Leg and back muscle activity, heart rate, performance and comfort during sitting, standing, and using a sit-stand-support with different seat angles

摘要

Long-lasting sitting and standing is related to several health risks and alternatives to these positions are needed. This study compared muscle activity, heart rate, performance, and comfort between sitting, standing, and using a stable sit-stand-support with four different seat angles. Twenty-one subjects fulfilled three tasks (typing, a tweezing task and a task simulating ironing) in every position for five minutes. The heart rate was higher using a sit-stand-support and standing compared to sitting. The activity of the m. erector spinae was similar or lower using a sit-stand-support compared to sitting or standing. The activity of the m. gastrocnemius was in between the levels of sitting or standing. No significant differences were observed for the performance. The sit-stand-support most often was preferred to sitting. A stable sit-stand-support may be a solution for short interruptions of sitting or standing.Relevance to industryA stable sit-stand-support may be an option for short interruptions of sitting and standing and may reduce the consequences of these static positions.