Using sit-stand desks to improve health in sedentary workers

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of sit-stand desks on health outcomes in individuals with prediabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome who have sedentary jobs. Participants will be provided with sit-stand desks at their workplace and monitored for changes in insulin resistance, vascular function, and triglyceride levels over a specified period. The study builds on previous findings that suggest significant health improvements can occur with reduced sitting time. By focusing on a population at high risk for diabetes, the study seeks to provide actionable interventions to mitigate health risks associated with sedentary behavior.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Overweight or obese (body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher)
2. Employees with "sedentary" jobs, defined as spending at least 75% of their (8 hours or more) workday sitting at a desk (at home or in an office)
3. Defined as "at-risk" for diabetes, defined as either:

   1. Prediabetes (HbA1c of 5.7% to 6.4%) or a fasting glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL
   2. Having one or more additional risk factors: (beyond BMI\>25)

      * Age 45 years or older
      * Family history of diabetes mellitus in a first-degree relative
      * Physical inactivity (no structured exercise activity)
      * History of gestational diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia
      * African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander ethnicity

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Established cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, coronary stent, coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac transplant, or angina)
2. Established congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy
3. Established peripheral vascular disease
4. Established diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5% or on diabetes medications or insulin)
5. Chronic musculoskeletal disorders involving the lower extremities, such as arthritis of the knees or hips, or regular use of ambulatory assist devices such as a walker or cane
6. Neuropathy of any etiology
7. Positional syncope or history of orthostasis
8. Less than 4 days/week at any single office (or work-from-home) location.
9. Current use of a standing desk for work
10. Tobacco use within the previous 12 months
11. Current illicit drug use or excessive alcohol use (defined as more than 14 drinks/week for women, more than 28 drinks/week for men)
12. Steroid use ≥21 days/year
13. Fasting triglyceride level ≥ 500 mg/dL
14. Thyroid disease
15. Uncontrolled or untreated hypertension(\>150/90 mm Hg)
16. Pregnant or lactating (or plans to become pregnant in the next 6 months)
17. LDL cholesterol ≥ 190mg/dL
18. Currently enrolled or plans to diet or join a weight loss program over the next 6 months.
19. Non-English speaker

Where it's running

• Medical College of Wisconsin
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jacquelyn Kulinski, MD
• Email: jakulinski@mcw.edu
• Phone: 414-955-6896

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.