Does active sitting provide more physiological changes than traditional sitting and standing workstations?. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Léger, Michelle C.; Cardoso, Michelle R.; Dion, Cynthia; Albert, Wayne J.
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 102(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Active chairs -- Standing -- Blood oxygenation -- Heart rate -- Electrodermal activity; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103741
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined the physiological effects of two active chairs (AC1: had the feature to pedal and slide forward; AC2: was a multiaxial chair) compared to a traditional office chair and standing workstation. Twenty-four healthy participants computed at each of the workstations for 60 min. The active protocol was to alternate between a pedalling/side-to-side motion and sliding forward/front-to-back motion to the sound of a metronome operating at 40 bpm. The participants' physiological effects were recorded using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); electrodermal activity (EDA) and a heart rate (HR) monitor for each collection period. Statistical analysis was conducted using a repeated measures analysis of variance for within-task and between-workstation comparisons. A Tukey's post hoc analysis was calculated for significant findings. Both active chairs significantly increased oxygenated blood in the gastrocnemius and participants' heart rate and EDA (stress) levels were affected slightly by task and time. However, participants felt more "productive" sitting in the control chair than in either of the active chairs. Highlights: A Comparison of Computer Workstation Postures: Active Sitting, Traditional Sitting and Standing. Active sitting helps change working posture in an otherwise static environment. A significant increase in blood oxygenation was found in the gastrocnemius while using the Active Chairs. The Active Chair should be combined with the sit-stand desk to maximize movement during the workday.