Those who spend half of an eight-hour working day standing use 13 per cent more energy than colleagues who are seated.
A study by David Dunstan, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute Professor, suggests how working while standing aids health. The study measured the energy expenditure of 20 desk-based workers over two weeks while standing and sitting in a work environment.
According to Prof. Dunstan, during an average five-day working week, the extra energy used standing for four hours a day equated to a 45-minute brisk walk. This is a small increment but it's significant if you consider the difference over a working week. If people change their workplace environment and they were also meeting their regular exercise goals, it would have a positive effect on their health, said professor.
Much of the extra energy use came from the contraction of muscles used to keep the body upright. For those who have desk-jobs and don't have height-adjustable workstations, it is advisable to take regular breaks, stand up and move every 20-30 minutes.
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