Effect of Active Workstations on Neurocognitive Performance and Typing Skills: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Extended sedentary behavior is a risk factor for chronic disease and mortality, even among those who exercise regularly. Given the time constraints of incorporating physical activity into daily schedules, and the high likelihood of sitting during office work, this environment may serve as a potentially feasible setting for interventions to reduce sedentary behavior. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized cross-over clinical trial was conducted at an employee wellness center. Four office settings were evaluated on 4 consecutive days: stationary or sitting station on day 1 (referent), and 3 subsequent active workstations (standing, walking, or stepper) in randomized order. Neurocognitive function (Selective Attention, Grammatical Reasoning, Odd One Out, Object Reasoning, Visuospatial Intelligence, Limited-Hold Memory, Paired Associates Learning, and Digit Span) and fine motor skills (typing speed and accuracy) were tested using validated tools. Average scores were compared among stations using linear regression with generalized estimating equations to adjust standard errors. Bonferroni method adjusted for multiple comparisons. Healthy subjects were enrolled (n=44), 28 (64%) women, mean±SD age 35±11 years, weight 75.5±17.1 kg, height 168.5±10.0 cm, and body mass index 26.5±5.2 kg/m2. When comparing active stations to sitting, neurocognitive test either improved or remained unchanged, while typing speed decreased without affecting typing errors. Overall results improved after day 1, suggesting habituation. We observed no major differences across active stations, except decrease in average typing speed 42.5 versus 39.7 words per minute with standing versus stepping (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Active workstations improved cognitive performance, suggesting that these workstations can help decrease sedentary time without work performance impairment. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT06240286.

Usefulness of coronary angiography in patients with left atrial myxoma.

The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients >40 years of age with left atrial (LA) myxoma. We analyzed patients diagnosed with LA myxoma who underwent coronary angiography over a 23-year period at Baylor University Medical Center. CAD was found in 14 of the 17 patients (82%), 7 of whom underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at the time of excision of the myxoma. Cardiac catheterization identified vascularity in the LA myxoma in 9 of the 17 patients (53%), with complete angiographic definition of the myxoma in 3. Coronary angiography demonstrated associated CAD and prompted coronary artery bypass grafting in 7 of the 17 patients at the time of excision of the myxoma. Coronary angiography also provided data regarding the vascular supply to the myxoma, which may aid in surgical planning. In conclusion, we believe coronary angiography is warranted in patients >40 years of age with LA myxomas.