Resources & Research

Ergonomics Guidelines

Reputable organizations publish workplace ergonomics guidelines:

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Provides workplace ergonomics standards and computer workstation guidance
• CDC/NIOSH: Publishes research on workplace health including sedentary behavior
• Cornell University Ergonomics Web: Academic resource on ergonomic workstation design
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Comprehensive office ergonomics guidance

Research Topics

Sedentary Behavior

Research consistently shows prolonged sitting is associated with negative health outcomes. Key findings:

• Breaking up sitting time with movement or standing shows benefits
• Total sitting time correlates with various health markers
• Position variety appears more important than standing vs. sitting specifically

Standing Desk Effectiveness

Research on standing desks specifically shows mixed but generally positive results:

• Users report reduced discomfort from prolonged sitting
• Energy and mood improvements reported in some studies
• Productivity effects are minimal or neutral in most studies
• Calorie burn difference is modest (not significant for weight loss)

What Research Supports

• Position variety throughout the workday is beneficial
• Proper ergonomic setup matters regardless of desk type
• Standing desks can reduce sitting time when used consistently
• Individual responses to standing desks vary

What Research Doesn't Support

• Standing desks as weight loss tools (calorie difference is minimal)
• Standing all day being better than sitting all day
• Standing desks as treatments for medical conditions

Further Reading

For those wanting to explore the research:

• Search academic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) for "sit-stand desk" or "standing desk" studies
• Look for systematic reviews which synthesize multiple studies
• Consider publication date—older studies may not reflect current desk technology
• Note study size and methodology when evaluating claims