The Benefits of Replacing Sitting with Standing on Metabolic Risks in Adolescence
Date of Award
Winter 12-14-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Denise Howard
Second Advisor
Brenda Davies
Abstract
Obesity is a growing concern in the United States, with projections indicating that half of the American population will be obese by 2030. This alarming trend is especially critical among children, where obesity not only poses immediate health risks but also increases the likelihood of obesity-related diseases in adulthood. Physical inactivity significantly contributes to obesity. The rate of physical activity decreases as children age, often due to reduced participation in sports and increased interest in social media and gaming. Current interventions to reduce sedentary behavior in adolescents are limited, particularly in the classroom setting. This study addresses the gap in research by looking at the impact of stand-biased desks on physical activity, BMI, and blood pressure among adolescents aged 13-17. The hypothesis is that less sitting time will increase physical activity levels, lower BMI-to-age percentiles, and improve blood pressure, thereby reducing metabolic risks. The study will use accelerometers to monitor activity levels and apply a crossover design to assess the effectiveness of stand-biased desks over six months. The research aims to show the benefits of reducing sitting time in the classroom by using a crossover design and accelerometers to track activity. It is anticipated that this will encourage more physical activity and decrease metabolic risks by providing insights into the benefits of reducing sedentary time in adolescents and help with future educational and public health strategies.