The Sedentary Office
There is growing evidence of the links between sedentary living (prolonged sitting and lying postures) and the main causes of morbidity and mortality i.e. cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine (June 1st 2015) has published a consensus statement from a panel of experts providing guidance to combat the potential adverse health effects of prolonged sitting. The target audience is employers and employees working in sedentary office environments.
Summary of guidelines;
- Progress towards accumulating at least 2 hours of standing and light activity during the day
- Build this up gradually to 4 hours of standing and light activity during the day
- Regularly interrupt seated based work with standing and light activity (e.g. walking).
- The provision of sit/stand adjustable desks in the workplace is recommended
- Raise awareness among employees of the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting time at work and during leisure time and emphasize the benefits of promoting more movement and standing in the workplace and less sitting time during the day.
- This strategy should be combined with other health promotion goals such as improved nutrition, reduced alcohol intake, reduced smoking and reduced stress.
The expert group note that further research is required to provide greater certainty to these recommendations or to change them if necessary. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2015/04/23/bjsports-2015-094618
