Khaberni - With the expansion of working from home, sitting for long periods has become a daily part of life for millions of employees around the world, and it's a behavior that recent studies confirm carries increasing health risks. After hours of sitting in front of a computer screen, many people transition directly to the couch in a lifestyle dominated by inactivity and lack of movement, according to a report published by "ScienceAlert" science site.
Unlike traditional office jobs, where daily commutes and simple activities automatically generate physical movement, this "incidental activity" decreases for home workers. With a broad segment not adhering to recommended physical activity guidelines, a practical question arises: Can this lack of activity be compensated for with movement during work itself?
One solution proposed is the use of a small treadmill under the desk, known as a "walking desk," which allows for light walking while performing office tasks. Recent research suggests that this option may be more effective than it seems.
The health benefits of walking are no longer debated; many studies show that increasing the number of weekly steps improves blood pressure, regulates blood sugar levels, and reduces the risks of chronic diseases. Current evidence suggests that about 7 thousand steps a day is a realistic goal for preventing a large number of diseases.
The World Health Organization has modified its previous recommendations, affirming that "every movement counts," regardless of the duration of the activity, which supports the idea that short, frequent walks throughout the day might be more beneficial than one long exercise session.
Scientific experiments support this idea, finding that short, frequent periods of walking or movement reduce the harm of prolonged sitting and may even be healthily superior to a single daily walking session.
Although studies on walking desks specifically are limited, they have shown positive results. Some participants recorded increases between 1600 and4500 steps daily, with improvements in weight and fat ratio, especially among people who are obese. Improvements were also noted in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and metabolism over the medium term.
However, research suggests that using these desks may not be suitable for all types of work. Light walking does not seem to affect mental capabilities or concentration but may reduce typing accuracy or mouse use, making it less suitable for tasks requiring precise control. Here, "voice dictation" emerges as an alternative solution for some users.
Despite the potential benefits, practical considerations remain. The cost of treadmill desks starts at medium prices and may increase with advanced models, in addition to needing a standing desk. Hence, experts recommend trying a simpler solution first, such as setting regular walking breaks away from the desk.
In the end, studies confirm that small changes in physical activity level can make a real difference in overall health, especially for those who spend most of their day sitting, whether at work or at home.
