Taking A Look At Standing And Treadmill Desks In The Workplace

I was recently reading the article titled “A systematic review of standing and treadmill desks in the workplace” that was published in Preventative Medicine in 2015 and thought I would highlight some of the key take home messages from the article. 

Key messages from the article

Standing desks and treadmill desks have the potential to reduce workplace sedentary behaviours and have a positive effect on ones mood and workplace stress levels.

The treadmill desk provides a greater physiological effect compared to the standing desk. 

The treadmill desk results in a larger decrease in work productivity and motor abilities compared to the standing desk.

The sit stand desk appears to be the most beneficial of standing desks because workers are able to adjust their desks from sit to stand throughout the work day. 

A standing only desk may increase ones feeling of fatigue and discomfort.

Further research still needs to be conducted to determine the benefits and use of these within a workplace.

My thoughts

The sit to stand desk is a great option for workplaces wanting to give their workers the option of varying work postures throughout the work day.  Experience tells me that workers can be divided into three groups, those that choose to sit the majority of the day, those that vary between sitting and standing and those that choose to stand the majority of the day when given the opportunity to use a sit to stand desk.  Generally these choices are made based on comfort.  If companies are looking to implement sit to stand desks into their workplace there needs to be consolation with the workers around how they work and what type would be of most benefit to them.  Workers need to be educated on the pro’s and cons of both sitting and standing and also be shown how to adjust their workstation to suit their needs.  Failure to implement these strategies may result in a lack of understanding of the benefits of a sit to stand desk and use of it appropriately.

This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams at Principle Four Osteopathy.  At Principle Four Osteopath we provide a range of services, including osteopathy manual therapy consultations, functional movement screening, exercise prescription, strength and conditioning and rehabilitation.

Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD and Docklands leading osteopathy clinics.  Both clinics are equipped with training equipment so that we are able to get you actively involved and moving towards a better moving you.

Principle Four Osteopathy CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place, Melbourne 3000.

Principle Four Osteopathy Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St, Docklands, 3008.

Book an appointment online at www.principlefourosteopathy.com or call 03 9670 9290.