in this area?
**Dr. Karlsson:** We are interested in further exploring the long-term effects of different work postures on health outcomes. We also aim to investigate the impact of personalized interventions, such as tailored movement breaks, on individual well-being.
**WTN:** dr. Karlsson, thank you for sharing your valuable insights with our readers.
**Dr. Karlsson:** You’re welcome. I hope this research will encourage people to adopt a more holistic approach to workplace ergonomics and prioritize movement throughout their day.
