Standing Desk Intervention for Sedentary Lifestyle

Overseen By Olga Theou, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Olga Theou

Disqualifiers: Hypertension, Cognitive impairment, Orthostatic hypotension, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a standing desk converter can help people move more, think better, and maintain healthier blood pressure. Participants will wear a small device on their thigh to track activity and undergo tests to assess brain and heart functions. One group will use the standing desk converter for four weeks, while another group will maintain their usual routine. This trial suits individuals who use a seated desk for at least 20 hours a week, can stand for 10 minutes without assistance, and do not have issues like high blood pressure or fainting while standing. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the potential health benefits of standing desks in everyday life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity and posture, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that this standing desk converter is safe for use?

Research shows that standing desk converters are generally safe to use. These devices sit on top of a current desk and can be adjusted for standing while working. No reports have indicated serious problems directly caused by their use. People who use standing desks usually find them easy to adapt to, with most issues being minor, such as initial discomfort from standing more often.

Since this trial involves a lifestyle change, not a new drug or medical device, major safety issues are not expected. The researchers aim to determine if standing more can improve health aspects like physical activity, brain function, and blood pressure. This change poses low risk, and many people find standing desks helpful for reducing sitting time without significant safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the standing desk converter trial because it offers a fresh approach to tackling sedentary lifestyles, which are typically managed with recommendations for regular exercise and physical activity. Unlike traditional advice to simply move more, this intervention integrates movement into your daily routine without needing extra time for exercise. The standing desk converter encourages more standing and less sitting, potentially improving cognitive function and blood pressure regulation. By seamlessly fitting into a typical workday, it aims to make healthy behavior a natural part of life, which could be a game-changer for people struggling to stay active.

What evidence suggests that this standing desk converter is effective for improving physical activity and posture levels?

Research has shown that standing desk converters, which the intervention group in this trial will use, can help people sit less. In one study, participants who used standing desks felt less tired and were more active. Another study found that standing desks improved posture and reduced sitting time more effectively than other methods. Using a standing desk might also enhance brain function and lower blood pressure. These findings suggest that standing desk converters can improve health by promoting more movement and less sitting. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Myles W O'Brien, PhD

Principal Investigator

Department of Medicine and Department of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who sit at a desk for more than 20 hours per week and don't already use a standing desk. They must be able to stand unassisted for at least 10 minutes, not be pregnant or planning pregnancy, have normal blood pressure and cognitive health, and no allergies to certain medical adhesives.

Inclusion Criteria

I have normal blood pressure, no cognitive issues, and I've never fainted while standing.

Not allergic to clear medical adhesive (TegadermTM, 3M) used to secure the activPAL activity monitors

I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, nor planning to become pregnant soon.

Exclusion Criteria

I have fainted or felt dizzy when standing up.

Known allergy to the clear medical adhesive (TegadermTM, 3M)

I use a standing desk or work less than 20 hours a week at a seated desk.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants are equipped with activPAL monitors and undergo baseline assessments of cognition and cardiovascular function

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants in the intervention group use a standing desk converter for 4 weeks, while the control group maintains regular activity patterns

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person) at week 4

Post-Intervention Assessment

Participants undergo post-intervention assessments of cognition and cardiovascular function, and return activPAL monitors

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any long-term effects of the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Standing Desk Converter

Trial Overview Researchers are testing if using a standing desk converter can increase physical activity levels, improve brain function (cognition), and regulate blood pressure better than usual seated work habits. Participants will either get the converter or continue their regular routine for comparison.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Fitted with inclinometers/accelerometers at week 0 and week 4 of the intervention period for 7 consecutive days of wear. Measures of cognition and blood pressure regulation will occur at these same timepoints.

Group II: Wait-list Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Fitted with inclinometers/accelerometers at week 0 and week 4 of the intervention period for 7 consecutive days of wear. Measures of cognition and blood pressure regulation will occur at these same timepoints. Daily activities of participants will not be restricted if patients are assigned to the control group.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Olga Theou

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The study confirmed the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial on sit-stand desks, with 92% of surveyed office workers expressing interest in participation and 80% of workspaces able to accommodate the desks.

Using sit-stand desks significantly reduced workplace sitting time by an average of 94 minutes per day, although the effects on energy expenditure and cardio-metabolic outcomes remain unclear.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of sit-stand desks at work on energy expenditure, sitting time and cardio-metabolic risk factors: Multiphase feasibility study with randomised controlled component. Mantzari, E., Galloway, C., Wijndaele, K., et al.[2022]

The use of height-adjustable working desks (HAWDs) prompted by daily screen reminders led to a significant increase in standing time among office workers, with a 9% increase in weekly standing hours over 12 weeks, although this was not statistically significant.

Despite the increase in standing time, the study found no significant changes in concentration or neuromuscular performance, indicating that while prompts can encourage more standing, they may not directly improve other health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Repetitive daily point of choice prompts and occupational sit-stand transfers, concentration and neuromuscular performance in office workers: an RCT. Donath, L., Faude, O., Schefer, Y., et al.[2022]

The ACTIVE OFFICE trial is a 1-year randomized controlled study involving 18 healthy office workers in Austria, designed to evaluate the impact of two-desk sit-to-stand workstations on reducing sitting time and improving physical and cognitive performance.

