Mayo Clinic Study Finds Benefits of ‘Active Workstations’ in Improving Office Workers’ Health and Performance
A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in the USA has found that incorporating physical activity into the workday through ‘active workstations’ can significantly improve both health and cognitive performance for office workers.
The study, published in the ‘Journal of the American Heart Association’, examined the effects of using different versions of the ‘active workstation’ on office workers’ neurocognitive function and overall health. Participants in the study tested out four different office setups, including standing desks, walking mats, and exercise bikes, over a period of four days.
Results from the study showed that when participants used active workstations, their brain function improved or remained the same, and their typing speed was minimally impacted. The study also found that participants had better reasoning scores when using active workstations compared to traditional seated workstations.
Lead researcher Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a preventive cardiology specialist at the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the importance of reducing sedentary time in the workplace to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. He stated, “A sedentary lifestyle is like smoking when it comes to cardiovascular health. These findings indicate that there are more ways to do office work while staying productive and mentally sharp.”
The study suggests that incorporating movement into the workday through active workstations can not only improve overall health but also enhance cognitive performance and productivity. As workplaces continue to prioritize employee well-being, the adoption of active workstations may become a popular solution to combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting in the office.