Fourteen subjects sat for 20 minutes either with their legs dangling and unsupported, or supported on a flat surface. Foot and calf skin surface temperature measures were taken using infrared thermography. Laboratory climate conditions were recorded. Results showed a significant decrease in both foot and calfskin surface temperatures (∼0.7°C and 0.2°C respectively) when sitting with the feet supported compared to sitting with the legs dangling but stationary. Results suggest that although foot support may be important, if the supported legs are stationary this may increase venous stagnation. Strategies for periodically moving the supported feet should be considered.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BeasleyR.RaymondN.HillS.NowitzM.HughesR. (2003) “Thrombosis: The 21st century variant of venous thromboembolism associated with immobility.” European Respiratory Journal, 21(2), 374–376.
2.
ChesterM.R.RysM.J.KonzS.A. (2002) Leg Swelling, Comfort and Fatigue when Sitting, Standing, and Sit/Standing, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 29(5), 289–296.
3.
ChoiJ. K.MikiK.SagawaS.ShirakiK. (1997) Evaluation of mean skin temperature formulas by infrared thermography. International Journal of Biometeorology, 541(2), 68–73.
4.
JohnsonP.C. (1978) Peripheral CirculationJohn Wiley & Sons, New York: pp. 196–197.
5.
KarlssonH.HanelS. E.NilssonK. (1995) Evaluation of methods for measurement of regional skin temperature and heat flow in neonates. Acta Paediatr, 84(6), 599–603.
6.
NoddelandH.WinkelJ. (1988) Effects of leg activity and ambient barometric pressure on foot swelling and lower-limb skin temperature during 8 h of sitting. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 57(4), 409–14.
7.
PaulR. (1995). Foot Swelling in VDT operators with sitting and sit-stand workstations. Proceeding of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 39th Annual Meeting, 1, 568–572.
8.
PottierM.DubreuilA.MonodH. (1969) The effects of sitting posture on the volume of the foot. Ergonomics, 12, 753–758.
9.
SarvesvaranR. (1986) Sudden natural deaths associated with commercial air travel. Medicine, Science and Law, 26, 35–38.
10.
ScurrJ.H.MachinS.J.Bailey-KingS.MackieI.J.McDonaldS.SmithP.D. (2001) Frequency and prevention of symptomless deep-vein thrombosis in long-haul flights: A randomised trial. Lancet; 357, 1485–1489.
11.
ShermanC.R. (2003) The effects of a motorized footrest on lower leg circulation in sedentary workers, Cornell University, Dept. Design & Environmental Analysis, MS thesis, May.
12.
SmithJ.J.KampineJ.P. (1990) Circulatory Physiology — the essentials, 3rd Edition. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 99, 139, 223–251.
13.
StrandenE. (2000). Dynamic leg volume changes when sitting in a locked and free floating tilt office chair. Ergonomics, 43(3), 421–33.
14.
WinkelJ. (1981). Swelling of the lower leg in sedentary work- a pilot study. Journal of Human Ergology, 10, 139–149.
15.
WinkelJ. (1986) Evaluation of foot swelling and lower-limb temperatures in relation to leg activity during long-term seated office work. Ergonomics, 29 (2), 313–328.
