Effect of standing desk use on cognitive performance and physical workload while engaged with high cognitive demand tasks

Appl Ergon. 2021 Apr:92:103306. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103306. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

Abstract

It is clear that the cognitive resources invested in standing are greater than in sitting, but six of eight previous studies suggested that there is no difference in cognitive performance. This study investigated the effects of sitting and standing workstations on the physical workload and cognitive performance under variable cognitive demand conditions. Fifteen participants visited two times for testing sitting and standing workstations, and were asked to play two difficulty levels of Tetris game for 40 min while kinematic variables, CoP regularity, CoP SD, and cognitive performances were captured every 5 min. Results revealed a more neural posture in standing than in sitting, but using the standing workstation degraded attention and executive function. The CoP SD was 7 times greater in standing, but the CoP regularity was 1/4 in sitting, denoting greater attentional investment while engaged at the standing workstation.

Keywords: CoP regularity; Cognitive performance; Standing workstation.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cognition
  • Humans
  • Posture
  • Standing Position*
  • Workload*
  • Workplace