For those with more sedimentary jobs, like office workers, it can be hard to find opportunities to exercise and there is a little about the job that promotes a more healthy lifestyle. Stretching for another doughnut or walking down the corridor to buy a can of soda doesn’t really count.
Some companies, tapping into this and the concerns that some people have about keeping fit, produce and market various gadgets to help people stay fit in the workplace. One popular measure is peddling devices located at the lower level so that office workers can peddle away while tapping important information into their keyboards.
Does this type of exercise actually help? Is it worth investing some funds into a ‘get-fit-while-you-work’ exercise device?
A new study from the University of Iowa shows that provided the devices are of a suitable design and are calibrated to the user, then they can have a positive impact on physical fitness and may contribute towards weight loss. The study lasted for 16 weeks across several different office areas in the U.S.
The researchers studied the effect of the device on occupational sedentary and physical activity behaviors. The measures considered were: cardiometabolic disease biomarkers, musculoskeletal discomfort, and work productivity.
Summarized by Lab Manager magazine, the study found “were more likely to report weight loss, improved concentration while at work, and fewer sick days than co-workers who pedalled less.”
Problems that arose during the course of the investigation was when workers shared devices and the device was adjusted so that it was no longer optimal. Another thing that occurred was people stopping after a few weeks, becoming tired of using the peddle devices.
The research has been published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. The report is titled “Total Worker Health Intervention Increases Activity of Sedentary Workers.”
