Learning to Stand: The Acceptability and Feasibility of Introducing Standing Desks into College Classrooms

Roberto M. Benzo, Allene L. Gremaud, Matthew Jerome and Lucas J. Carr
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Roberto M. Benzo: Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Allene L. Gremaud: Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Matthew Jerome: Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Lucas J. Carr: Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-11

Abstract: Prolonged sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for multiple negative health outcomes. Evidence supports introducing standing desks into K-12 classrooms and work settings to reduce sitting time, but no studies have been conducted in the college classroom environment. The present study explored the acceptability and feasibility of introducing standing desks in college classrooms. A total of 993 students and 149 instructors completed a single online needs assessment survey. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the fall semester of 2015 at a large Midwestern University. The large majority of students (95%) reported they would prefer the option to stand in class. Most students (82.7%) reported they currently sit during their entire class time. Most students (76.6%) and instructors (86.6%) reported being in favor of introducing standing desks into college classrooms. More than half of students and instructors predicted having access to standing desks in class would improve student’s “physical health”, “attention”, and “restlessness”. Collectively, these findings support the acceptability of introducing standing desks in college classrooms. Future research is needed to test the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and efficacy of introducing standing desks in college classrooms. Such studies would be useful for informing institutional policies regarding classroom designs.

Keywords: sedentary; physical activity; physical inactivity; standing desks; college classroom; standing desk (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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