Energy Expenditure During Seated, Seated Cycling, and Treadmill Walking Work Conditions (EE-Work)

Energy Expenditure During Seated, Seated Cycling, and Treadmill Walking Work Conditions (EE-Work)

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• You are a full-time employee at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center
• You are between 21 and 65 years of age
• You previously participated in the Pennington Biomedical Research Center's Worker's Acceptability of a Prototype Integrated and Interactive Pedal Desk study (WAPD study)
• You are familiar with using word processing software and comfortable using a standard computer keyboard
• You primarily sit while at work

Exclusion Criteria:

• You weigh more than 250 pounds
• You are pregnant or lactating
• You have high blood pressure (greater than 159 mmHg systolic or 99 mmHg diastolic).
• You use tobacco or other nicotine products
• You have a medical condition or take medications that influence heart rate or metabolic rate (for example - beta blockers, antihistamines, anti-depressants, diuretics, thyroid medications).
• You have physical limitations that prevent performance of pedal motions or normal walking. You have any previous history of, or clinical symptoms or signs of, cardiovascular disease, stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), chest pain, unusual shortness of breath during physical activity, severe ankle edema (swelling), or intermittent claudication (pain caused by lack of blood flow during physical activity).