Study examines impact of sit-stand workstations in reducing chronic low back pain in office workers

Low back pain is one of the most common causes of job-related disabilities, influencing employee productivity and ultimately significantly impacting the economic well-being of a business. A pilot study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine examined whether access to the sit-stand workstations could help reduce or relieve chronic low back pain in office workers. Ergotron, Inc, a Nortek company (Nasdaq: NTK) and a leader in the sit-stand workplace revolution, supplied 46 of their flagship WorkFit™ sit-stand workstations for the study.

The research concluded that low back pain may be improved by the introduction of sit-stand workstations which enable "postural variation" throughout the workday. Some key findings include:

• Reduced pain: At the end of the study, participants who used the sit-stand workstations were 78 percent more likely to report a pain-free day than those who worked at their regular workstations
• Quick intervention: Participants began to experience a difference in approximately 15 days after the sit-stand computer workstation was installed
• Increased concentration: Participants reported significantly lower back and neck pain, noting the pain was significantly less likely to interfere with their ability to concentrate

"These results reinforce the importance of movement and activity in creating a healthier workforce and population," said Carrie Schmitz, senior research manager for Ergotron. "Our mission is to design and supply products that help the human body compute in comfort and increase movement throughout the day."

"Our sit-stand workstations allow seamless movement between sitting and standing positions, offering users ergonomic comfort in addition to many other health-related benefits," said Pete Segar, group president, display mount solutions for Nortek. "We will continue to build on our WorkFit product line to help impact the health and productivity of the world's office workers."