Effect of alternating postures on cognitive performance for healthy people performing sedentary work

Ergonomics. 2018 Jun;61(6):778-795. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1417642. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

Abstract

Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for several diseases and the prevalence of worksite-based interventions such as sit-to-stand workstations is increasing. Although their impact on sedentary behaviour has been regularly investigated, the effect of working in alternating body postures on cognitive performance is unclear. To address this uncertainty, 45 students participated in a two-arm, randomised controlled cross-over trial under laboratory conditions. Subjects executed validated cognitive tests (working speed, reaction time, concentration performance) either in sitting or alternating working postures on two separate days (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02863731). MANOVA results showed no significant difference in cognitive performance between trials executed in alternating, standing or sitting postures. Perceived workload did not differ between sitting and alternating days. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant learning effects regarding concentration performance and working speed for both days. These results suggest that working posture did not affect cognitive performance in the short term. Practitioner Summary: Prior reports indicated health-related benefits based on alternated (sit/stand) body postures. Nevertheless, their effect on cognitive performance is unknown. This randomised controlled trial showed that working in alternating body postures did not influence reaction time, concentration performance, working speed or workload perception in the short term.

Keywords: Alternating body postures; cognitive performance; randomised controlled trial; sit-to-stand workstation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Posture / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Work / psychology*
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02863731