Researchers at University of Queensland's human movement studies have developed this unique device to remind workers who spend long hours sitting at the desk to stand up more often.
According to the study, too many hours spent sitting down could lead to health problems including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and back, neck, wrist and shoulder injuries.
"Sitting for large portions of the day is associated with poor health outcomes and a reduced life expectancy, even for those people who might be considered physically active," Gemma Ryde, a doctorate student said.
The device accurately recorded the time employees spent sitting down and getting up from their desk, using a medical grade pressure sensor and custom-built micro-controller, local media reports said.
A mechanism built into the sensor can be set to sound an alarm if the person has been sitting down for a predetermined amount of time. The alarm stops when the person stands but reactivates if they sit down again within a couple of seconds.
Researchers using the device found that employees spent over two-thirds of their work time sitting at a desk.
By measuring the workplace behaviour, effective interventions could be designed to improve employee health and wellbeing, Ryde said.
