Plenty of research has shown the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Similarly, plenty of research has shown sitting down at work can present health problems.
But a recent study from a team in Canada examined how prolonged standing at work can impact one’s risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)—and the results were surprising. Those who stand are at a much greater risk for CVD.
The study was published online Aug. 11 in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
“There is a general perception, which is true, that being sedentary is bad for your health,” lead author Peter Smith, PhD, with the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto, told TCTMD. “People have extrapolated that to mean the amount of sitting we do at work is the main cause of all this and that maybe we should all stand a bit more. But standing does not give you the type of cardiovascular workout you need to reduce your risk of heart disease.”
The study featured 7,320 individuals in the Canadian Community Health Survey. Each person worked at least 15 hours a week and did not have CVD at baseline.
From 2003 to 2015, 3.4 percent of the cohort developed CVD (4.6 percent of men, 2.1 percent of women). People who predominantly stood at work were at twice the risk of developing CVD than those in sitting jobs.
The authors cited potential negative health effects associated with prolonged standing including: blood pooling in lower limbs, increased hydrostatic venous pressure and enhanced oxidative stress.
“There is a real absence of evidence that standing for short periods does anything to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease,” Smith said. “The best thing to do is to be more active during the day rather than think that just standing a few extra hours will make any difference. Now, some people may benefit from these desks if they have back pain, or feel that it improves their concentration and creativity, but for long-term health, there is no high-quality evidence.”
The study is available for free at the AJE.