Sitting time and work patterns as indicators of overweight and obesity in Australian adults

Active workstations: A literature review on workplace sitting

The purpose of this paper is to further understand current literature on prolonged sitting, sitting posture and active sitting solutions. This paper is divided into three sections: The first section (Part I) is a comprehensive overview of the literature on how a static prolonged seated posture can affect: spinal health, trunk posture, contact pressure/discomfort development and vascular issues. The second section (Part II) reviews and qualitatively compares the four working postures recognized in ANSI/HFES 100-2007: reclined sitting, upright sitting, declined sitting and standing. The final section (Part III) is a summary of research on active chairs that revolves around the two types of movement patterns: 1- sustaining continual movement over a range of postures, occasionally reaching neutral lordosis, and 2- maintaining high frequency and duration of daily light contractile activity in the legs (or lower limbs).

Association of sitting time and cardiorespiratory fitness with cardiovascular disease risk and healthcare costs among office workers

Evidence of the impact of domain-specific sitting time (ST) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is currently limited. This study aimed to examine the associations between CRF and domain-specific STs in relation to CVD risk and annual healthcare costs among office workers. This cross-sectional study included 1,749 workers from an insurance company. The Worker's Living Activity-time Questionnaire was used to measure the domain-specific STs, including occupational ST and non-working day ST. Additionally, estimated maximal oxygen uptake as the CRF data was calculated using a validated equation: 59.96 - 0.23 × age + 7.39 × sex - 0.79 × body mass index + 0.33 × physical activity score. The company provided medical checkup results for CVD risk factors and healthcare costs. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for CVD risk. Significantly lower ORs for CVD risk were seen only with high CRF levels, and it was also associated with low annual healthcare costs. There were no associations between domain-specific STs and annual healthcare costs. Further explorations of domain-specific STs, physical activity, and health risks are warranted, and guidelines should focus on increasing CRF to prevent CVD risk among office workers.

Providing office workers with height-adjustable workstation to reduce and interrupt workplace sitting time: protocol for the Stand Up for Healthy Aging (SUFHA) cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior (SB) has been linked to several negative health outcomes. Therefore, reducing SB or breaking up prolonged periods of SB improves functional fitness, food consumption, job satisfaction, and productivity. Reducing SB can be achieved by introducing a health-enhancing contextual modification promoted by a sit-stand desk in the workplace. The primary goal will be to test the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing and breaking up SB, while improving health outcomes in office-based workers during a 6-month intervention.

METHODS

A two-arm (1:1), superiority parallel-group cluster RCT will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in a sample of office-based workers from a university in Portugal. The intervention will consist of a psychoeducation session, motivational prompts, and contextual modification promoted by a sit-stand desk in the workplace for 6 months. The control group will work as usual in their workplace, with no contextual change or prompts during the 6-month intervention. Three assessment points will be conducted in both groups, pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention, and a 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes include sedentary and physical activity-related variables, which will be objectively assessed with 24 h monitoring using the ActivPAL for 7 days. The secondary outcomes include (a) biometric indices as body composition, body mass index, waist circumference, and postural inequalities; and (b) psychosocial variables such as overall and work-related fatigue, overall discomfort, life/work satisfaction, quality of life, and eating behavior. Both the primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at each assessment point.

DISCUSSION

This study will lean on the use of a sit-stand workstation for 6 months, prompted by an initial psychoeducational session and ongoing motivational prompts. We will aim to contribute to this topic by providing robust data on alternating sitting and standing postures in the workplace.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was prospectively registered, and the details are at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JHGPW ; Registered 15 November 2022. OSF Preregistration.

Does Standing Up Enhance Performance on the Stroop Task in Healthy Young Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Understanding the changes in cognitive processing that accompany changes in posture can expand our understanding of embodied cognition and open new avenues for applications in (neuro)ergonomics. Recent studies have challenged the question of whether standing up alters cognitive performance. An electronic database search for randomized controlled trials was performed using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines, PICOS framework, and standard quality assessment criteria (SQAC). We pooled data from a total of 603 healthy young adults for incongruent and 578 for congruent stimuli and Stroop effect (mean age = 24 years). Using random-effects results, no difference was found between sitting and standing for the Stroop effect (Hedges' g = 0.13, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.29, p = 0.134), even when comparing congruent (Hedges' g = 0.10; 95% CI: -0.132 to 0.339; Z = 0.86; p = 0.389) and incongruent (Hedges' g = 0.18; 95% CI: -0.072 to 0.422; Z = 1.39; p = 0.164) stimuli separately. Importantly, these results imply that changing from a seated to a standing posture in healthy young adults is unlikely to have detrimental effects on selective attention and cognitive control. To gain a full understanding of this phenomenon, further research should examine this effect in a population of healthy older adults, as well as in a population with pathology.

