Research Design Connection: Working in an Active Space

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | March 14th, 2016

  Engelen and colleagues investigated the implications of moving into a workplace designed to increase user activity levels. They determined that after study participants “relocated into a new active design building…participants spent [significantly] less work time sitting…and [significantly] more time standing…while walking time remained unchanged. Participants reported [significantly] less low back pain…60% of participants in the new workplace were in an open-plan office, compared to 16% before moving. Participants perceived the new work environment as more stimulating, better lit and ventilated, but noisier and providing less storage. No difference was reported in daily physical activity, number of stairs climbed or productivity.” Workplaces designed to increase user activity levels can include sit-stand desks, treadmill desks, stairwells that are pleasantly designed to encourage stair use, and similar features. Engelen, H. Dhillon, J. Chau, D. Hespe, and A. Bauman. “Do Active Design Buildings Change Health Behaviour and Workplace Perceptions?” Occupational Medicine, in press. …