The long-term complications of standing are conditions that may arise after a long period of time in standing or upright positions including standing, walking or running. Many complications stem from long standing (over 60% of working days) are repeated several times a week. There are many different jobs that require long standing. These include: "retail staff, Barista, bartenders, assembly line workers, security staff, engineers, catering staff, library assistants, hairdressers and lab technicians."
Cornell University has calculated that "Standing requires ~ 20% more energy than sitting".
Video Long-term complications of standing
Prevalence
There is no definite measure of how common the complications are. However, European studies report that between one-third and half of all workers spend at least four hours per Work Work (for an average of eight hours working days) standing or walking. One estimate from the UK stated that more than 11 million people stood for long periods of time without a break.
Maps Long-term complications of standing
Complications
Slouching
Proper posture is often referred to as a "neutral spine"; bending is an incorrect posture or "nonneutral spine"
Bending is often described as improper posture, spinal movements or stiffness, especially the cervical and thoracic areas, in relation to other parts of the body.
Varicose
Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins, especially in the legs, ankles and feet of an affected individual.
When standing up, gravity draws blood down to the lower body. Body mechanisms, such as vasoconstriction and venous valves, help pump blood up. When blood is pumped through the body, the valves in the blood vessels prevent blood from flowing backwards. After standing for a long time, this valve can become weak and eventually fail. When this happens, the blood is no longer prevented from flowing backwards. Gravity will draw blood back to the feet, ankles and feet of the individual. This forces the blood vessels to expand or "balloon" to accommodate this extra blood.
The venous valves work best in concert with the accompanying muscle contractions that force the blood to continue moving up the legs. Standing with some muscles that are constantly tense weakens this muscle and therefore the force of contraction. Varicose veins have also been linked to chronic heart and circulatory disorders and hypertension as well as pregnancy-related complications.
Long standing increases the risk of hospitalization of varicose veins. Among the working age population one in five hospitalizations of varicose veins is as a result of long standing. Long standing leads to stunted blood flow and stasis in blood vessels in the lower limbs, which can cause varicose veins.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Standing for prolonged periods may cause certain cardiovascular disorders. In a study by Krause et al. (2000) the authors examined the relationship between standing at work and the development of carotid atherosclerosis in men. Standing for a long time can alter the distribution of blood in the extremities. This in turn causes blood to stagnate and decreases the volume of circulating blood plasma that leads to hemodynamic changes that affect the body. The authors report that long standing at work is significantly related to the development of atherosclerotic. This study provides evidence that hemodynamic changes from standing may affect the progression of carotid atherosclerosis. The authors also found that men with carotid stenosis or ischemic heart disease are at greater risk for the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and aneurysms.
Composite compression
Standing puts significant pressure on the hip, knee, ankle and leg joints but without significant movement. This reduces the normal lubrication and synovial joint pads, causing them to tear. The combined effect of pressure and tears can cause a lot of pain and make it difficult to move or walk.
Muscle fatigue
Muscles stored in a constant stress position quickly become exhausted and can cause pain and swelling in the lower back, legs, ankles and feet.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) has stated that muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders account for "33% of all injury and illness workers". A lot of research has been done for the level of muscle injury and all have concluded that this is expected but can be reduced by rest and seat availability.
Studies have shown that the body experiences muscle fatigue after standing for five hours; This fatigue lasts for more than 30 minutes after the end of the working day according to electronic fatigue measurements. The perception of fatigue is subjective and does not always correlate with experimental indicators of fatigue.
Pregnancy
Walking or standing over six hours per day has been associated with premature birth, low birth weight and high blood pressure for the mother.
Researchers have found that working more than 25 hours a week has been "associated with a slower rate of fetal growth". They also found that, on average, no "negative effects work up to 36 weeks after pregnancy".
Productivity
A systematic review of Karakolis and Callaghan found that workstations sit-down did not reduce worker productivity. Three of the reviewed studies found increased productivity when workers used station stations, four reported no impact on worker productivity, and one reported mixed results.
Interventions
There is no real precaution to stand up, but there are ways to reduce the time spent standing at work. Experts advise to move and change positions throughout the day. Should not sit in one position for more than 20 minutes, or stand in one position for more than 8 minutes.
If a long sitting in the workplace is needed or desired, the individual must gradually move into a significant standing period. When transitioning from sitting to standing, the individual may experience musculoskeletal discomfort or fatigue as the body adapts.
Companies must design workstations that are conducive to good health. Workstations should allow workers to choose between multiple work positions and to move easily between them. In addition, workers should be able to adjust the height of their workstations to fit their body size. Other useful aspects of the workstation are footrests, elbows, and chairs so that workers can sit when they need them.
Footwear
The selection of footwear can change the impact of long standing. Shoes should support the legs, have shock absorbing pads, fits leg well, and comfortable. Shoes do not have to be flat, have heels higher than 5 cm, or change the shape of the foot. There are also special soles for shoes that can be used when mats or soft chairs are not available. In addition, the floor in the work area should not be made of metal or concrete. It is best to have a cork or rubber coated floor. Floors do not have to be slippery.
Training and education are important components to avoid complications from standing. Employees trained in ergonomics experience less muscle discomfort and more productivity when using sitstand work stations than untrained workers.
Floor mats
Proper floor mats can also be used to reduce stress on the feet and knees. Anti-tired fabrics are recommended and washable mats are preferred.
See also
- Neutral spine
- Varicose veins
- Ergonomics
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia