As research into the benefits of adjustable desks continues, studies have come up highlighting that the perks of these desks go beyond the traditional workspace. In fact, they have proven that these desks are instrumental in promoting productivity in various setups, from remote offices to artist workshops and more. More interestingly, they have shone a light on another key area where these desks could change lives – ergonomic study spaces. We look at what the research has uncovered and whether getting an adjustable desk for your child could be a great idea.
Do Ergonomics Matter in Learning?
Adjustable desks boast designs that allow users to switch between standing and sitting. These desks come in electric, manual, and hybrid forms, which dictate their ease of use, with electric desks being the easiest to use. You can find out more hereabout this latter category.
But regardless of the operating mode, these desks are designed to help users easily change their postures to suit their current needs, e.g., standing for stretching limbs or sitting for relaxation. And in the workspace, they have proven to be gems. But can they make a difference in study sessions?
According to recent research, they shine in the following aspects:
They Result in Increased Focus
Children may have minds like sponges, but they still suffer from generally short attention spans. This reduced focus is often worsened by factors such as uncomfortable seating and remaining in the same position for a long time. Take the example of muscle strain. If a child feels uncomfortable, they are likely to spend time focusing on that discomfort instead of the task at hand.
Adjustable desks address these challenges by prompting children to stand periodically, which paves the way for:
Increased blood flow – this increases the oxygen levels in the body which results in higher mental clarity and improved brain function.
The alleviation of discomfort – standing eases the tension in the body which allows the child to focus on their studies rather than the distractions of their discomfort.
The more alert the child feels, the better they can focus on their work. Studies have shown that this results in better performance over time.
They Address Fatigue and Posture Problems
With increased study hours, many children find themselves slouching over their desks as they try to keep up with their workloads. While this may seem harmless, it introduces several issues, as follows:
It exhausts the child. Sitting for long hours is tiring on the body and results in mental exhaustion, which makes study time feel tiresome.
It encourages bad posture. The longer children must work on their projects, the more tempted they are to slouch or take up other poor postures that affect their spinal health.
Studying while alternating between sitting and standing helps your child address these issues. Not only do they get to boost their blood circulation when standing but they also get to work on their posture, which sets them up for long-term healthy habits.
They Encourage Active Learning
Many children learn better if they are actively involved in the lessons, which is why many schools incorporate practical lessons in their curricula. Sitting dulls this ability by turning them into passive learners. Standing, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. Each time children stand, they subconsciously engage their feet, spine, and other body parts, which increases their mental alertness compared to when they are sitting. This multi-sensory approach results in higher enthusiasm and retention rates. In fact, studies have shown that children who suffer from ADHD and other learning difficulties can benefit greatly from using standing desks.
Setting Up an Adjustable Desk for Your Child
Reaping the benefits of an adjustable desk comes down to choosing the right desk from the start. Go for a desk whose height matches your child to prevent any strain when sitting or standing. Also, look at the desk’s operation. Ideally, you should get an electric desk as this is adjustable at the tap of a button, compared to manual desks, whose transitions may not be as seamless. And finally, choose a durable frame that will serve your child for years.
