IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v15y2018i2p356-d132308.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

I Can Stand Learning: A Controlled Pilot Intervention Study on the Effects of Increased Standing Time on Cognitive Function in Primary School Children

Author

Listed:
  • Katharina Wick

    (Institute of Psychosocial Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany)

  • Oliver Faude

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Susanne Manes

    (Institute of Psychosocial Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany)

  • Lukas Zahner

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Lars Donath

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
    Institute of Exercise Training and Computer Science in Sport, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Köln, Germany)

Abstract

Sedentarism is considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of employing standing desks in classrooms on cognitive function. The intervention class (IG; n = 19) was supplied with standing desks and balance pads for 11 weeks. The control class (CG; n = 19) received lessons as usual. Standing time was assessed objectively (accelerometers) and subjectively (self-report sheets, external classroom observers). The impact of standing on the digit span task and Eriksen flanker task was analysed. The standing time of the IG was higher during the school day in comparison to the CG (lesson: p = 0.004; break: p = 0.003). The intra-class correlation coefficient between self-reports and external observation was high (ICC = 0.94). The IG improved slightly on the Digit Span Task compared to CG. Employing standing desks for at least 1 h per school day serves as a feasible and effective opportunity to improve cognitive function.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharina Wick & Oliver Faude & Susanne Manes & Lukas Zahner & Lars Donath, 2018. "I Can Stand Learning: A Controlled Pilot Intervention Study on the Effects of Increased Standing Time on Cognitive Function in Primary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:356-:d:132308
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/2/356/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/2/356/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    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. Lars Donath & Oliver Faude & Yannick Schefer & Ralf Roth & Lukas Zahner, 2015. "Repetitive Daily Point of Choice Prompts and Occupational Sit-Stand Transfers, Concentration and Neuromuscular Performance in Office Workers: An RCT," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-14, April.
    3. Bernstein, M.S. & Morabia, A. & Sloutskis, D., 1999. "Definition and prevalence of sedentarism in an urban population," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(6), pages 862-867.
    4. 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.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Nastja Podrekar & Kaja Kastelic & Nejc Šarabon, 2020. "Teachers’ Perspective on Strategies to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Educational Institutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-11, November.
    2. D. L. I. H. K. Peiris & Yanping Duan & Corneel Vandelanotte & Wei Liang & Min Yang & Julien Steven Baker, 2022. "Effects of In-Classroom Physical Activity Breaks on Children’s Academic Performance, Cognition, Health Behaviours and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Tr," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-27, August.
    3. Ana Vilardell-Dávila & Gloria Martínez-Andrade & Miguel Klünder-Klünder & América Liliana Miranda-Lora & Eugenia Mendoza & Samuel Flores-Huerta & Jorge Eduardo Vargas-González & Ximena Duque & Jenny V, 2023. "A Multi-Component Educational Intervention for Addressing Levels of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of Schoolchildren," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-17, February.
    4. Tetsuhiro Kidokoro & Yasuo Shimizu & Kanako Edamoto & Michael Annear, 2019. "Classroom Standing Desks and Time-Series Variation in Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity among Primary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-12, May.
    5. Alexander L. Wallace & Ann M. Swartz & Chi C. Cho & Christine M. Kaiver & Ryan M. Sullivan & Krista M. Lisdahl, 2022. "Stand-Biased Desks Impact on Cognition in Elementary Students Using a Within-Classroom Crossover Design," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-10, May.
    6. Sharon Parry & Beatriz IR de Oliveira & Joanne A. McVeigh & Joyln Ee & Angela Jacques & Leon Straker, 2019. "Standing Desks in a Grade 4 Classroom over the Full School Year," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-12, September.
    7. Terry Guirado & Camille Chambonnière & Jean-Philippe Chaput & Lore Metz & David Thivel & Martine Duclos, 2021. "Effects of Classroom Active Desks on Children and Adolescents’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Academic Achievements and Overall Health: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-31, March.
