Dynamic Classroom Environments Utilizing Stand-biased Desks to Reduce Childhood Obesity

Obesity is of growing concern in the U.S., both in terms of health as well as productivity. Sedentary behaviors are increasing and are known to contribute to weight gain. Reducing sedentary behaviors can increase physical activity for reducing and preventing obesity. Standing is one way to reduce sedentary behavior and has been shown to increase calorie burn, proper posture, and blood circulation. Given the positive results of standing to work at the computer in adults, researchers at Texas A&M HSC sought to achieve the same effect with children in the classroom. Three studies were conducted using stand-biased desks with children in public school classrooms. The initial lab study validated the use of the SenseWear Armband to measure caloric expenditure in children, as well as establishing the sensitivity of the armband. The lab study revealed a 15% increase in mean calorie expenditure for standing versus sitting behavior within individual children. The second study examined the effect of standing on caloric expenditure in treatment versus control classrooms. The results showed increased caloric expenditure in the standing classrooms, with a heightened effect in children who were overweight or obese. The final part of this pilot study followed the first grade standing cohort to second grade. The findings of these studies provide evidence that policies to promote standing in school and work environments may be an effective method to combat obesity.