Standing Desk - Advantages

Advantages

Manufacturers of standing desks point to several studies showing reduced back injuries or less back pain for the users of standing desks. In February 2010, Olivia Judson wrote a post in the Opinionator (an online commentary section of the New York Times) about the benefits of using a standing desk. At the end of her post, she cites a number of studies about the relationship between ill health and a sedentary lifestyle. One of the articles she cites is from Healy, G. N. et al. 2008. “Breaks in sedentary time: beneficial associations with metabolic risk.” Diabetes Care 31: 661-666. A study by the American Cancer Society published on July 22, 2010 found that time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical activity level.

Most antique standing desks have an open frame with few or little drawers, and a footrail (similar to those seen at a bar) to reduce back pain. It is more practical to make a hinged desktop which can be lifted to give access to a small cabinet placed underneath it, despite the problems this layout can cause to objects left on it. This way the user can store or retrieve papers and writing implements without bending or standing back from the desk.