Work Behind a Desk? A New Device Proves Even Better For You Than a Standing Desk

By SheSpeaksTeam Jan 05, 2018

We’ve all heard the reports about how sitting for long stretches of time throughout the day can be really bad for your health. But if you just can’t get behind the standing desk, you will probably be pleased to hear about another device that allows you to stay seated and may even be better for you than standing at an upright desk. A new study suggests using a moving footrest improves metabolic function even better than standing or just sitting at your desk.

Medical News Today reports about the new study published in the journal WORK that looked at the health differences of sitting, standing and using a moving footrest while working long hours behind a desk. The movable footrest allows users to fidget with their feet under the desk. They can swing and twist their feet all they want while working at a desk.

When researchers compared the metabolic and heart data from desk-workers who stood, sat and used the moving footrest - they found that when they used the movable footrest they had the most healthful metabolic rate. When using the footrest, workers had a 7% higher metabolic rate than when standing and a 17% higher rate than when sitting. Researchers also found those that used the footrests had just as good cognitive function while sitting, standing or fidgeting with the footrest.

Lead author of the study, Craig A. Horswill, explains what the finding may mean for those looking for a more healthful way to live and work. Horswill says, “These results suggest that non-exercise active thermogenesis, which we call NEAT, can increase movement and calorie burning, and may have the potential to impact health.” And it seems the results were not quite what the research team expected. He explains, “We expected to see the metabolic rate increase with each progressive stage, but instead found that metabolic rates from movement while seated were either equal to or higher than rates while standing.”

What do you think of this study that suggests simply swinging feet on a footrest may be better for your health that standing or sitting?

Do you try and find ways to be active while working behind a desk?