Standing Desks: Do They Really Lower Blood Pressure?
The quest for a healthier work life often leads to trendy office solutions, and standing desks have quickly become a favorite. But do these trendy desks truly deliver on their promise of improved health?
New research from West Virginia University is raising questions about the effectiveness of standing desks for lowering blood pressure. While the study found that switching between sitting and standing at work reduced sedentary behavior, it showed no significant impact on blood pressure levels.
"People are standing at their desks and reducing their sedentary behavior more than an hour a day, which is great," notes Bethany Barone Gibbs, the lead researcher and chair and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at West Virginia University’s School of Public Health. "Because of that, there is still a lot of evidence that sitting is not too good for us and we need to move more."
However, the study found "no improvement in blood pressure, no improvement in resting blood pressure, flow blood pressure, or pulse wave velocity." This finding challenges the common assumption that simply standing more throughout the day automatically translates to improved cardiovascular health.
The study, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, followed 271 office workers with elevated blood pressure. Participants were given standing desks and wearable trackers to encourage frequent movement. Researchers carefully monitored their blood pressure and arterial stiffness. While standing outside of work hours did show a positive impact on blood pressure, simply standing at a desk during work did not.
The reason behind this surprising finding may lie in the difference between active and passive standing. "Standing is more active when you’re using your time," explains Barone Gibbs. "For example, if I stand up and watch my daughter’s soccer game, I might be standing, but maybe I’ll be walking around, talking to people, watching the game.
I don’t hold still for a long time. I’ve been working on my leg muscles to improve blood circulation. This is a very important difference."
The Role of Muscle Contractions
Barone Gibbs highlights the importance of muscle contractions in promoting healthy blood flow. Muscles act as pumps, helping to circulate blood back to the heart. When we stand still for prolonged periods, just like when we sit, blood flow can become sluggish.
"The veins in our legs have a one-way valve, and once blood is pushed up, it can’t come back down. This helps the heart pump blood from the legs back to the heart and brain," Barone Gibbs explains. "When you flex your calf muscles by walking or jogging, those muscle contractions help push blood up through the one-way valve.
So, standing still at a desk causes you the same pain as when we sit, but it’s worse because it’s harder for your blood to flow back to the brain while standing."
Looking Forward: The Importance of Movement
While standing desks may not be the magic solution for lowering blood pressure, the research underscores the importance of movement throughout the workday.
Barone Gibbs emphasizes the need for further research into specific strategies for promoting movement at work. Future studies will explore the impact of small, subtle movements like lifting heels or using a balance board while seated.
"What we want to study are the little things you do at your desk, like lifting your heels to get muscle pumps, using a balance board or getting into position to move those muscles. Does standing at your desk benefit you? And is it harmless? We think so, but we’re not sure yet."
The takeaway? Simply standing at a desk may not be enough to significantly improve blood pressure. Acttive movement remains key.
Barone Gibbs concludes, "We need more research on this so we can tell people what they can do to improve their health. As researchers, it’s our job to tell the public how best to use their time and energy to improve their wellbeing."
2024-12-01 02:30:00
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## Standing Desks: fad or Function? An In-depth Look at the Latest Research
**Excerpted from an interview with Dr. Bethany Barone Gibbs, lead researcher and Chair and Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West Virginia university School of Public Health.**
Standing desks have become increasingly popular in recent years, with proponents claiming they can lead to a healthier work life. But does the research back up these claims?
**World-Today-News.com**: Dr. Gibbs, your recent study in *Circulation* suggests that while standing desks can reduce sedentary behavior, they may not have a meaningful impact on blood pressure.Can you elaborate on these findings?
**Dr. Gibbs**: Absolutely. Our study followed over 270 office workers with elevated blood pressure for a period of six months.While we saw a significant reduction in sedentary behavior among participants who used standing desks – they were on their feet for over an hour more each day – we didn’t observe any significant changes in blood pressure readings.
**World-Today-News.com**: This seems to challenge the common perception that standing more is inherently beneficial for cardiovascular health. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Gibbs**: It’s significant to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation. While reducing sedentary behavior is certainly a positive step towards a healthier lifestyle, simply standing more may not be a magic bullet for lowering blood pressure.
**World-Today-News.com**: So, are standing desks simply a fad? Should people ditch them altogether?
**Dr. gibbs**: Not necessarily. Our study highlights the need for further research on the long-term health effects of standing desks. It’s likely that the benefits of standing desks extend beyond blood pressure reduction. For instance, we know that prolonged sitting can have negative impacts on posture, muscle health, and even mental well-being.
**World-Today-News.com**: What advice would you give to individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular health through workplace modifications?
**Dr. Gibbs**: Incorporate movement throughout your workday, irrespective of weather you have a standing desk. This coudl include taking regular breaks to walk around, using the stairs instead of the elevator, or even just standing up and stretching every hour.
**World-Today-News.com**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Gibbs.
**Dr. Gibbs**: My pleasure. Remember, a holistic approach to health is crucial.Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, alongside strategies to reduce sedentary behavior.
