Is standing at work healthier than sitting? This result is really unexpected...

Compiled by: Gong Zixin

In recent years

With the popularization of the concept of avoiding long periods of sitting and healthy working

Standing desks are very popular, but is standing desk really healthier than sitting?

Recently, a new study from Finland found that long periods of standing at work can have a negative impact on 24-hour blood pressure. In contrast, the longer you sit at work, the better your blood pressure is. The study suggests that compared with recreational physical activity, active behavior during work hours may have a greater relationship with 24-hour blood pressure.

Regular exercise is important for controlling blood pressure. In particular, vigorous aerobic exercise is effective in lowering blood pressure, but daily physical activity can also have a beneficial effect. Previous studies have shown that exercising in leisure time is more beneficial to the cardiovascular system than physical exercise at work, which may even be harmful to health.

24-hour blood pressure is important for cardiovascular health

In the Finnish Retirement and Ageing Study conducted at the University of Turku, researchers used thigh-worn accelerometers to measure the physical activity of 156 municipal employees approaching retirement age during working hours, leisure time and on days off. In addition, the participants used a portable blood pressure monitor that automatically measured their blood pressure every 30 minutes for 24 hours. "The 24-hour blood pressure gives a better indication of the strain that blood pressure puts on the heart and blood vessels during the day and at night than any single measurement. If blood pressure is slightly higher during the day and does not fall sufficiently even at night, the blood vessels start to stiffen and the heart has to work harder to cope with the increased pressure. Over the years, this can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases," says doctoral researcher Jooa Norha.

Take breaks while working

The latest findings confirm previous findings that physical activity at work can be harmful to the heart and circulatory system. In particular, standing for long periods of time causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing the heart's ability to pump blood, which in turn increases blood circulation to the lower extremities and raises blood pressure. "A standing desk can be a nice change from sitting in the office, but standing for too long can be harmful. "It's a good idea to take standing breaks during work, perhaps by taking a walk every half an hour," Norha advises.

Recreational sports activities are necessary

Furthermore, the findings suggest that sedentary work itself is not necessarily bad for blood pressure. Instead, the researchers highlight the importance of recreational physical activity for office and construction workers. "It is important to remember that it is not enough to exercise at work alone. Engaging in a variety of physical activities in your leisure time can help maintain your health and make work stress more manageable. Similarly, people with sedentary jobs should make sure they get enough exercise in their leisure time."

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