Key Takeaway
Treadmill and cycle desks do not impair cognitive function or work performance in sedentary workers, supporting their use without productivity concerns.
Summary
This review and meta-analysis assessed whether active workstations — specifically treadmill desks and cycle desks — affect cognitive function and work performance in sedentary office workers. The concern that walking or cycling while working might reduce productivity or impair concentration has been a key barrier to adoption.
The pooled results showed that neither treadmill desks nor cycle desks significantly impaired cognitive function or work performance compared to standard seated desks. While some individual studies noted minor decreases in typing speed or fine motor tasks at higher walking speeds, overall cognitive measures including attention, memory, and executive function were preserved.
These findings are important because they address a primary objection to active workstations in the workplace. The evidence suggests that workers can maintain their cognitive performance and productivity while gaining the health benefits of reduced sedentary time and increased physical activity.