Height-adjustable desks: Energy expenditure, liking, and preference of sitting and standing

Authors: Roemmich, James

Submitted to: Journal of Physical Activity and Health
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2016
Publication Date: 6/2/2016
Citation: Roemmich, J.N. 2016. Height-adjustable desks: Energy expenditure, liking, and preference of sitting and standing. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. doi:10.1123/jpah.2015-0397.

Interpretive Summary: Sedentary occupations like office work likely promote weight gain. Standing more may be one way to increase energy expenditure throughout the workday. The purpose of the study was to determine the energy expenditure and liking of word processing while sitting and standing. Energy expenditure of adults was 9 kcal/h greater while word processing when standing than when sitting in an office chair. Subjects liked sitting in an office chair more than standing, but were willing to perform office work while standing for 193 min/day. Given that energy expenditure while standing was 9 kcal/hr greater than while sitting, the theorized median 15 to 50 kcal/day of excessive energy stored/day could be countered with approximately 2 to 6 hr of standing office work. Conclusions: Standing while performing office work increases passive energy expenditure and may help to prevent weight gain.

Technical Abstract: Background: Sedentary occupations likely promote weight gain. Standing may be a passive means of increasing energy expenditure throughout the workday. The purpose was to determine the energy expenditure and liking of word processing while sitting and standing. Methods: Energy expenditure was measured in 11 men and women while word processing for 15 min in standardized postures of sitting in a supportive office chair and while standing. Adults scored their liking of each posture and how long they would be willing to work in each posture on a daily basis. Results: Energy expenditure was 8.8 kcal/h greater while word processing when standing than when sitting in an office chair. Subjects liked sitting in an office chair more than standing, but were willing to perform office work while standing for 193+36 min/day. Given that energy expenditure while standing was 8.8 kcal/hr greater than while sitting, the theorized median 15 to 50 kcal/day of excessive energy stored/day could be countered with approximately 2 to 6 hr of standing office work. Conclusions: Standing while performing office work increases passive energy expenditure and may help to prevent weight gain.