THE QUICK READ
• Many people struggle to dedicate the
recommended minimum 30 minutes
each day to exercise
• A large percentage of many people's
waking hours are spent in sedentary
office jobs
• Researchers compared the metabolic
costs (VO2, HR, energy expenditure)
for study participants at rest; while
seated and typing; while using a
stationary foot cycle and typing, and
while using a treadmill desk and
typing
• The study found that both the
treadmill typing and cycle typing
scenarios resulted in substantially
higher energy expenditure than
regular seated typing, with no
detriment to typing capacity.
Given the poor health outcomes associated
with sedentary behaviour and sitting time,
there is merit to a little extra work at work
Pros: This is an interesting study. It is not surprising that typing while
walking on a treadmill had the highest energy expenditure, however,
if we consider the big picture, the findings indicate the potential
of such behaviour to significantly impact caloric expenditure. For
example, if a person were to use a treadmill desk for just 30 minutes
per day each working day, they would burn 460kcals per week, which
over a year would equate to over 22,000 kcals. If a kilo of fat equates
to approximately 7,700kcals, then a person could potentially lose 2.8
kilos of fat a year (not that you can lose only fat). If you have a client or
patient who is seriously interested in improved weight management,
we believe this is a small investment that would be worthwhile,
provided they complete the exercise on a regular basis.
Cons: None. We price checked and found a number of bike
desks (i.e. bike is under the work desk, or a bike with a work desk
mounted on it) available in Australia ranging in price from $30 to
$600, although these devices are somewhat limited in terms of the
intensity of exercise (i.e. watts). Treadmill desks that include the
actual treadmill are understandably more expensive at up to $1,400).
However, when you consider the accumulative effect of a small daily
change in an individual’s energy expenditure at work over a yearly
period, these devices can have a significant impact. Given the poor
health outcomes associated with sedentary behaviour and sitting
time, there is merit to a little extra work at work.
References
Schuna, J., Hsia, D., Tudor-Locke, C., & Johannsen, N. (2019). Energy
Expenditure while using workstation alternatives at self-selected intensities.
Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 16: 141-148.
Climstein, M. & Walsh, J. (2011) Research Review: Paid to exercise at work:
does this make you a ‘professional exerciser’? Australian Fitness Network,
Winter 2011: 28-29.
36 | NETWORK AUTUMN 2019
Dr Mike Climstein, PhD FASMF FACSM FAAESS AEP
Dr Climstein is one of Australia’s leading Accredited Exercise Physiologists. He
is a faculty member in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Sport & Exercise Science at
Southern Cross University (Gold Coast). [email protected]
Joe Walsh, MSc
Joe is a sport and exercise scientist. As well as working for Charles Darwin
and Bond Universities, he is a director of Fitness Clinic in Five Dock, Sydney.
fitnessclinic.com.au
New study supports focus on
physical activity for time-poor
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine
shared a similar theme to Schuna et al, in its focus on high intensity
incidental physical activity (HIIPA), which it defines as ‘any activity
that is part of one’s daily living that is not done with the purpose of
recreation or health and requires no sacrifice of discretionary time.’
Click here to read more.