Research Design Connection: More on Activity While Working
Pilcher and Baker wanted to learn more about the relationship between moving in some way while working and professional performance. They had people participating in their study work on a desktop while pedaling (at a FitDesk, described below) and also at a traditional sedentary desk. The researchers found that when study “participants pedaled the stationary bicycle at a slow pace (similar in exertion to a normal walking pace) while working…cognitive task performance did not change between the two workstations. However, positive affect [mood], motivation, and morale improved when using the stationary bicycle…Positive affect is associated with improved problem solving and decision making which can lead to flexible and creative cognitive processing (Isen, 2001) and can help facilitate coping mechanisms and healthy behaviors in individuals (Aspinwall, 1997).” Questions from the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) were, for example, used to assess cognitive task performance. The FitDesk is a “silent, stationary bike …
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