Exploring the use of an under-desk leg swing device during employee aptitude testing and implications on work performance and productivity

BACKGROUND

As modern occupations become more sedentary, desk-bound workers are more at risk of chronic diseases. Active workstations have gained popularity in the workplace, but there remain concerns about their impact on cognitive function.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the use of a novel under-desk leg swing device on cognitive ability in the workplace compared to sitting.

METHODS

Cognitive ability was measured using a pre-employment aptitude test (CCAT), and perceived outcomes were analyzed via self-report questionnaires. Using a randomized, repeated measures crossover design, 18 undergraduate students undertook the CCAT while using the under-desk leg swing device and while sitting only (Experiment 1). 9 students returned two to three weeks later to repeat testing (Experiment 2).

RESULTS

In Experiment 1, CCAT scores did not differ significantly between the under-desk leg swing device and sitting (mean difference (MD) = -1.056, standard error (SE) = 1.302,p = 0.429, d = -0.16). Effect sizes of 0.554 were observed for perceived alertness, 0.446 for attention, 0.446 for focus, and 0.564 for enjoyment, but there were no significant differences between the two conditions. CCAT scores were significantly higher in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1 (MD = 8.444, SE = 2.410,p = 0.008, d = 1.64).

CONCLUSION

Based on Experiment 1, the findings suggest that the use of the under-desk leg swing device promotes movement without detriment to neither workflow nor cognitive ability relevant to employee aptitude compared to sitting.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Mothers of School-Aged Children: Differences in Accelerometer-Derived Pattern Metrics by Demographic, Employment, and Household Factors

BACKGROUND

Dynamic patterns of how physical activity and sedentary time are accumulated across the day are associated with health outcomes, independent of total activity levels. Individual factors may influence activity patterns in mothers, but these associations are unknown. This study examined multivariable associations between demographic, employment, and household factors and day-level pattern metrics.

METHODS

Mothers (N = 200) of school-aged children (ages 8-12 years) participated in 6 semi-annual 7-day assessments. Waist-worn Actigraph GT3X accelerometers assessed daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; minutes, number of short bouts [<10 minutes], proportion of long bouts [≥20 minutes]) and sedentary time (minutes, number of breaks, proportion of long bouts [≥60 minutes], temporal dispersion). Multilevel models examined associations between individual characteristics and activity metrics.

RESULTS

There were 4,930 day-level observations. Having a college degree was associated with fewer short MVPA bouts (B = -2.67), more sedentary minutes (B = 21.66), greater long sedentary bouts (odds ratio = 1.50), and having sedentary time less evenly distributed across the day (B = 0.01). Working full-time was associated with more short MVPA bouts (B = 1.39) and breaks in sedentary time (B = 2.08). Having at least 1 infant (<6 months old) in the same household was associated with fewer MVPA minutes (B = -0.11) and short MVPA bouts (B = -4.46), whereas having at least 1 young child (6 months-5 years old) in the same household was associated with fewer sedentary minutes (B = -11.85) and fewer long sedentary bouts (odds ratio = 0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

Day-level pattern metrics show differences not captured when examining total volume alone. Results provide more nuanced information as to how activity is accumulated in terms of bouts and breaks, which can inform programs to increase MVPA and reduce sedentary time by elucidating subpopulations that should be targeted by health behavior interventions.

Sit Less and Move More-A Multicomponent Intervention With and Without Height-Adjustable Workstations in Contact Center Call Agents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To pilot a multicomponent intervention to sit less and move more, with (SLAMM+) and without (SLAMM) height-adjustable workstations, in contact center call agents.

METHODS

Agents were individually randomized to SLAMM or SLAMM+ in this 10-month, parallel, open-label, pilot trial. Mixed-methods assessed response, recruitment, retention, attrition and completion rates, adverse effects, trial feasibility and acceptability, preliminary effectiveness on worktime sitting, and described secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The participant recruitment rate, and randomization, data collection, and interventions were mostly acceptable. Refinements to organization recruitment were identified. High staff turnover negatively impacted retention and completion rates. The multicomponent intervention with height-adjustable workstations has potential to reduce sitting time at work.

