Stand Up and Move; Your Musculoskeletal Health Depends on It

The new trend in office ergonomics is installing dynamic workstations that include sit-to-stand tables, treadmills, stationary bicycles, and exercise balls. The question is whether it is worth the investment to try to reduce musculoskeletal pain via these dynamic workstations. Postural change is good, but the most effective workstation seems to be the sit-to-stand table with respect to reducing discomfort suffered by office workers. Treadmills and cycle workstations do have the ability to increase energy expenditure and heart rate and thus are potentially beneficial in addressing obesity that results from sedentary work. For all outcomes, the key is to periodically get up and move around.