New research from the Mayo Clinic reveals the transformative impact of active working on cognitive function and overall health.

In a groundbreaking Mayo Clinic study, the use of active workstations, including walking pads, bikes, steppers, and standing desks, has emerged as a promising strategy for combatting sedentary behaviour while enhancing cognitive function in the workplace.

As we’ve learned, sedentary lifestyles, both at work and at home, contribute significantly to the risk of chronic diseases. This welcome new study looks at how incorporating active workstations, such as Yo-Yo DESK®'s innovative range of standing desks and Active Working® products, can revolutionise your work routine and improve your overall health.

The Study's Scope:

The Mayo Clinic study enlisted 44 participants in a randomised clinical trial conducted over four consecutive days at the prestigious Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. The findings of this comprehensive research endeavour have since been published in the esteemed Journal of the American Heart Association.

Participants were exposed to four distinct office settings, each offering a unique work environment. The trial commenced with a stationary or sitting station on the initial day, followed by three active workstations, including standing, walking, or using a stepper, in a randomised order.

To gauge the impact of active workstations on neurocognitive function, researchers administered 11 assessments evaluating reasoning, short-term memory, and concentration. Additionally, fine motor skills were evaluated through an online typing speed test and other relevant measures.

The Findings:

Enhanced Brain Function

The study found that participants utilising active workstations experienced either improved or unchanged brain function compared to traditional sedentary workstations. Notably, their typing speed exhibited only a marginal decrease, while typing accuracy remained unaffected.

Improved Reasoning Scores

The study also showcased enhanced reasoning scores among participants engaging in activities such as standing, stepping, and walking, as opposed to prolonged sitting. These findings underscore the cognitive benefits of incorporating movement into the workday.

"Our findings suggest that it is feasible to blend movement with office work that previously would have been done during long periods of sitting. Active workstations may offer a way to potentially improve cognitive performance and overall health, simply by moving at work," – Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., preventive cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and senior author of the study.

Insights and Implications:

Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a preventive cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and the study's senior author, underscores the importance of incorporating movement into the work environment. He suggests that active workstations offer a promising approach to enhancing cognitive performance and overall health by blending movement with office work. Dr. Lopez-Jimenez highlights the dangers of prolonged sedentary behaviour – equating it to the health risks associated with smoking! He advocates for active workstations as a preventive measure against conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

"Being sedentary is the new smoking when it comes to your cardiovascular health, and office workers may spend a large part of their eight-hour workday sitting at a computer screen and keyboard. These findings indicate that there are more ways to do that work while remaining productive and mentally sharp. We would do well to consider an active workstation in the prescription for prevention and treatment of conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes," – Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.

Embrace Active Working with Yo-Yo DESK®

This new Mayo Clinic study highlights the significant benefits of switching to a standing desk and integrating active workstations into office environments. With improved cognitive function and reduced sedentary time, these innovative solutions offer a path to better health and work productivity.

As we strive for healthier work habits, consider incorporating active workstations into your own office setup. Explore Yo-Yo Desk®'s range of height-adjustable standing desks and standing desk converters, as well as other active working products such as anti-fatigue mats, to help combat the risks of prolonged sitting. Take proactive steps towards a more vibrant, energised workday.

This year we aim to Get Britain Standing! Invest in your well-being today by embracing the power of movement in the workplace. Together, let's create a culture of health and vitality for a brighter tomorrow.