CONCLUSIONS

The demonstrated findings will help prepare for a future randomized controlled trial designed to assess the effect of the interventions.

Patterns and Predictors of Sitting among Women from Disad-Vantaged Neighbourhoods over Time: A 5-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Our aim was to describe patterns of sitting over time and determine the sociodemographic predictors of sitting over time among women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Methods: Women age between 18 and 45 years (mean = 34.4 ±8.1, n = 4349) reported their sitting time, sociodemographic (e.g., age), and health (e.g., body mass index) three times over 5 years. Linear mixed modelling was used to determine the predictors of change in sitting over time, adjusting for covariates. Results: Mean baseline sitting time was 40.9 h/week, decreasing to 40.1 h/week over five years. Greater sitting time was reported in participants ≤25 years of age, living with obesity, living in urban areas, self-reported poor/fair health, working full-time, with higher education, never married and with no children. Annually, the average sitting time decreased by 0.4 h/week (95% CI; -0.7 to -0.05) in women working full-time but increased by 0.1 h/week (95% CI; -0.2 to 0.6) who were not working. Similarly, annual sitting time decreased by 0.6 h/week (95% CI; -0.2 to 1.3) in women with no children but increased by 0.4 h/week (95% CI; -0.2 to 0.5) and 0.9 h/week (95% CI; 0.3 to 1.3) among those with two and three/more children, respectively. Conclusion: Among disadvantaged women, those not working and with two or more children may be at particular risk for increased sitting time and warrant further attention.

Are blue-collar workers more physically active than white-collar at work?

This study evaluates the physical activity level at work and leisure time of white-collar and two groups of blue-collar workers from the latex glove industry and the association of physical activity level and musculoskeletal complains and work ability. The workers' sociodemographic and behavioral health characteristics, work ability index, musculoskeletal complains, total step count and caloric expenditure for three consecutive days, were assessed. The blue-collar workers that move most from the workstation (longD) were more physically active at work compared to white-collar and blue-collar that moved close the workstation (shortD). But in leisure-time the result is reversed, white-collar and blue-collar groups were significantly more active. There was no association between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain intensity and work ability. All the groups of workers exhibited satisfactory physical activity levels, but only blue-collar (longD) were more physically active (10,000 steps per day).

Why are physical activity breaks more effective than a single session of isoenergetic exercise in reducing postprandial glucose? A systemic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies revealed that interrupting sitting time with short, frequent physical activity (PA) breaks were more effective than a single session of isoenergetic exercise in reducing postprandial glucose. However, in those studies, the expected glucose-lowering effects of single-session exercises were diminished or even eliminated by exercise-induced glucose counterregulation as evidenced by the higher glucose levels during or after exercise compared to uninterrupted sitting. This study was aimed to investigate whether glucose counterregulation is a potential explanation of PA breaks being more effective than a single session of isoenergetic exercise in reducing postprandial glucose. We meta-analysed the standardized mean differences (SMD) of glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC). PA breaks were more effective than single-session exercise in reducing glucose iAUC (5 studies, SMD = -0.581; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.777 to -0.385; P < 0.0001) when exercise-induced glucose counterregulation occurred. There was no significant difference in glucose iAUC between PA breaks and single-session exercises (2 studies, SMD = 0.302; 95% CI, -0.107 to 0.711; P = 0.451) when glucose counterregulation did not occur. We concluded that the exercise-induced glucose counterregulation was a potential explanation of PA breaks being more effective than a single session of isoenergetic exercise in reducing postprandial glucose responses. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020175737).

Gender differences and occupational factors for the risk of obesity in the Italian working population

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a multifactorial condition and a major risk factor associated with several non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and with a higher risk of premature death and disability. Sex-specific factors have key roles and must be taken into consideration in studying occupational factors associated with the risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in body mass index (BMI) in a large cohort representative of Italian workers and, correlating this index with several demographic and occupational variables, to verify sex- and work-dependent differences in the risk of obesity.

METHODS

We utilized data from INSuLa, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of the Italian worker population conducted in 2013 by the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority to investigate health and safety at work. Analyses were run on a sample of 8000 Italian workers, aged from 16 to 64 years. Logistic regression models were employed to assess gender differences in the relation between occupational characteristics and BMI. We adjusted for age, education, variables related to health protection at work, and chronic conditions and diseases.

