Acceptability and effects of a seated active workstation during sedentary work

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas J. Carr ◽  
Hotaka Maeda ◽  
Brandon Luther ◽  
Patrick Rider ◽  
Sharon J. Tucker ◽  
...  

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the user acceptability (Phase 1) and effects (Phase 2) of completing sedentary work while using a seated active workstation. Design/methodology/approach – In Phase 1, 45 sedentary employees completed an acceptability questionnaire immediately after performing sedentary work tasks (typing, mousing) while using the seated active workstation for 30 minutes. In Phase 2, the paper tested the differential effects of completing sedentary work tasks at two different workstations (sedentary workstation vs seated active workstation) on physiological (energy expenditure, muscle activity, heart rate, blood pressure), cognitive (learning, memory, attention) and work performance (typing and mousing ability) outcomes among 18 sedentary employees. Findings – In Phase 1, 96 percent of participants reported they would use the seated active workstation “daily” if provided access in their office. In Phase 2, working while using the seated active workstation increased energy expenditure (p<0.001; d=3.49), heart rate (p<0.001; d=1.26), systolic blood pressure (p=0.02; d=0.79), and muscle activation of the biceps femoris (p<0.001; d=1.36) and vastus lateralis (p<0.001; d=1.88) over the sedentary workstation. No between-group differences were observed for any measures of cognitive function. Mouse point and click time was slower while using the seated active workstation (p=0.02). Research limitations/implications – These findings suggest this seated active workstation to be acceptable by users and effective for offsetting occupational sedentary time without compromising cognitive function and/or work performance. Originality/value – The present study is the first to test the potential of this seated active workstation in any capacity.

1983 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia S. Robertson ◽  
Guy L. Clifton ◽  
Addison A. Taylor ◽  
Robert G. Grossman

✓ Arterial hypertension that occurs after severe head injury is characterized by elevation of systolic blood pressure, tachycardia, increased cardiac output, normal or decreased peripheral vascular resistance, and increased circulating catecholamines. The effects of two drugs used in the management of hypertension, propranolol and hydralazine, on these indices of cardiovascular function were examined in six head-injured patients. Both drugs effectively normalized blood pressure. However, hydralazine increased heart rate by 30%, cardiac index by 49%, left cardiac work by 21%, and pulmonary venous admixture by 53%, and was responsible for an increase in intracranial pressure or decreased compliance in two patients. Hydralazine produced no consistent change in arterial catecholamines. In contrast, propranolol decreased heart rate by 21%, cardiac index by 26%, left cardiac work by 35%, pulmonary venous admixture by 15%, and oxygen consumption by 18%. Propranolol decreased arterial epinephrine levels by 48% and norepinephrine levels by 28%. Propranolol appears to be a useful antihypertensive drug in the hyperdynamic head-injured patient because it normalizes blood pressure and the underlying hemodynamic abnormalities both by its beta-adrenergic blocking action and by decreasing circulating levels of catecholamines.


2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-258
Author(s):  
Mark Dooris ◽  
Alan Farrier ◽  
Susan Powell ◽  
Maxine Holt

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network (UKHUN), which explored engagement of network members; identified what members value about the network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the network’s future development. Design/methodology/approach The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process. Findings A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the network; interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support. Research limitations/implications Only six universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded. Originality/value The UKHUN is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include the capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a “refresh” of the network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0020
Author(s):  
Julie A. Young ◽  
Jessica Napolitano ◽  
Mitchell J. Rauh ◽  
Jeanne Nichols ◽  
Anastasia N. Fischer

