Effectiveness of a Standing Workstation on Perceived Pain and Function
As occupations have become more sedentary, the time working adults spend in prolonged sitting position has increased. Low back and neck pain have become the most common complaints among employees in sedentary worksites often leading to lost work days. One study found that those using a computer > 15 hours per week were more likely to be affected by musculoskeletal pain symptoms of the neck and/or low back.
As a solution to prolonged sitting, transitional (sit-to-stand) desks are becoming more common and affordable these days. This allows a person to adjust from a sitting to a standing position by simply pulling a lever to raise or lower the desk height. A recent study found a significant improvement in neck and low back functional scores in those who used a transitional desk with positional changes periodically throughout the work day over an 8-week period of time. These people also experienced a decrease in subjective pain scores during the study. Employers are becoming more open to the idea of transitional desks as they realize the positive impact it can have on the health and quality of life of the employee while having no negative impact on work production.
For those that may not have the option of using a standing desk, use your smart phone or computer to set a timer every 30-45 minutes as a reminder to stand. Find a task that can be completed in standing for a few minutes just to decrease the harmful effects prolonged sitting can have on the body.
As a solution to prolonged sitting, transitional (sit-to-stand) desks are becoming more common and affordable these days. This allows a person to adjust from a sitting to a standing position by simply pulling a lever to raise or lower the desk height. A recent study found a significant improvement in neck and low back functional scores in those who used a transitional desk with positional changes periodically throughout the work day over an 8-week period of time. These people also experienced a decrease in subjective pain scores during the study. Employers are becoming more open to the idea of transitional desks as they realize the positive impact it can have on the health and quality of life of the employee while having no negative impact on work production.
For those that may not have the option of using a standing desk, use your smart phone or computer to set a timer every 30-45 minutes as a reminder to stand. Find a task that can be completed in standing for a few minutes just to decrease the harmful effects prolonged sitting can have on the body.
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