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A Qualitative Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing ‘Sit-To-Stand’ Desks in Vocational Education and Training

Author

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  • Mara Kirschner

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Rianne H.J. Golsteijn

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Sanne M. Sijben

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Amika S. Singh

    (Mulier Institute, 3584 AA Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Hans H.C.M. Savelberg

    (Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions Education (SHE) and School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), FHML, Maastricht University, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Renate H.M. de Groot

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

While it has been shown that interrupting a person’s sedentary behaviour has the potential to improve cognitive, physical and mental health, a large part of time that students spend in school is sedentary. As research has shown that approximately 80% of vocational education and training (VET) students have an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle, implementing “sit-to-stand” (StS) desks could interrupt sedentary behaviour and promote healthier behaviour. Therefore, the acceptability and feasibility of using such desks in the VET setting should be investigated. Using semi-structured focus group interviews analysed via deductive content analysis, the opinions of 33 students for the following topics were assessed: (1) usage of the standing option of the desks (2) reasons for standing in class (3) experienced effect of standing behind the desk, and (4) fostering future StS desks usage. Although VET students are aware of the potential benefits of using StS desks, they need to be actively stimulated and motivated by teachers to use them. In addition, time is needed to get into the habit of standing. Thus, for successful implementation of StS desks in the VET setting, all stakeholders (i.e., students, teachers, schoolboards) should be actively involved in stimulating the healthy behaviour of VET students.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:849-:d:483450
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. Emiliano Mazzoli & Wei-Peng Teo & Jo Salmon & Caterina Pesce & Jason He & Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan & Lisa M. Barnett, 2019. "Associations of Class-Time Sitting, Stepping and Sit-to-Stand Transitions with Cognitive Functions and Brain Activity in Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, April.
    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. 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.
    5. 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.
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