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown that vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature are depressed in patients with an eating disorder who have experienced a negative energy balance for a significant amount of time. More recently, a negative energy balance has been the focus of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which links energy availability to the health of multiple body systems in adults in as little as 5 days with a negative energy balance. High rates of disordered eating patterns have been reported in high school athletes. As adolescents grow, the consequences of a negative energy balance can be significant and potentially irreversible. Thus, vital signs may help clinicians quickly evaluate a patient’s energy status or highlight them for further evaluation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine energy balance and vital signs in a cohort of adolescents who were seen by a sports dietitian to gain weight or optimize sports performance. METHODS: We evaluated 240 subjects, 83% female, average age 15.0±2.3 years. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured with a dynamometer in a seated position. Body temperature was measured orally. Height and weight were recorded. BMI was then calculated and evaluated by percentile. Energy intake was assessed using a 3-day food recall log. Energy expenditure was calculated using Harris Benedict Equation and combined with estimated exercise energy expenditure. Energy balance was estimated as energy intake minus energy expenditure. RESULTS: Average age was 15.03±2.71. 85% were female. 30% were below the 15th percentile for BMI. There were no differences in BMI percentiles between males and females (p=0.99). The average heart rate was 71.62±13.4 bpm and 19% were below the 10th percentile for heart rate. Average systolic blood pressure was 110±11 mm Hg and average diastolic blood pressure was 62±7 mmHg. Average temperature was 98.1±.4 degrees F. 88%were in a negative energy balance with an average energy deficit of 552±511 calories. There were no statistically significant differences in energy balance between males and females (p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: A disproportional number of children with low BMI and heart rate percentiles was observed, which may indicate a long-standing energy deficiency. We also found a high proportion of adolescents who experienced a standalone negative energy balance itself or vital signs consistent with a negative energy balance. Additional studies are needed to study the relationships between energy deficit magnitude and duration in adolescents and children.


2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diederik Boon ◽  
Willem Jan W. Bos ◽  
Gert A. Van Montfrans ◽  
Raymond T. Krediet

Objectives To investigate the acute hemodynamic effects of peritoneal dialysis (PD) using the noninvasive Portapres technique [TNO Biomedical Instrumentation (TNO BMI); Amsterdam, The Netherlands]. Design and Methods Blood pressure was measured in 21 consecutive patients on continuous ambulatory PD during a standard peritoneal permeability analysis (SPA). Blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance were recorded and calculated using continuous finger pressure recordings with Portapres and Modelflow software (TNO BMI). The SPA consists of four phases: ( 1 ) drainage of night dwell dialysate, ( 2 ) instillation of a rinsing solution (1.36% glucose), ( 3 ) drainage of rinsing solution, and ( 4 ) instillation of the test solution (3.86% glucose to which dextran 70 has been added). Results Both systolic blood pressure (SBP) (7 ± 9 mmHg, p < 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (5 ± 6 mmHg, p < 0.01) increased during phase 2. Systolic BP and DBP increased further during phase 4 (SBP 8 ± 14 mmHg, p < 0.05; DBP 6 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.005). These BP increases were caused by a rise in total peripheral resistance of 10% ± 18% ( p < 0.05) during phase 1, and 15% ± 21% ( p < 0.005) during phase 2. Conclusions Instillation and dwell of a dialysis solution during PD causes a rise in blood pressure. This is caused by an increase in total peripheral resistance. Factors influencing total peripheral resistance could be a direct mechanical effect of dialysate on mesenteric resistance vessels or a temperature-related effect.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Debashis Manna ◽  
Sridhar Thakur ◽  
Chandan K Pradhan

Background: Cycle Rickshaw is a human-powered transportation device. A large number of people remain engaged in the occupation of pulling cycle rickshaw. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess nutritional status of the cycle rickshaw pullers and their workload by working heart rate and energy expenditure. Methods and Materials: Eighteen rickshaw pullers and eleven control subjects were selected after clinical examination. Subjects were asked to pull the rickshaw in two phases - phase 1 (before lunch) and phase 2 (after lunch) each of 3 cycles of 15 min duration each followed by 15 min rest with two passengers. Heart rate was recorded continuously using a heart rate monitor. Average working heart rate (AWHR), peak working heart rate (PWHR) and energy expenditure (EE) were calculated. Maximal heart rate (HRmax) was also recorded in the laboratory. The control subjects were allowed to work in a cycle ergometer in the laboratory. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean values of rickshaw pullers and those of control subjects in relation to age, BMI, fat% and HRmax (beats/min). The AWHR, PWHR and EE values of rickshaw pullers showed the workload as ‘heavy’ to ‘very heavy’ category. Conclusion: The result of the study will be beneficial for cycle rickshaw pullers, health administrators and manufacturers of cycle rickshaw.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6567 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 23-26 


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Cirenyangzong - ◽  
Jianhong Gong ◽  
Dejiquzong - ◽  
Puzhen - ◽  
Luobuzhandui - ◽  
...  

