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DOES GYMBA USE INCREASE MUSCLE ACTIVITY
AMPLITUDE AND VARIABILITY DURING OFFICE WORK?
Olli Tikkanen, PhD; Harri Helajärvi, MD, PhD; Arto Pesola, PhD
The risk of metabolic, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders is higher when spending
prolonged times sitting - but also prolonged, static standing can be harmful. Several dynamic
standing options, like standing boards, have been introduced to mitigate the musculoskeletal risks,
and to amplify the possible metabolic benefits of standing. Gymba is an activation board designed
to enable multi-dimensional and walking-like movements during standing, e.g. while working at a
stand-up desk.
The aim of this pilot study was to compare, during office work, muscle activity amplitude and
variability of casual (intuitional use of the board) and active Gymba use (encouraged active use of
the board) to work done sitting, working at a stand-up desk, or walking, in three recreationally active
adults. The muscle activity amplitude indicates the total activity of muscles, and variability the
muscle activity changes during these activity periods.
Compared to sitting, casual and active Gymba use increased thigh muscle activity with 82% and
194%, and calf muscle activity with 204% and 290%, respectively (Muslce activity amplitude figure
and graphic). Compared to standing, casual and active Gymba use increased thigh muscle activity
with 62% and 162%, and calf muscle activity with 115% and 181%, respectively. When compared to
walking, thigh muscles were equally or 58% more active, but calf muscles 34% or 15% less active
during casual and active Gymba use, respectively. Muscle activity variability was largely
comparable during walking and Gymba use (Muscle activity variability graphic).
This small-scale pilot study suggests that Gymba use at a stand-up desk is more active than
standing, and for thigh muscles at least as active as walking. Using Gymba during office work may
therefore promote metabolic health, while mitigating the musculoskeletal risks associated with
prolonged sitting and standing.
Sitting Standing Walking Gymba
(casual)
Gymba
(active)
Sitting Standing Walking Gymba
(casual)
Gymba
(active)
Muscle
activity
amplitude
figure
Muscle
activity
amplitude
graphic
Muscle
activity
variability
graphic
Q = Quadriceps
H = Hamstrings
S = Soleus
G = Gastrocnemius medial
T = Tibialis anterior
P = Peroneus longus
Q H S G T P Q H S G T P Q H S G T P Q H S G T PQ H S G T P
Low
muscle
activity
High
muscle
activity