'Pedal while we work' idea raised by scientists in US

Portable pedal machines could be used in every office to improve the health of workers, according to scientists in the US. The researchers, writing in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, said sedentary lifestyles were a serious health problem. They argue that small exercise bikes could be a cheap solution. Charity Weight Concern said improving the health of workers would also benefit employers' bottom lines. Hours spent sitting a desk staring into a computer screen is not an alien experience for many office workers. Physical inactivity has been linked to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Previous attempts at increasing the health of workers have involved hooking a treadmill up to an office computer. Now researchers at East Carolina University are investigating mini exercise bikes, which can be used while sitting at a desk