The study is designed to measure the energy expenditure associated with a common office task (i.e., typing) while 1.) seated in an office chair, 2.) pedaling using a prototype pedal desk, and 3.) walking on a treadmill.
The anthropometrics will be measured first. The height and body weight will be collected by clinic staff in the clinic. The metabolic testing of all conditions will take place in a real office setting. The participant will be fitted with a heart rate monitor fastened around their chest using an elastic strap. They will also be fitted with a portable metabolic system (COSMED). This unit fits around their waist and back, much like a backpack. The unit is attached to a face mask that fits over their mouth and nose and is secured by elastic straps which wrap around their head. The participants will first rest motionless in a chair for 20 minutes. Following this, they will complete three different simulated working conditions by typing at a computer while 1) seated in an office chair, 2) seated pedaling while using a prototype pedal desk, and 3) walking on a treadmill. The order of testing for the seated pedaling and treadmill walking working conditions will be counterbalanced with participants randomly assigned to the two possible order permutations. They will complete the 3 working conditions for 15 minutes each at their own self-selected level of effort. A rest period of 5 minutes will be given between each condition. During the working conditions, they will be asked to retype a displayed standard set of text.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
You will first rest motionless in a chair for 20 minutes. You will complete the working conditions for 15 minutes each at your own self-selected level of effort. A rest period of 5 minutes will be given between each condition. During the working conditions, you will be asked to retype a displayed standard set of text.
You will complete this working conditions for 15 minutes. A rest period of 5 minutes will be given between each condition. During the working conditions, you will be asked to retype a displayed standard set of text.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Energy Expenditure
Energy expenditure will be measured using a portable metabolic system while performing common office tasks or desk work while sitting, standing, and walking. The portable metabolic system consists of a small gas analysis unit and a battery positioned on the abdomen and mid-back, respectively. Respiratory gases are collected by mask that fits over the mouth and nose and analyzed by the unit. The mask does not restrict a participant's breathing, vision or line of sight.
Time frame: Cross-sectional; single visit
Heart rate
A heart rate monitor will be fastened around their chest using an elastic strap.
Time frame: Cross-sectional; single visit
Workload (watts) during seated cycling condition
Participants will be instructed to maintain their preferred pedaling rate during cycling for 10 minutes. Pedal force will be recoreded by specialized pedals.
Time frame: Cross-sectional; single visit
Speed during treadmill walking condition
Participants will be instructed to maintain their preferred treadmill speed during treadmill walking for 10 minutes. Speed will be recoreded by someone outside the immediate study group.
Time frame: Cross-sectional; single visit
Typing accuracy
Time frame: Cross-sectional, single visit
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
You will complete the working conditions for 15 minutes each at your own self-selected level of effort. A rest period of 5 minutes will be given between each condition. During the working conditions, you will be asked to retype a displayed standard set of text.
You will complete the working conditions for 15 minutes each at your own self-selected level of effort. A rest period of 5 minutes will be given between each condition. During the working conditions, you will be asked to retype a displayed standard set of text.