Standing desks have gained popularity as a solution to the health risks of prolonged sitting at work. However, a new study suggests that standing for extended periods may not be as beneficial as once thought and could even pose health risks.
The research, involving over 80,000 adults in the UK, found that standing for long periods does not lower the risk of diseases like stroke or heart failure. In fact, standing for more than two hours a day may increase the likelihood of developing issues such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins, according to the study led by the University of Sydney.
Published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the findings challenge the belief that standing can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, a researcher from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, emphasized the importance of movement throughout the day. He warned that standing for long stretches, especially without regular movement, can harm circulatory health.
The study tracked data from 83,013 adults in the UK Biobank, who did not have heart disease at the start of the research. Participants wore devices to monitor their activity, and the results revealed that each additional 30 minutes of standing beyond two hours increased the risk of circulatory issues by 11%. Standing alone, however, did not reduce the risk of heart-related conditions like stroke or heart failure.
Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub at the University of Sydney, advised that for those who sit for extended periods, incorporating regular movement and exercise throughout the day may be a better strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. He recommended taking breaks, walking, and using the stairs to stay active during the workday.
Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, added that the study underscores the importance of staying active during the day. She noted that while standing did not directly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, it did have negative effects on circulation, particularly for those standing too long without movement. She stressed the need for regular activity to mitigate health risks.
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