Alex is a Lecturer in Public Health, whose research interests include the measurement and quantification of sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and workplace health. The technological revolution has seen an increase in computer based occupations, with many workers spending the majority of their work time sitting: this increase in sedentary behaviour is known to be associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and early mortality, independent of physical activity levels. There are currently no UK studies with the primary outcome to investigate the effects of sit-stand desks on reducing sitting time at work and in improving health related outcomes. A study to look at the health/work benefits of sit-stand desks in the workplace, using activity monitors, is currently in the development stage in collaboration with industrial partners.
The activPAL™ is a small, light-weight accelerometer-based device, attached to t