Affiliations: Boston University, Sargent College of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston, MA 02215,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: John McCulloch, 35 Oakwood Village,
Apt. #10, Flanders, NJ 07836, USA. Tel.: +1 973 598 9146; E-mail:
mcku@worldnet.att.net
Abstract: Seventeen studies, which included information regarding the adverse
health risks associated with prolonged standing, were selected for review.
Prolonged standing was defined as standing for over 8 hours [7,8,9]. Studies
were divided into three categories relating to the particular health risk
associated with prolonged standing. Review of the literature indicated that
chronic venous insufficiency [7,16], musculoskeletal pain of the lower back and
feet [11,13], preterm birth, and spontaneous abortions [4,6,12,14] were health
risks associated with working conditions that required prolonged standing. The
use of support hose was associated with positive outcomes in the treatment of
chronic venous insufficiency in several studies [1,2,3,9,17].
