The use of standing desks in a classroom has health and neurocognitive benefits, according to recent studies. Science Daily reported that the students are given their own preferences whether to stand or sit in their classroom.
However, the researchers from Texas A & M School of Public Health said that using the standing desks can make the students perform better in their academics. The study involved freshman high school students who used the standing desks. The testing was done at the beginning and at the end of the year. The researchers led by Ranjana Mehta, Ph.D. and an associate professor at The Texas A & M School of Public Health explored the neurocognitive of the participants.
"Test results indicated that continued use of standing desks was associated with significant improvement in executive function and working memory capabilities," Mehta explained.
"Interestingly, our research showed the used of standing desks improved neurocognitive function, which is consistent with results from a previous studied in school-based exercised programs," she further added. "The next step would be to directly compare the neurocognitive benefits of standing desks to school-based exercise programs."
AMHC reported another study that is fronted by Karl Minges, a doctorate candidate at the Yale School of Nursing in Orange, Conn regarding the use of standing desks. The research was published in the journal Pediatrics on Jan. 22.
The study indicates that children using the standing desks have less computer use and TV viewing. They were also reported as spending time walking around and had more activities compared to children using the traditional desks.
"One study said that more than 32 additional calories per hour were burned (using standing desks), which would be the equivalent of 225 additional calories per school day, similar to total calories burned rather skating or skateboarding after school," Minges explained.
The authors of the study concluded that the use of standing desks decreases sedentary behavior in children and likewise promotes good health -- preventing obesity among the children and adolescents.
