Use and physiological responses of portable dynamic office workstations in an occupational setting - A field study

Vera Schellewald; Jens Kleinert; Rolf Ellegast

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2018.04.002

Use and physiological responses of portable dynamic office workstations in an occupational setting - A field study

Appl Ergon. 2018 Sep:71:57-64. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.04.002.

Authors

Vera Schellewald¹, Jens Kleinert², Rolf Ellegast³

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstr. 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany; Institute of Psychology, Department of Health & Social Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany. Electronic address: vera.Schellewald@dguv.de.
² Institute of Psychology, Department of Health & Social Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany. Electronic address: kleinert@dshs-koeln.de.
³ Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstr. 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany. Electronic address: Rolf.Ellegast@dguv.de.

PMID: 29764614
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.04.002

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of two types of dynamic workstations (Deskbike, activeLife Trainer) and their effects on physiological activation in an occupational setting.

Methods: 30 employees were given access to the devices for 28 days. Frequency and duration of borrowing and use was recorded by a Chipcard-system. Physiological activation (energy expenditure, heart rate) while working in a seated position and using the workstations was measured with the activity tracker Fitbit Charge HR.

Results: Participants used dynamic workstations on 40% of their working days for an average of 54.3 ± 23.9 min per day. Energy expenditure and heart rate increased significantly while using the workstations compared to working seated. The Deskbike was used more frequently and resulted in greater heart rate elevation.

Conclusion: Both types of dynamic workstations were used by the employees and had positive effects on physiological activation. The implementation of either type can be recommended.

Keywords: Dynamic workstations; Occupational setting; Physiological activation.

MeSH terms

Adult
Computers
Energy Metabolism
Equipment Design / methods*
Ergonomics
Female
Heart Rate
Humans
Interior Design and Furnishings / instrumentation*
Male
Posture / physiology*
Work / physiology*
Workplace*
Young Adult