The global standing desk market is booming, projected to reach $12.6 billion by 2032. These desks have been hailed as a simple fix for the health risks associated with sitting all day. However, recent research suggests that standing may not be the health booster many have hoped for.

A new study from Australia, involving more than 83,000 participants, found that prolonged standing may not improve heart health and may even increase the risk of certain circulatory problems.

Researchers have found that standing for long periods of time does not reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, spending too much time either sitting or standing has been linked to a higher risk of problems like varicose veins and feeling lightheaded or dizzy when you stand up.

The expression “sitting is the new smoking” has become popular over the past decade, highlighting the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged stay was associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In response, standing desks have emerged as a trendy solution, offering a way to reduce the stay time without drastically changing daily routines.

But was there any solid evidence to support the benefits of standing desks? Much of the excitement was based on limited studies that did not comprehensively assess long-term health consequences. This gap in knowledge prompted researchers to investigate further.

In the new study, participants wore devices to track their condition, standing and physical activity over several years. This objective measurement provided accurate data, reducing inaccuracies often found in self-reported information. Researchers found that sitting for more than ten hours a day was associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

However, simply standing more did not mitigate this risk. In fact, standing for long periods of time has been linked to an increased risk of circulatory problems. Prolonged standing can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to conditions such as varicose veins.

The study’s large sample size and use of objective data strengthen the reliability of these findings. However, as an observational study, it cannot definitively establish cause and effect. Also, the average age of the participants was about 61, which may limit how these results apply to younger people.

Movement is key

These findings suggest that changing by simply standing is not a perfect solution. Our bodies respond better to regular movement than static positions, whether sitting or standing. Incorporating short walks, stretching or light exercise throughout the day can break up long periods of inactivity and provide significant health benefits.

Workplace interventions that promote movement have shown promise. Researchers found that office workers who reduced their sitting time by adding periods of standing and light activity saw improvements in blood sugar levels and other health markers. Another study indicated that alternating between sitting and standing, combined with short walks, was more effective for health than to be alone.

Sit-stand desks, designed to facilitate easy changing of position, offer a promising solution. They promote frequent changes in posture and can alleviate discomfort associated with prolonged static positions. Some models even have reminders to encourage regular movement, integrating activity into the work day.

Introducing more physical activity into our lives doesn’t have to be complex. Simple actions like taking the stairs, walking to a colleague’s place instead of sending an email, or standing during phone calls can help. Setting a timer to remind you to move every 30 minutes can help break up long periods of sitting or standing, empowering you to take control of your health.

Movement is key. Standing all day isn’t necessarily better than sitting – both have downsides when overdone. By focusing on regular physical activity and varying our positions, we can better address the health challenges of a sedentary lifestyle. Small changes, such as taking short active breaks or incorporating stretching exercises, can make a significant difference.

Finally, while standing desks offer an alternative to prolonged sitting, they should not be seen as a complete solution. Embracing a more active lifestyle, both in and out of the office, is likely to bring the greatest health benefits. It’s not just about standing or sitting; it’s about moving more and sitting less.

Jack McNamara is senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at University of East London. This article is republished from conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read on original article.