Effects of implementing an active sitting protocol compared to using a traditional office chair and standing workstation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximal biomechanical and physiological effects of implementing an active sitting protocol while using an active chair, compared to the use of a traditional office chair, and standing workstation. The active chair had a seat pan split longitudinally, enabling the participant to pedal their feet while seated. The active sitting protocol consisted of participants actively plantarflexing and dorsiflexing their ankles in a “stepping” motion to the sound of a metronome, operating at 40 beats per minute. Twenty-four healthy participants performed computer tasks at each of the workstations for 30-min. For each collection period, participants’ biomechanical and physiological responses were recorded using electromyography (EMG); near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); pressure distribution mats; electrodermal activity (EDA); heart rate (HR) monitor; and subjective discomfort survey. Statistical analysis was conducted using a repeated measures analysis of variance, with a Tukey correction post-hoc analysis for significant findings. There were few significant findings in our biomechanical measures that separated the active chair from the traditional office chair and the standing workstation. However, this study demonstrated that the active sitting protocol had positive physiological effects for the user, with the greatest benefit being the significant increase in blood oxygenation levels to the gastrocnemius.