The global market for standing desks is booming, projected to reachUS$12.6 billion by 2032.
These desks have been hailed as a simple fix for the health risks associated with sitting all day.
However, recent research suggests that standing might not be the health booster many hoped for.
Andrey Popov/ShutterstockImage: Standing desks may actually be harmful to your health, new research suggests
Researchers discovered that standing for extended periods did not reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Prolonged sitting has been associated withobesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
But was there solid evidence to support the benefits of standing desks?
Much of the enthusiasm was based on limited studies that didnt comprehensively assess long-term health consequences.
This gap in knowledge prompted researchers to investigate further.
This objective measurement provided accurate data, reducing the inaccuraciesoften found in self-reported information.
However, simply standing more didnt mitigate this risk.
In fact, standing for extended periods was linked to an increased risk of circulatory problems.
Prolonged standing can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading toconditions such as varicose veins.
The studys large sample size and use of objective data strengthen the reliability of these findings.
However, as an observational study, it cannot definitively establish cause and effect.
Movement is key
These findings suggest that simply swapping sitting for standing isnt a perfect solution.
Our bodies respond better to regular movement rather than static positions, whether thats sitting or standing.
Workplace interventions promoting movement have shown promise.
Sit-stand desks, designed to facilitate easy position changes, offer a promising solution.
They promotefrequent posture changesand can alleviate discomfort associated with prolonged static positions.
Some models even feature reminders to encourage regular movement, integrating activity into the workday.
Getting more physical activity into our lives doesnt have to be complex.
Standing all day isnt necessarily better than sittingboth have drawbacks when overdone.
Small changes, such as taking short active breaks or incorporating stretching exercises, can make asignificant difference.
Its not just about standing or sitting; its about moving more and sitting less.
Jack McNamarais a senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at theUniversity of East London.
This article is republished fromThe Conversationunder a Creative Commons license.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
Can You Really Save a Life?
