Effects of Active Workstation Use on Walking Mechanics and Work Efficiency

Over the past several decades, the energy expenditure requirement of many occupations has diminished, and therefore, professions have become increasingly more sedentary [1] and as a result the amount of time dedicated to sedentary work-related tasks has drastically increased [2]. Unfortunately this trend toward decreased physical activity is expected to continue [3]. Workplace physical inactivity presents a number of health consequences [2] including an earlier onset of chronic disease, resulting in higher health care costs [4]. For example, men who reported more than 23 hours of sedentary activity per week were found to be at a 64% greater risk of mortality than those who reported less than 11 hours per week [5]. Further, higher levels of sedentary behaviors are associated with a 112% increased risk for diabetes, 147% increased risk for cardiovascular disease, 90% increased risk for cardiovascular mortality, and a 49% increase in the risk of allcause mortality [6].