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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto M. Benzo & Allene L. Gremaud & Matthew Jerome & Lucas J. Carr, 2016. "Learning to Stand: The Acceptability and Feasibility of Introducing Standing Desks into College Classrooms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:8:p:823-:d:75989
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark E. Benden & Hongwei Zhao & Christina E. Jeffrey & Monica L. Wendel & Jamilia J. Blake, 2014. "The Evaluation of the Impact of a Stand-Biased Desk on Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity for Elementary School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Benden, M.E. & Blake, J.J. & Wendel, M.L. & Huber, J.C., 2011. "The impact of stand-biased desks in classrooms on calorie expenditure in children," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(8), pages 1433-1436.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mara Kirschner & Rianne H.J. Golsteijn & Sanne M. Sijben & Amika S. Singh & Hans H.C.M. Savelberg & Renate H.M. de Groot, 2021. "A Qualitative Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing ‘Sit-To-Stand’ Desks in Vocational Education and Training," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Camille Bastien Tardif & Maude Cantin & Sylvain Sénécal & Pierre-Majorique Léger & Élise Labonté-Lemoyne & Mickael Begon & Marie-Eve Mathieu, 2018. "Implementation of Active Workstations in University Libraries—A Comparison of Portable Pedal Exercise Machines and Standing Desks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-11, June.
    3. Maike Paulus & Jule Kunkel & Steffen C. E. Schmidt & Philip Bachert & Hagen Wäsche & Rainer Neumann & Alexander Woll, 2021. "Standing Breaks in Lectures Improve University Students’ Self-Perceived Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Condition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-13, April.
    4. Katie R. Hosteng & Alison Phillips Reichter & Jacob E. Simmering & Lucas J. Carr, 2019. "Uninterrupted Classroom Sitting is Associated with Increased Discomfort and Sleepiness Among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-10, July.
    5. Matthew S. Chrisman & Robert Wright & William Purdy, 2021. "College Classroom Instructors Can Effectively Promote Standing among Students Provided with Standing Desks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, April.
    6. Laura E. Finch & A. Janet Tomiyama & Andrew Ward, 2017. "Taking a Stand: The Effects of Standing Desks on Task Performance and Engagement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-15, August.

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