Effects of Time in Sitting and Standing on Pleasantness, Acceptability, Fatigue, and Pain When Using a Sit-Stand Desk: An Experiment on Overweight and Normal-Weight Subjects

Author(s)

Barbieri, Dechristian Franca ^[1] ; Brusaca, Luiz Augusto ^[1] ; Mathiassen, Svend Erik ^[2] ; Oliveira, Ana Beatriz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Therapy, Lab Clin & Occupat Kinesiol, Sao Carlos - Brazil

^[2] Univ Gavle, Dept Occupat Hlth Sci & Psychol, Ctr Musculoskeletal Res, Gavle - Sweden

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH; v. 17, n. 12, p. 1222-1230, DEC 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background: Sit-stand desks have been suggested as an initiative to increase posture variation among office workers. However, there is limited evidence of what would be preferable combinations of time sitting and standing. The aim of this study was to determine and compare perceived pleasantness, acceptability, pain, and fatigue for 5 time patterns of sitting and standing at a sit-stand desk. Methods: Thirty postgraduate students were equally divided into a normal-weight (mean body mass index 22.8 kg/m(2)) and an overweight/obese (mean body mass index 28.1 kg/m(2)) group. They performed 3 hours of computer work at a sit-stand desk on 5 different days, each day with a different time pattern (A: 60-min sit/0-min stand; B: 50/10; C: 40/20; D: 30/30; E: 20/40). Pleasantness, acceptability, pain, and fatigue ratings were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the 3-hour period. Results: High ratings of pleasantness were observed for time patterns B, C, and D in both groups. All participants rated acceptability to be good for time patterns A to D. A minor increase in perceived fatigue and pain was observed in time pattern E. Conclusion: For new sit-stand desk users, regardless of body mass index, 10 to 30 minutes of standing per hour appears to be an amenable time pattern. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/02004-0 - Can the use of sit-stand tables change the level of physical activity and body composition of office workers with overweight/obesity?
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/06359-4 - Can sit-stand table usage affect the level of physical activity and body composition in office workers with overweight and obesity?
• Grantee: Dechristian França Barbieri
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral