Scientific research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) confirms what we at Ergo-Advice have long suspected: working on a Deskbike has a positive effect on work performance and boosts concentration.
In recent years, there has been a strong focus on creating dynamic workplaces and avoiding prolonged sitting. One way to achieve this is the Deskbike, a bike that fits under a height-adjustable desk and lets you carry out your tasks while pedalling, as a break from long periods of sitting still.
There was no doubt about the Deskbike's effectiveness in avoiding prolonged sitting, but many people wondered whether we could maintain the same productivity and concentration while cycling at work. The VUB study now provides clarity on this question.
The researchers tested whether participants could maintain the same typing speed while pedalling. The short-term memory, reaction time and concentration of the cycling participants were also compared with those of participants working on an ordinary office chair.
The results were very positive for the Deskbike. The researchers found that typing speed and short-term memory remained at the same level when people cycled while working. What's more, reaction times were remarkably better among the cycling participants!
The researchers conclude that working on a Deskbike not only benefits physical health through more movement during work, but also improves alertness and productivity. So the only thing that declines when you work on a Deskbike is the health risk of prolonged sitting at work!
FAQ: Deskbike and productivity
- What exactly did the VUB study show about working on a Deskbike? The study compared typing speed, short-term memory, reaction time and concentration between participants cycling and participants sitting on an ordinary office chair while working.
- Does your typing speed suffer if you cycle while working? No. Typing speed and short-term memory remained at the same level among participants who cycled while working.
- Does cycling while working have any downside for concentration or alertness? Quite the opposite: reaction times were actually remarkably better among the cycling participants. The only thing that declines is the health risk of prolonged sitting.