Effect of standing desk use on cognitive performance and physical workload while engaged with high cognitive demand tasks

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 92; p. 103306
• Main Authors: Kang, Sang Hyeon, Lee, Juhyeong, Jin, Sangeun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Cognitive performance; CoP regularity; Standing workstation; CoP regularity; Standing workstation; Cognitive performance
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103306

It is clear that the cognitive resources invested in standing are greater than in sitting, but six of eight previous studies suggested that there is no difference in cognitive performance. This study investigated the effects of sitting and standing workstations on the physical workload and cognitive performance under variable cognitive demand conditions. Fifteen participants visited two times for testing sitting and standing workstations, and were asked to play two difficulty levels of Tetris game for 40 min while kinematic variables, CoP regularity, CoP SD, and cognitive performances were captured every 5 min. Results revealed a more neural posture in standing than in sitting, but using the standing workstation degraded attention and executive function. The CoP SD was 7 times greater in standing, but the CoP regularity was 1/4 in sitting, denoting greater attentional investment while engaged at the standing workstation. •Cognitive performance and physical workload were examined in sitting and standing.•Cognitive performance was investigated under variable cognitive demand conditions.•The standing workstation provided a more the neutral trunk posture.•Cognitive performance was decreased in the standing as compared to sitting.•Cognitive performance was more degraded if the task required high cognitive demand.