RESULTS

There were several significant differences in the BMI between males and females, linked to some occupational factors. For instance, female shift workers were 1.32 times (95% CI 1.11-1.57) more likely to be overweight or obese than normal-weight workers, and this association was maintained when controlling for confounders. The likelihood of overweight or obesity among women who worked 1-2 night shifts per week was significantly higher - 1.5-1.6 times - than those on day shifts.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender-specific differences in occupational factors associated with the risk of obesity are useful with a view to characterizing this risk and helping identify workplace-targeted intervention strategies.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of ambulatory older adults in a developed Asian community: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) independently influence the health outcomes of older adults. Both provide interventional opportunities for successful ageing. We aimed to determine levels of PA and SB in ambulatory older adults and their associated factors in a developed Asian population known for its longevity.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in a Singapore public primary healthcare centre. Multi-ethnic Asian adults aged ≥ 60 years took an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey. PA and SB were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE; score range 0 to > 400) and the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire for the Elderly, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 397 participants (50.9% female; 73.2% Chinese; 47.9% aged ≥ 70 years; 33.5% employed, including voluntary work), 58.7% had ≥ 3 chronic illnesses and 11.1% required walking aids. The median PASE score was 110.8 (interquartile range 73.8-171.6) and decreased significantly with increasing age. Higher PASE score was associated with higher educational level, employment, independent ambulation without aid, and fewer chronic illnesses (p < 0.01). Employment status significantly influenced PASE score (β = 84.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 66.5-103.4; p < 0.01). 37.0% spent ≥ 8 hours daily on sedentary activity and were twice as likely to do so if they were employed (odds ratio 2.19, 95% CI 1.34-3.59; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The PA of the older adults decreased with increasing age and increased with employment. One-third of them were sedentary for ≥ 8 hours daily. Those who were employed were twice as likely to have SB.

Chronic Pain Patients' Kinesiophobia and Catastrophizing are Associated with Activity Intensity at Different Times of the Day

Purpose

To examine the relationship between baseline kinesiophobia and baseline pain catastrophizing with the 4-day average activity intensity at different times of the day while accounting for different wake and sleep-onset times in chronic pain patients.

Methods

Twenty-one participants suffering from idiopathic chronic pain completed baseline questionnaires about kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, disability, depression, and pain. We measured the participants' activity using accelerometers and calculated activity intensity in the morning, afternoon, and evening. We performed a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA to compare activity levels at different times of the day, and multiple linear regressions.

Results

Baseline kinesiophobia was significantly associated with 4-day average evening light activity and sedentary activity at all time periods while baseline catastrophizing was significantly associated with increased 4-day average light activity in the evening and more moderate to vigorous activity in the morning. Our participants engaged in more light activity on average than sedentary activity, and very little moderate-vigorous activity. Participants were most active in the afternoon.

Conclusion

Baseline kinesiophobia and baseline catastrophizing were not associated with the 4-day average total daily activity; however, they were associated with 4-day average activity intensities at different times throughout the day. Segmenting daily activity into morning, afternoon, evening may influence the relationship between daily activity, and kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. Individuals with chronic pain are less sedentary than previously thought which may affect future interventions.

Association of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing with risk of overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension: A dose-response meta-analysis

AIMS

To explore the quantitative dose-response association of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension in a meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched three databases to identify English-language reports that assessed the association of total sedentary behaviour or television viewing with the aforementioned health outcomes. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate possible linear or non-linear associations of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing with these health outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 48 articles (58 studies) with a total of 1 071 967 participants in the meta-analysis; 21 (six cohort and 15 cross-sectional) studies examined the association of total sedentary behaviour with overweight/obesity, 23 (13 cohort and 10 cross-sectional) studies examined the association with type 2 diabetes and 14 (one cohort and 13 cross-sectional) studies examined the association with hypertension. We found linear associations between total sedentary behaviour and type 2 diabetes (P_{non-linearity} = 0.190) and hypertension (P_{non-linearity} = 0.225) and a non-linear association between total sedentary behaviour and overweight/obesity (P_{non-linearity} = 0.003). For each 1-h/d increase in total sedentary behaviour, the risk increased by 5% for type 2 diabetes and 4% for hypertension. We also found linear associations between television viewing and type 2 diabetes (P_{non-linearity} = 0.948) and hypertension (P_{non-linearity} = 0.679) and a non-linear association for overweight/obesity (P_{non-linearity} = 0.007). For each 1-h/d increase in television viewing, the risk increased by 8% for type 2 diabetes and 6% for hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of total sedentary behaviour and television viewing were associated with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Nudging physical activity in offices

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether and why nudging interventions in an office environment are effective to stimulate stair use of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a pre-test/post-test case study design at the headquarters of a Dutch online retailer. Observations were conducted to test the impact of two nudge interventions, being footprints and posters, on employees’ stair use in two consecutive pre-test/post-test weeks. An online survey questionnaire was used to assess employees’ overall experience with the nudging interventions after the fifth and again neutral week.

