Standing desks were introduced in some workspaces as a way to tackle the health issue of sitting for long hours not too long ago.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Sydney University found that this innovation may lead to health issues. Moreover, it does not solve any heart problems and could even lead to more health troubles like vein swelling and blood clots in the legs.
After examining data from 83,013 adults in the Biobank health records database of the UK, the Sydney University researchers reached this conclusion.
The study found standing for extended periods may fail to address health issues linked to long hours of sitting and it could further raise the possibility of circulator issues like deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins, said the study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology
They found no significant reduction in heart disease risks in long hours of standing. For every extra 30 minutes spent standing beyond two hours, the risk of circulatory disease rises by 11%, according to the study.
The Guardian quoted Dr Matthew Ahmadi, the lead author, “The key takeaway is that standing for too long will not offset an otherwise sedentary lifestyle and could be risky for some people in terms of circulatory health. We found that standing more does not improve cardiovascular health over the long-term and increases the risk of circulatory issues.”
Regular movement for health
The study highlights the critical role of regular movement throughout the day in reducing disease risk, it emphasizes that neither prolonged periods of sitting nor standing are essential for maintaining health.
It suggests an active lifestyle with regular movement significantly lowers disease risk, and avoiding inactivity taking breaks to walk, opting for walking meetings, and using stairs are simple ways to stay active during the day.
Emmanuel Stamatakis from the University of Sydney stresses that combining structured exercise with daily movement is vital for heart health. Emily McGrath from the British Heart Foundation agrees with this, noting that reducing stationary time is crucial for overall well-being.
Incorporating more activity into daily routines can lead to significant health benefits and promote a culture of movement in both personal and professional environments.