New research on the topic draws controversy over the health implications of standing desks for the workplace. However, it is the generally positive perception of these ergonomic innovations as an improved substitute for conventional office chairs and desks.
Sitting to work has been replaced by standing to work through stand-up desks to reduce the side effects of sitting down on the health of an individual. There are some side effects of standing for long hours including musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and fatigue among them.
The results reveal that prolonged standing might cause pressure on the legs, back as well as feet resulting in discomforts and pain that are chronic. Further, in order to dispel the myth that desks which enable standing can decrease total sedentism or fibration of inactivity, it is explained these people actually may not be active during other periods of the day.
It is supplemental on how sitting and standing should be arranged through a ratio so that employees will have a more dynamic working pattern with fluctuating positions.
Continuing with the encouraging trends of having standing desks common in most workplaces, proper knowledge of these effects is very important for employees and employers.
Such interventions as adjusting the workplace and taking breaks can be used to counter these negative impacts thus enabling users to attain the advantages of the stand desks.
Associated Health Risks With Prolonged Standing
Standing for a long time irrespective of the stand-up tables, possesses some severe health consequences, which if endured affect individuals in the long run. Among the major concerns discussed is a musculoskeletal disorder that frequently affects the lower back, hips, and legs.
Prolonged standing puts pressure on muscles and ligaments leading to enormous pain and soreness in one’s body. Also, standing leads to the flow of blood thus causing varicose veins and swellings in the lower limbs.
Cardiovascular health may also be affected because mostly standing can cause an increase in the rate and pressure of the heart. Also, fatigue is always a result that can limit the total output and cause dissatisfaction with work.
These risks can be minimized if there are provisions for regular movement, contraction of anti-fatigue mats, and flexibility of workstations for improved body ergonomics. It is suggested that people should have a proper blend of sitting and standing while at work in order to enjoy a healthy working environment.
Associated Musculoskeletal Disorders
Stagnant posture may cause a plethora of MSDs, which are most frequently encountered in the lumbar spine, hips, knees, and feet. Some of them are muscle strain which causes low backache, which is a result of frequent straining of muscles and ligaments. It also has the potential to create hip and knee problems which include tendonitis and bursitis.
Common foot issues include plantar fasciitis because the lower extremities experience persistent pressure. Also, slouched or poor sitting positions which are compounded by wrong arrangements on the workstation also cause these disorders.
These risks should be addressed by making use of regular movement breaks, ensuring that the proper ergonomic alignment is maintained, and ensuring the importance of proper footwear when standing.
Associated Cardiovascular Diseases
Extended standing has been associated with several cardiovascular problems caused by poor blood circulation and constant pressure on the heart. Prolonged standing results in high rates of heart beating and high blood pressure which adds pressure on the cardiovascular system.
This increased pressure can increase the likelihood of getting conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because blood circulates at the lower part of the body without movement when one is standing.
Also, standing can further aggravate cardiovascular stress and is believed to be a cause of long-term fatigue. To reduce such risks one has to encourage the act of walking, changing positions often and taking breaks in equal intervals to help in circulation and heart health.
Safe Usage Of Standing Desks
To promote the safe usage of standing desks, the following recommendations should be observed to avoid any negative health impacts which are associated with the use of ergonomic inventions.
Comfort is key in the usage of standing desks for productivity purposes. Firstly people should adjust their elevation for the table so that the elbow rests at 90 degrees from the wrists for keyboard usage.
Organization of the computer’s screen at appropriate eye level for ergonomics is the second step. Integrate anti-fatigue mats to help to minimize the uncomfortable feelings in your feet as well as the legs.
Get up and move for at least five to thirty minutes during the day to stretch your legs and help your circulation. Listen to your body’s signs. If it signals pain or tiredness, ensure you change your standing time depending on its cue.
Furthermore, proper choice of footwear is known to improve comfort and also give a wider margin between man and injury.