BODY COMPOSITION CHANGES WITH USE OF A SIT-TO-STAND WORKSTATION

Theresa M. Bodman, Gus Olson, Larissa Boyd, Melissa Powers University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma Emerging research has noted the ill effects of sedentary time on overall health. Sit-to-stand workstations have risen in popularity as a solution to sedentary office time. To date, there has been little research into the effectiveness of sit-to-stand work stations. This pilot study was carried out as part of a larger study investigating the effects of sit-to-stand workstations in the workplace. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effect of a sit-to-stand workstation intervention on body-composition. METHODS: Eleven apparently healthy participants agreed to stand at the sit-to-stand workstation for a minimum of 3 hours per workday. Body composition was measured before and 5 months after the intervention using body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat as determined by bioelectrical impedance. Nine participants completed body composition assessments. Dependent t-tests were used to analyze changes in body composition variables. RESULTS: Non-significant (p\u3e.05), small improvements were seen in body fat percentage (d=.13), but not for waist circumference (d=.06), and BMI (d=.01). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude regular use of a sit-to-stand workstation may improve body fat percentage. Further study is warranted to determine if body composition changes more over a longer period of time or with more use of the sit-to-stand workstation