Findings

A total of 14,357 observations were recorded during five weeks. This research shows that footprints as nudging intervention significantly increase stair use of employees, and after removal, significantly decrease stair use again. Moreover, footprints were more effective than posters, of which the latter did not impact stair use significantly. Results from the survey questionnaire, completed by 46.2 per cent of the employees, showed that, in terms of degree of perception, footprints (91.4 per cent) were more noticeable than posters (46.3 per cent).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the non-conclusive research regarding the effectiveness of nudging interventions on stair use in office environments. It clearly shows that perceptibility in combination with a positive attitude towards the nudge leads to a higher degree of initial behavioural change, yet not to a change of mind.

Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior, Alcohol Consumption, and Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years in 19 Countries From Africa, the Americas, and Asia

BACKGROUND

The association between sedentary behavior and sexual behavior has not been investigated among adolescents.

AIM

The aim of this study was to: (i) investigate the association between leisure-time sedentary behavior and sexual intercourse, and (ii) test for mediation by alcohol consumption, drug use, physical activity, bullying victimization, parental support/monitoring, loneliness, and depressive symptoms in a large global sample of young adolescents.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 34,674 adolescents aged 12-15 years participating in the Global School-based Student Health Survey. Participants reported the number of hours spent in leisure-time sedentary behavior on a typical day (<1, 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, and >8 hours). Data on alcohol consumption, drug use, physical activity, bullying victimization, parental support/monitoring, loneliness, and depressive symptoms were considered as potential mediators.

OUTCOME

Participants reported whether or not they had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months (yes/no).

RESULTS

The prevalence of past 12-month sexual intercourse was 11.9%, whereas the prevalence of <1, 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, and >8 hours per day of leisure-time sedentary behavior were 26.7%, 35.6%, 21.4%, 11.5%, and 4.9%, respectively. There was a dose-dependent relationship between sedentary behavior and odds of reporting sexual intercourse: compared with <1 hour/day of sedentary behavior, the odds ratio (95% CI) of sexual intercourse associated with 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, and >8 hours/day of sedentary behavior were 1.12 (0.94-1.33), 1.22 (1.01-1.48), 1.34 (1.08-1.66), and 1.76 (1.37-2.27), respectively. There was no significant interaction by sex. The largest proportion of the association between sedentary behavior and sexual intercourse was explained by alcohol use (% mediated 21.2%), with other factors explaining an additional 11.2%.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Interventions to reduce leisure-time sedentary and/or alcohol consumption may contribute to a reduction in the proportion of adolescents engaging in sexual intercourse at a young age. The strengths and limitations of this study are the large, representative sample of adolescents from 19 countries. However, the cross-sectional design means causality or temporal associations could not be established.

CONCLUSIONS

In young adolescents, leisure-time sedentary behavior is positively associated with odds of having sexual intercourse in both boys and girls, in a dose-dependent manner. Alcohol consumption seems to be a key mediator of this relationship. Smith L, Jackson SE, Jacob L, et al. Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior, Alcohol Consumption, and Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years in 19 Countries From Africa, the Americas, and Asia. J Sex Med 2019;16:1355-1363.

Medium-term effects of a two-desk sit/stand workstation on cognitive performance and workload for healthy people performing sedentary work: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Implementing sit/stand workstations in sedentary work environments is a common way to reduce sedentary time, but their medium-term effect on cognitive performance is unclear. To address this circumstance, eighteen office workers participated in a two-arm, randomised controlled cross-over trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02825303), either working at a traditional (sit) or an interventional (sit/stand) workplace for 23 weeks. Cognitive performance (working speed, reaction time, concentration performance, accuracy), workload and relevant covariates (salivary cortisol level, heart rate, physical activity, sitting time) were measured pre- and post-intervention under laboratory conditions. MANOVA and RMANOVA results did not show differences in performance parameters and workload, respectively, between sit/stand and traditional workplace users. Differences in text editing accuracy and cortisol levels for sit/stand workstation users indicate potential connectivity to cognitive parameters which should be further examined with large-scale studies. Practitioner summary: Medium-term effects of working at sit/stand workstations on cognitive performance and workload are unexplored. This randomised controlled trial suggests that cognitive performance and workload are unaffected for sit/stand workstation users after 23 weeks of use. However, accuracy appeared to improve and physiological stress appeared to be altered. Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; IPAQ: International physical activity questionnaire; MET: metabolic equivalent of task; MANOVA: multivariate ANOVA; NASA TLX: NASA task load index; RMANOVA: repeated measures ANOVA.

