Your standing desk may not be as beneficial as you thought.
It seems that standing desks may not be as beneficial for health as once thought, according to a study from prestigious universities. What risks should be taken into account?
A recent study conducted by the University of Sydney, which analyzed data from 83,000 adults in the UK, has called into question the idea that working at a standing desk is an effective solution for the health issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle. According to the findings, standing all day may not only fail to reduce the risk of circulatory diseases but also contribute to the development of problems such as deep vein blood clots and greater circulatory complications.
The study notes that sitting for more than 10 hours a day increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and orthostatic issues, highlighting the need to incorporate more physical activity throughout the day. Although the authors specify that the research focuses on the effects of standing for prolonged periods and not on the use of standing desks, the results are concerning for those who think this alternative may be beneficial for health.
Mathew Ahmadi, the lead author of the study, clarifies that "the main conclusion is that standing for long periods does not compensate for a sedentary lifestyle and may pose circulatory health risks for some individuals. We found that increasing standing time does not improve cardiovascular health in the long term and increases the risk of circulatory problems."
For those who tend to sit for long periods, several strategies are suggested: incorporating incidental movement throughout the day and following a structured exercise program may be a better way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Emmanuel Stamatakis, director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub, recommends taking regular breaks, walking, opting for walking meetings, using the stairs, and taking the lunch hour to disconnect from the desk and engage in some physical activity.
Additionally, it is highlighted that engaging in six minutes of intense exercise or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day can contribute to good health. If someone is highly sedentary, sitting for more than 11 hours a day can increase the risk of heart disease.
