Effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiometabolic parameters in sedentary workers: review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of cycle and treadmill desks on energy expenditure and cardiovascular and biochemical indicators in sedentary workers. Materials and methods. In February 2018, six databases were searched. Both parallel and crossover design studies evaluating workplace cycle and treadmill desks compared to a conventional seated condition were included. Results. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Cycle and treadmill desks significantly increased energy expenditure (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.84, p < 0.001, I² = 95%) and the heart rate (SMD = 1.68, p < 0.001, I² = 91%), and lowered blood glucose and insulin levels (SMD = –0.54, p < 0.001, I² = 0% and SMD = –3.13, p < 0.001, I² = 76%, respectively). The interventions had no effect on blood pressure and other biochemical indicators. Conclusion. Cycle and treadmill desks may positively influence energy expenditure in sedentary workers and could be effective for reducing negative effects of workplace-related sedentary behaviour. However, considerable heterogeneity is present in the measuring protocols for energy expenditure.

Keywords:

• active workstation
• bike desk
• walking desk
• workplace ergonomics
• workplace intervention

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the European Commission for funding the InnoRenew CoE project and the Republic of Slovenia.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2018.1562688.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the European Commission-funded InnoRenew CoE project [grant agreement #739574] under the H2020 Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation program; Republic of Slovenia [Investment funding of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union of the European regional Development Fund].