If successful, the intervention could significantly reduce health risks associated with prolonged sitting in office environments, highlighting its potential for widespread implementation in workplaces.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a novel two-desk sit-to-stand workplace (ACTIVE OFFICE) on sitting time, performance and physiological parameters: protocol for a randomized control trial. Schwartz, B., Kapellusch, JM., Schrempf, A., et al.[2018]

In a study of 131 Swedish call center workers, those using sit-stand desks spent significantly less time seated (78.5% vs 83.8%) and took less time to reach 5 minutes of standing or walking (36.2 minutes vs 46.3 minutes) compared to those using traditional sit desks.

Despite the benefits of sit-stand desks in reducing sedentary behavior, awareness of ergonomic practices did not influence the patterns of sedentary behavior among users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sit-stand desks in call centres: associations of use and ergonomics awareness with sedentary behavior. Straker, L., Abbott, RA., Heiden, M., et al.[2022]

The installation of sit-stand desks (SSDs) successfully reduced sitting time during the workday by 21%, allowing office workers to replace 8 hours of sitting with standing over a typical 40-hour work week.

Participants reported increased well-being and energy levels, along with decreased fatigue and appetite, indicating positive effects on mood and health without negatively impacting productivity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using sit-stand workstations to decrease sedentary time in office workers: a randomized crossover trial. Dutta, N., Koepp, GA., Stovitz, SD., et al.[2022]

Height-adjustable workstations can effectively reduce sitting time among office workers, as shown in a review of five studies with a total of 172 participants, although the quality of these studies was assessed to be high risk of bias.

There is not enough evidence to determine the impact of these workstations on other health outcomes, such as body composition or mental health, indicating a need for larger and longer-term studies to better understand their overall benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review: height-adjustable workstations to reduce sedentary behaviour in office-based workers. Tew, GA., Posso, MC., Arundel, CE., et al.[2022]

Sit-stand desks (SSDs) significantly change behaviors related to sitting and standing, with 61% of studies showing positive results in this area, but only mildly impact health outcomes overall.

SSDs are most effective in reducing discomfort (43% of studies showed significant results) but have the least effect on work performance, indicating that while they can help with comfort, they may not boost productivity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of sit-stand desks on office worker behavioral and health outcomes: A scoping review. Chambers, AJ., Robertson, MM., Baker, NA.[2019]

Citations

1. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/joem/fulltext/2025/07000/sit_to_stand_desk_converters_decrease.23.aspx

Sit-to-Stand Desk Converters Decrease Self-reported... The workplace is often a site of excessive sedentary time (ST). This study evaluated the effects of a 4-week standing desk intervention on ST, fatigue, ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-sedentary-time-8-2023-d8d98

Standing Desk Intervention for Sedentary Lifestyle This project will determine the short-term impact of a standing desk converter on: 1) objectively measured physical activity and posture levels, ...

3. posturite.co.uk posturite.co.uk/blog/the-benefits-of-using-standing-desks-latest-research?srsltid=AfmBOorcznpfYOHGnbcPjl1H42rqSSZQju2hQtVt-3VpJcgfIWCJTLj5

The benefits of using standing desks: latest research Our multicomponent intervention (SMART Work and Life) can successfully reduce sitting time but is three times more effective at reducing sitting ...

4. reddit.com reddit.com/r/StandingDesk/comments/15unfga/is_there_any_evidence_that_standing_desks_are/

Is there any evidence that standing desks are specifically ... The biggest benefit of a height-adjustable desk for me is that if I feel tired from sitting, I can stand for a while, and when I get tired of ...

5. ergodirect.com ergodirect.com/19167-goldtouch-easylift-adjustable-standing-desk-converter-kov-elp-b.html?srsltid=AfmBOorPEME7yjQooahCymra2IdQL5q3vldGhKNuHAyrqVxcTxpLICI8

Goldtouch EasyLift Adjustable Standing Desk Converter With 40 steps of vertical lift and up to 27 lbs (12kg) of counterforce, the EasyLift Desk is the most advanced desktop sit/stand desk solution in the world.

6. amazon.com amazon.com/Adjustable-Converter-Ergonomic-Workstation-Mount/dp/B072LTTBVY

Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter - Height Adjustable ... Height adjustable stand up riser with manual lift, 36.5" x 22" desktop, stand up convertor in black, fits dual monitors, laptop and keyboard mouse tray.

7. imovr.com imovr.com/collections/standing-desk-converters?srsltid=AfmBOoofG-RVVWCQxxoXOfS_Z0GJgokQKasplSesrkHBJ8pZYoNE0ypG

Standing Desk Converters | iMovR.com Transform your desk to a sit-stand workstation in an instant. Reap the health rewards of the most ergonomically-sound converters in the industry.

8. dell.com dell.com/en-us/shop/ergotron-workfit-corner-standing-desk-converter/apd/aa304894/pc-accessories

Ergotron WorkFit Corner Standing Desk Converter Designed for corner desk applications, this WorkFit standing desk has more worksurface and the largest keyboard platform of any WorkFit converter.

9. upliftdesk.com upliftdesk.com/standing-desk-converters/?srsltid=AfmBOorKDK17fymKwlZAMY5piLsWOZcnwTx8hHp6SBbpGzFw23bP5KwQ

Standing Desk Converters Standing desk converters sit on top of conventional fixed height desks and adjust to standing height. They offer an alternative to full height-adjustable desks.