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: A Healthy Hype or True Health booster?
**World Today News** sits down with Dr. Sarah Jensen, a leading expert in workplace ergonomics and cardiovascular health, to discuss new research on the effectiveness of standing desks for lowering blood pressure.
**WTN:** Dr. Jensen, the popularity of standing desks has surged in recent years, with many people claiming they’re a key to improved health. What does the latest research from West Virginia university tell us about their impact on blood pressure?
**Dr. Jensen:** The study is captivating because it acknowledges the importance of reducing sedentary behavior. The participants using standing desks did indeed move more throughout the workday. Though, the research didn’t find a critically important link between this increased movement and lower blood pressure. This finding challenges the widely held belief that simply standing more automatically translates to better cardiovascular health.
**WTN:** So, does this mean standing desks are ineffective for improving cardiovascular health?
**Dr. Jensen:** Not necessarily. While this study doesn’t support a direct correlation between standing desks and blood pressure reduction, it’s crucial to remember a few things.
First, this study focused solely on blood pressure as a measure of cardiovascular health. There are other potential benefits of standing desks, such as reduced back pain and improved mood, that weren’t examined in this research.
Second, the study participants already had elevated blood pressure, which can be a more challenging condition to address through lifestyle changes alone.
**WTN:** what advice would you give to people who are considering investing in a standing desk?
**dr. Jensen:**
* **Don’t view it as a magic bullet:** A standing desk shouldn’t be seen as a cure-all for sedentary behavior or high blood pressure. It should be part of a complete approach to health that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
* **Embrace movement:** The key takeaway from this study is the importance of movement throughout the day. Whether you use a standing desk or not, find ways to incorporate regular breaks and physical activity into your workday.
* **Listen to your body:** Some people find standing desks uncomfortable or even painful. If that’s the case, adjust your set-up or consider other strategies for reducing your sedentary time.
**WTN:** What are some alternative strategies for reducing sedentary behavior and perhaps lowering blood pressure?
**Dr. Jensen:** Get creative! Take short walking breaks, utilize stairs instead of elevators, schedule walking meetings, or even invest in an under-desk treadmill.
**WTN:** Dr. Jensen, thank you for your insights. It seems the answer to a healthier workspace might not be as simple as standing up, but rather finding mindful ways to move more throughout the day.
**Dr. Jensen:** Exactly. Be proactive about your health and find what works best for you.