Background: Travelling across altitude is increasing these days. The effects of travelling from high to low altitude on cognitive and physiological parameters of native highlander adolescents is not clear. The present study aimed to measure the changes of cognitive ability and circulatory physiological parameters when Tibetan adolescents move from high to low altitude, and to test the association between cognitive function change and changes in circulatory parameters.Method: General fluid intelligence, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration, heart rate and blood pressure of 71 Tibetan adolescents were measured twice, initially at Lhasa city (altitude 3600 m) and again 50 days after arriving at Chengdu (altitude 500 m).Results: The mean intelligence scores remained unchanged when students moved from high to low altitude. However, the mean hemoglobin concentration, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased while mean oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure increased. No associations between change of intelligence and changes of circulatory physiological parameters were detected.Conclusions: Travelling from high to low altitude altered the mean value of circulatory physiological parameters but not cognition of Tibetan adolescents. Change of cognitive function was not associated with changes in physiological parameters.


1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (1) ◽  
pp. E11-E17 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. Blaak ◽  
M. A. van Baak ◽  
K. P. Kempen ◽  
W. H. Saris

This study was intended to investigate the role of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor populations in the sympathetically mediated thermogenesis in healthy lean males. In the first study, the beta 1-, beta 2-, and beta 3-agonist isoprenaline was infused in increasing doses with and without simultaneous infusion of the beta 1-blocker atenolol (Iso and Iso+AT, respectively). There was an increase in whole body energy expenditure (EE) after infusing Iso+AT (P < 0.001) and an almost twofold higher increase after infusion of Iso only (P < 0.001). Stimulation of the beta 2-adrenoceptors by a specific agonist (salbutamol) resulted in a significant increase in EE (P < 0.001). The effect of stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors on EE was measured by infusing increasing doses of the alpha 1-agonist phenylephrine. EE did not change, whereas blood pressure (BP) increased (P < 0.001) and heart rate decreased (P < 0.01). In addition to this study, the alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta 1-, beta 2-, and beta 3-agonists norepinephrine and epinephrine were infused with simultaneous infusion of the beta 1- and beta 2-blocker propranolol. In both studies, there was no effect on EE, whereas BP increased (P < 0.01). In conclusion, in healthy male lean volunteers both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors are involved in the sympathetically mediated thermogenesis, whereas the alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and beta 3-adrenoceptors do not play a role.


Author(s):  
Sora Baek ◽  
Yuncheol Ha

Abstract Background Nordic walking (NW) requires more energy compared with conventional walking (W). However, the metabolic equation for NW has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize responses in oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography of the upper and lower limb muscles during NW and W and develop a metabolic equation for energy expenditure (E, mL·kg− 1·min− 1) of NW. Methods This study was performed in a randomized, controlled, crossover design to test the energy expenditure during NW and W. Fifteen healthy young men were enrolled (aged 23.7 ± 3.0 years). All participants performed two randomly ordered walking tests (NW and W) on a treadmill at a predetermined stepwise incremental walking speed (3–5 km·h− 1) and grade (0–7%). The oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography signals of the three upper limb muscles and three lower limb muscles in their right body were recorded and compared between NW and W using paired-t test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to draw estimation of E during W and NW. Results Oxygen uptake (+ 15.8%), minute ventilation (+ 17.0%), heart rate (+ 8.4%), and systolic blood pressure (+ 7.7%) were higher in NW than in W (P < .05). NW resulted in increased muscle activity in all of the upper limb muscles (P < .05). In the lower limb, surface electromyography activities in two of the three lower limb muscles were increased in NW than in W only during level walking (P < .05). Energy expenditure during W and NW was estimated as follows: ENW = 6.1 + 0.09 × speed + 1.19 × speed × grade and EW = 4.4 + 0.09 × speed + 1.20 × speed × grade. Conclusion NW showed higher work intensity than W, with an oxygen consumption difference of 1.7 mL·kg− 1·min− 1. The coefficients were not different between the two walking methods. NW involved more muscles of the upper body than W.


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