Standing work has gained popularity among individuals seeking to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, often resulting from long hours spent in front of a computer, television, or behind the wheel.
A new study by researchers from the University of Sydney has revealed that standing for more than two hours a day increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. The findings of the study were published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Researchers examined the relationship between sedentary behavior, sitting and standing positions, and cardiovascular diseases (such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure) as well as orthostatic disorders of the circulatory system, including hypotension, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and trophic ulcers.
To track physical activity, data from accelerometers of 83,000 individuals from the UK Biobank health database were analyzed, focusing on the time spent sitting and standing, and comparing the incidences of cardiovascular diseases and circulatory system disorders.
Over a seven-year observation period, 6,829 cases of cardiovascular diseases and 2,042 circulatory system disorders were reported among the subjects.
The study results indicated that time spent in a stationary position, whether sitting or standing, is associated with an increased risk of developing orthostatic circulatory disorders. The risk increased on average by 22% for each additional hour spent in a stationary position beyond 12 hours a day. For sitting, the risk rose by 26% for each extra hour beyond 10 hours. For standing, every additional 30 minutes beyond 2 hours increased the risk by 11%.
Remaining in a stationary position and sitting was also linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. Time spent in a stationary position increased the risk by 13% for each extra hour beyond 12 hours a day. For sitting, the risk increased by 15% for every additional hour beyond 10 hours. Standing was not associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
According to the researchers, the main conclusion of the study is that prolonged standing does not compensate for a sedentary lifestyle and may pose health risks to the circulatory system.
The WHO estimates that between 2020 and 2030, over 500 million people will face heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases solely due to a sedentary lifestyle.
Bakhyt Tumenova, a physician and head of the National Association “Densaulyk”, commented on the study, noting that the researchers' conclusions reaffirm that a lack of movement adversely affects cardiovascular health. In Kazakhstan, according to WHO statistics, 28% of the adult population lacks physical activity.
“Only a healthy lifestyle and good habits can eliminate risk factors, preserve health, and extend life. We just need to change our habits in line with the harm reduction concept. Start engaging in physical activity, walk more often, take the stairs instead of the elevator, give up harmful habits as early as possible, reduce alcohol consumption, quit smoking, and switch to a balanced diet,” added Bakhyt Tumenova.