University of Pittsburgh has indicated that height-adjustable tables can help lower blood pressure. Human scale, the pioneer and leader in office ergonomics has announced that a recent study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh led by Dr. Bethany Barone Gibbs, shows that alternating between sitting and standing positions at the workplace throughout the day can lower blood pressure.
 
When participants alternated postures every half hour, they experienced a significantly lower diastolic blood pressure, the pressure on the arteries between heart beats when the heart is relaxed. Carotid-ankle pulse wave velocity, a measure of stiffness in the arteries of the legs, was also significantly lower when study participants alternated between sitting and standing throughout the day. In short, blood pools in the legs as a result of prolonged sitting, but cardiovascular health can be improved by integrating more movement throughout the day with the use of a sit/stand desk.
 
The study utilized height-adjustable workstations from Human scale, a company known for its dedication to creating a healthier, more comfortable work experience with ergonomic work tools.
 
According to CDC, the leading national public health institute of the United States high blood pressure costs the nation $46 billion each year. This total includes the cost of healthcare services, medications to treat high blood pressure, and missed days of work. A sit/stand desk may serve as a simple, low-cost solution to help lower blood pressure for those affected by hypertension.
 
“Switching between seated and standing postures throughout the day is not only good for energy and productivity, but for overall health. Incorporating periods of standing can burn calories, have a positive impact on well-being and prevent diseases such as heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure,” said Alastair Stubbs, Country Manager India, Humanscale.
 
“While the act of prolonged sitting has been dubbed ‘the new smoking’ in recent years, this research by the University of Pittsburgh suggests that reducing the time spent sitting at work with the use of a sit/stand desk may indeed have measurable benefits on one’s health,” he added.