Use of height-adjustable tables can help lower blood pressure

New Study from University of Pittsburgh Using Humanscale Workstations Confirms Multiple Sit/Stand Health Benefits

Humanscale, the pioneer and leader in office ergonomics, announced that a recent study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Bethany Barone Gibbs, shows that alternating between sitting and standing positions at the workplace throughout the day can lower blood pressure. When participants alternated postures every half hour, they experienced significantly lower diastolic blood pressure, the pressure on the arteries between heartbeats when the heart is relaxed. Carotid-ankle pulse wave velocity, a measure of stiffness in the arteries of the legs, was also significantly lower when study participants alternated between sitting and standing throughout the day. In short, blood pools in the legs as a result of prolonged sitting, but cardiovascular health can be improved by integrating more movement throughout the day with the use of a sit/stand desk.

The University of Pittsburgh study utilized height-adjustable workstations from Humanscale, a company known for its dedication to creating a healthier, more comfortable work experience with ergonomic work tools.

According to the CDC, the leading national public health institute in the United States, “high blood pressure costs the nation $46 billion each year. This total includes the cost of healthcare services, medications to treat high blood pressure, and missed days of work.” A sit/stand desk may serve as a simple, low-cost solution to help lower blood pressure for those affected by hypertension.

“Switching between seated and standing postures throughout the day is not only good for energy and productivity, but for overall health. Incorporating periods of standing can burn calories, have a positive impact on well-being, and prevent diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.” said Alastair Stubbs, Country Manager India, Humanscale. “While the act of prolonged sitting has been dubbed “the new smoking” in recent years, this research by the University of Pittsburg suggests that reducing the time spent sitting at work with the use of a sit/stand desk may indeed have measurable benefits on one’s health.”