    8. Corina Nüesch & Jan-Niklas Kreppke & Annegret Mündermann & Lars Donath, 2018. "Effects of a Dynamic Chair on Chair Seat Motion and Trunk Muscle Activity during Office Tasks and Task Transitions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-11, December.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Nathan R. Tokarek & Chi C. Cho & Scott J. Strath & Ann M. Swartz, 2022. "The Impact of Stand-Biased Desks on Afterschool Physical Activity Behaviors of Elementary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.
    2. Ann M. Swartz & Nathan R. Tokarek & Krista Lisdahl & Hotaka Maeda & Scott J. Strath & Chi C. Cho, 2019. "Do Stand-Biased Desks in the Classroom Change School-Time Activity and Sedentary Behavior?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-14, March.
    3. 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.
    4. Terry Guirado & Camille Chambonnière & Jean-Philippe Chaput & Lore Metz & David Thivel & Martine Duclos, 2021. "Effects of Classroom Active Desks on Children and Adolescents’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Academic Achievements and Overall Health: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-31, March.
    5. Ann M. Swartz & Nathan R. Tokarek & Scott J. Strath & Krista M. Lisdahl & Chi C. Cho, 2020. "Attentiveness and Fidgeting While Using a Stand-Biased Desk in Elementary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-13, June.
    6. Ana María Contardo Ayala & Jo Salmon & Anna Timperio & Bronwyn Sudholz & Nicola D. Ridgers & Parneet Sethi & David W. Dunstan, 2016. "Impact of an 8-Month Trial Using Height-Adjustable Desks on Children’s Classroom Sitting Patterns and Markers of Cardio-Metabolic and Musculoskeletal Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-15, December.
    7. Aron P. Sherry & Natalie Pearson & Nicola D. Ridgers & William Johnson & Sally E. Barber & Daniel D. Bingham & Liana C. Nagy & Stacy A. Clemes, 2020. "Impacts of a Standing Desk Intervention within an English Primary School Classroom: A Pilot Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-18, September.
    8. Ranjana K. Mehta & Ashley E. Shortz & Mark E. Benden, 2015. "Standing Up for Learning: A Pilot Investigation on the Neurocognitive Benefits of Stand-Biased School Desks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    9. 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.
    10. Bradley MacDonald & Xanne Janssen & Alison Kirk & Mhairi Patience & Ann-Marie Gibson, 2018. "An Integrative, Systematic Review Exploring the Research, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of Interventions to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Office Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-29, December.
    11. Joohyun Rhee & Mark E. Benden, 2019. "Stand-Biased Desk Intervention on Sleep Quality of High School Students: A Pilot Study Using Tri-Axial Accelerometery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-7, December.
    12. Samson O. Ojo & Daniel P. Bailey & Angel M. Chater & David J. Hewson, 2018. "The Impact of Active Workstations on Workplace Productivity and Performance: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-14, February.
    13. Bradley MacDonald & Ann-Marie Gibson & Xanne Janssen & Alison Kirk, 2020. "A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Digital Intervention to Improve Sedentary Behaviour Across Multiple Workplace Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-27, June.
    14. Nirjhar Dutta & Gabriel A. Koepp & Steven D. Stovitz & James A. Levine & Mark A. Pereira, 2014. "Using Sit-Stand Workstations to Decrease Sedentary Time in Office Workers: A Randomized Crossover Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-13, June.
    15. Lucia Tarro & Elisabet Llauradó & Gemma Ulldemolins & Pedro Hermoso & Rosa Solà, 2020. "Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions for Improving Absenteeism, Productivity, and Work Ability of Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-26, March.
    16. Nastja Podrekar & Kaja Kastelic & Nejc Šarabon, 2020. "Teachers’ Perspective on Strategies to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Educational Institutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-11, November.
    17. Paula Schwenke & Michaela Coenen, 2022. "Influence of Sit-Stand Tables in Classrooms on Children’s Sedentary Behavior and Teacher’s Acceptance and Feasibility: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-18, May.
    18. Samson O. Ojo & Daniel P. Bailey & David J. Hewson & Angel M. Chater, 2019. "Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Breaking Up Sitting Time among Desk-Based Office Workers: A Qualitative Investigation Using the TDF and COM-B," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-19, August.
    19. Renu Tyagi & Meenal Dhall & Satwanti Kapoor, 2015. "Bio-Social Predictors of Hypertension Among Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(1), pages 21582440155, March.
    20. Tetsuhiro Kidokoro & Yasuo Shimizu & Kanako Edamoto & Michael Annear, 2019. "Classroom Standing Desks and Time-Series Variation in Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity among Primary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-12, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:356-:d:132308. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.