Ergonomics

Ergonomics

Dr. Mark Benden’s ergonomic research focus is summed up in his book title, “Could You Stand to Lose.” With sedentary lifestyles contributing to a myriad of health problems, Dr. Benden’s research looks at office worker obesity, classroom ergonomics and childhood obesity, medical device development, and sedentary behavior intervention. His research and innovations have shown that active workstations not only combat sedentary behavior but also increase energy levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce musculoskeletal issues.

Recognizing the benefit of adjustable height desks in the adult population, Benden conducted a longitudinal study on school children who used stand-biased desks. He found that children using the desks had a statistically significant decrease in their BMI percentile. The study also found that students with stand-biased desks did not disengage nor disrupt classroom learning when compared to their seated counterparts.

Benden also conducted groundbreaking research that quantified computer usage disruption during a natural disaster, specifically Hurricane Harvey. The study, conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, found that employees returned to their typical computer usage habits even when they could not return to their traditional workspace, an insightful finding for what was on the horizon a few years later.

As the Center for Worker Health director, Dr. Benden guides the center through technological advances and changes in industry, positioning the center as an industry resource that consults and graduates ready-to-work professionals. Hear more about his work and the center in the Work Factors podcast featuring Dr. Benden.

Benden is also an innovator and inventor, holding 25 patents, most of which involve devices that aid the comfort of people who work at a computer station. can be contacted at mbenden@tamu.edu.