Impact of a standing desk converter on health and cognition
Impact of a Standing Desk Converter Intervention on Habitual Posture, Cognition, and Cardiovascular Health
NA · Dalhousie University · NCT05970588
This study is testing if using a standing desk converter for four weeks can help people move more, improve their posture, think better, and lower blood pressure compared to those who keep sitting.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dalhousie University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05970588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the short-term effects of using a standing desk converter on physical activity, posture, cognitive function, and blood pressure regulation. Participants will be divided into an intervention group, who will use the standing desk converter for four weeks, and a control group, who will maintain their regular sitting habits. The study will measure changes in standing time, sedentary behavior, cognitive performance, and cardiovascular health using objective assessments. The main goal is to determine if the standing desk converter can effectively reduce sedentary time and improve overall health outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are normotensive, cognitively healthy, and spend at least 20 hours a week working at a seated desk.
Not a fit: Patients with hypertension, cognitive impairments, or those who cannot stand for at least 10 minutes without assistance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved cognitive function and better blood pressure regulation for individuals who spend long hours at a desk.
How similar studies have performed: While standing desk interventions have shown mixed results in previous studies, this project aims to provide more controlled evidence on their effectiveness.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Are normotensive, cognitively healthy, and do not have a history of fainting while standing * Are able to stand for 10 min without assistance (e.g., require a walker, person assistance) * Are not allergic to clear medical adhesive (TegadermTM, 3M) used to secure the activPAL activity monitors * Use a seated desk at least 20 hours/week in the last month and do not use a standing or active desk already * Females who are not pregnant, breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant prior to entry into the study Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years old * Hypertension (resting systolic pressure \>139 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure \>89 mmHg) * Have a diagnosed cognitive impairment * Have a history of orthostatic hypotension/intolerance and/or fainting while standing * Cannot stand for at least 10 min without assistance (e.g., require a walker, person assistance) * Have a known allergy to the clear medical adhesive (TegadermTM, 3M) * Use a seated desk less than 20 hours/week, use a standing or active desk already, or use a desk for more than 20 hours/week but not in the last month * Females who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant prior to entry into the study
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Dalhousie University — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Myles W O'Brien, PhD — Department of Medicine and Department of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University
- Study coordinator: Myles W O'Brien, PhD
- Email: myles.obrien@dal.ca
- Phone: 902-301-2523
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Sedentary Time, Cognitive Function, Blood Pressure Regulation, Standing Time, Occupational Health, Stroop Task, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Head-Up Tilt