Recent estimates indicate over 6.7 million Australians, approximately half of the workforce, engage in remote work at least part-time. This includes a majority of workers in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. The increase in remote work is associated with prolonged sedentary periods.
Health Benefits of Walking
Sedentary behavior has identified health implications. In traditional workplaces, incidental physical activity, such as commuting or walking to colleagues, is often incorporated throughout the day. Walking offers substantiated health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure and glucose tolerance, as demonstrated by studies involving increased weekly walking.
Current evidence suggests a daily target of 7,000 steps for disease prevention. The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its recommendations to state that physical activity, regardless of duration, contributes to health, departing from previous guidelines that specified minimum 10-minute bouts. Research further indicates that short, frequent walking or squatting breaks designed to interrupt prolonged sitting may yield better health outcomes than single, longer exercise sessions. This suggests that health benefits can be accrued through incidental activity and regular short walks throughout the day. Incorporating an under-desk treadmill, which facilitates regular walking breaks during periods of sitting, is indicated to be beneficial based on this evidence.
Treadmill Desk Studies and Findings
Limited studies specifically examining the health impacts of treadmill desks for office workers have largely reported positive outcomes. These investigations have identified various changes associated with treadmill or walking pad use, including:
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health: Improvements in fat loss, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and metabolism, with some benefits observed long-term.
- Step Count Increase: One study found sedentary office workers increased their daily steps by 1,600 to 4,500, with greater weight loss reported among individuals with obesity, compared to a control group without treadmills.
- Body Fat Reduction: A small study involving overweight and obese physicians reported a 1.9% reduction in body fat among participants who utilized a treadmill desk.
- Increased Activity Time: Another study noted an average increase of 43 minutes of light walking, although participants indicated challenges in integrating this activity into demanding work schedules.
While the observed changes may appear minor, they are considered to contribute to improved health, particularly with long-term adoption.
Feasibility and Practical Considerations
The integration of treadmill desks into home or office environments presents practical considerations:
- Cognitive Function: One study reported no significant impact on cognitive abilities when comparing individuals sitting versus walking at their own pace on a treadmill.
- Motor Skills: Walking and cycling desks can affect typing accuracy and precise mouse control. For tasks requiring extensive mouse use, treadmill desks may be less suitable. Voice-to-text typing options, often integrated into operating systems like Apple or Chromebook, are an alternative.
- Cost: Entry-level walking pads range from approximately A$180-200, with more advanced treadmills exceeding A$1,000. An additional investment in a standing desk may be necessary.
- Alternatives: Regularly stepping away from the desk for short walks is a less costly alternative that can also contribute to increased physical activity.
Treadmill desks are indicated to offer a notable contribution to health through modifications in physical activity and sedentary behaviors. They may serve as a motivator for regular walking breaks, particularly for individuals with limited time or desk-bound work.