Differences in Energy Expenditure and Typing Speed While Sitting, Standing, and Walking in College Students

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine if caloric expenditure and typing speed differed among three positions (sitting, standing, walking). Methods:  Participants included 40 college students (18-22 years, 30 males and 10 females) on either the baseball or track and field teams. Each participant was tested for 5 minutes in three different positions. Caloric expenditure was measured via indirect calorimetry and typing productivity via a 3-minute typing test. Repeated measures ANOVAs and T-Tests were performed to determine statistical differences for caloric expenditure and typing speed. Results: Caloric expenditure (calories per 5 minutes) was significantly higher for walking (16.4 ± 3.1) than for sitting (9.0 ± 2.4, p <0.0001) and standing (9.4 ± 2.0, p <0.0001). For typing productivity, standing resulted in faster typing speed than walking (37.4 ± 10.2 vs. 34.7 ± 10.7 wpm, p = 0096). Conclusions: Using a standup walking desk to type while working expends significantly more calories than typing while sitting or standing at a desk. However, typing speed was significantly higher while standing at a desk than while walking at a desk.