Study: Standing up is not a healthy antidote, "hyperactivity" is the key
Gezixuan reported on November 11 that according to Washington Post, a new study questioned the health benefits of standing desks. Researchers who studied the incidence of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 83,013 UK adults found that changing part of their daily office hours to standing did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and that standing for long periods of time could also lead to potential health problems such as varicose veins, low blood pressure and blood clots.
The 6.9-year study noted that while standing may have some health benefits, standing for long periods of time also comes with some negative effects, as understood by IT House. The researchers noted that previous studies on the topic of standing desks had been sparse and inconclusive, so they conducted this large-scale, extensive study. Despite the difficulty of obtaining high-quality research, standing desks with health, ergonomic, or other health labels continue to pop up on the market.
It is widely believed that changing posture at work is beneficial for health. However, the researchers found that in monitoring more than 83,000 adults, substituting standing time for sitting time did not confer any significant health benefits.
Still, the study has some value for those who are concerned about the health risks of sedentary sitting. The researchers note that it is not enough to consider only the two static postures of sitting and standing, it is important to be hyperactive. Investing in a height-adjustable desk may not be necessary, as the most important thing for people who sit for long periods of time is to be more active.
No matter what type of desk you're using, hyperactivity is a free and viable health strategy. Every half hour or so, get up and move, such as walking around the office, going up and down stairs, or simply standing and sitting a few times.
The researchers emphasize that simply standing does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other sedentary-related diseases, but it does not increase the risk either. Therefore, setting a timer to remind yourself to be hyperactive may be more effective in improving your health than spending a fortune on a standing or adjustable desk.