Do sit-stand workstations improve cardiovascular health?

Author 

David Rempel

Key messages

  • Some evidence that the use of sit-stand workstations will relieve low back pain and improve productivity
  • Little evidence that more standing among office workers will improve cardiovascular health
  • The effects of sitting vs. standing on overall metabolism, blood pressure, and lipid and glucose metabolism is almost the same for sitting and standing - a real increase in metabolism requires pedaling or treadmill walking at work (increase of 100 to 200 kcal/h) (Zderic 2006, Tudor-Locke 2014)

Implications for the prevention of MSD

  • There is some evidence that the use of sit-stand workstations will relieve low back pain and improve productivity. However, there is no evidence supporting the theory that increased occupational sitting time increases cardiovascular risk.
Do you want to visit this resource?
CRE-MSD Position Paper (2 page PDF)
Learn More