Energy Expenditure While Using Workstation Alternatives at Self-Selected Intensities

BACKGROUND

Active workstations offer the potential for augmenting energy expenditure (EE) in sedentary occupations. However, comparisons of EE during pedal and treadmill desk usage at self-selected intensities are lacking.

METHODS

A sample of 16 adult participants (8 men and 8 women; 33.9 [7.1] y, 22.5 [2.7] kg/m²) employed in sedentary occupations had their EE measured using indirect calorimetry during 4 conditions: (1) seated rest, (2) seated typing in a traditional office chair, (3) self-paced pedaling on a pedal desk while typing, and (4) self-paced walking on a treadmill desk while typing.

RESULTS

For men and women, self-paced pedal and treadmill desk typing significantly increased EE above seated typing (pedal desk: +1.20 to 1.28 kcal/min and treadmill desk: +1.43 to 1.93 kcal/min, P < .001). In men, treadmill desk typing (3.46 [0.19] kcal/min) elicited a significantly higher mean EE than pedal desk typing (2.73 [0.21] kcal/min, P < .001). No significant difference in EE was observed between treadmill desk typing (2.68 [0.19] kcal/min) and pedal desk typing among women (2.52 [0.21] kcal/min).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-paced treadmill desk usage elicited significantly higher EE than self-paced pedal desk usage in men but not in women. Both pedal and treadmill desk usage at self-selected intensities elicited approximate 2-fold increases in EE above what would typically be expected during traditional seated office work.

The effects of introducing electric adjustable height desks in an office setting on workplace physical activity levels: A randomised control field trial

BACKGROUND

Electric adjustable height desks (EAHD) have been promoted as an opportunity for desk based workers to stand at work but there is limited evidence that they have an effect on light physical activity.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to determine if there would be a change in light physical activity with the introduction of EAHD. The secondary objective was to assess if there was an associated change in leisure time activity.

METHODS

Activity levels were measured by step counts, self-reported activity levels and pre- and post-trial recall levels. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the software R. Generalised linear models were fitted to the data. A Poisson regression was used for count data. Statistical hypotheses were deemed significant if their p values were less than 0.05.

RESULTS

There was a significant (p < 0.001) effect on step counts associated with allocation of EAHD and a significant (p < 0.001) increase in self-reported activity for the Intervention (EAHD) group. Having an EAHD was associated with increased activity during leisure (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Activity levels, especially light physical activity, were significantly increased with the allocation of an electric adjustable height desk. This pilot study showed that the environmental change of introduction of electric adjustable height desks into an office workplace can increase physical activity and reduce sitting durations. There is limited evidence that the increase in work activity has a positive impact on leisure time activity.

Association of self-reported sedentary time with insulin resistance among Korean adults without diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Background

A more sedentary lifestyle can result in insulin resistance. However, few research studies have assessed the association between insulin resistance and sedentary lifestyle in Asian populations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of sedentary time with insulin resistance. In addition, we also investigate the moderate effect of employment status, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body mass index (BMI) in this association.

Methods

Data from 2573 individuals who participated in the 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Sedentary time was measured using self-administered questionnaires, and IR data were estimated using the homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from a multivariable logistic regression model were generated for all participants. Subgroup analysis was only performed between sedentary time and HOMA-IR stratified by employment status, because moderate effects were not significant in the tests for interaction for MVPA and BMI. For all analyses, the individuals were categorized as having high or normal HOMA-IR values (> 1.6 and ≤ 1.6, respectively).

Results

A HOMA-IR > 1.6 was observed in 40.3% of the sedentary time Q1 (low) group (< 5.0 h/day), 41.4% of the sedentary time Q2 (middle-low) group, 44.2% of the sedentary time Q3 (middle-high) group, and 48.4% of the sedentary time Q4 (high) group (≥10.0 h/day). When the low level sedentary time group was used as the reference group, the high level sedentary time group was significantly associated with high IR value (HOMA-IR > 1.6) (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.060–1.838). However, this association was not significant across the other sedentary time groups. Moreover, participants reporting a high sedentary time and were employed had 1.67 times the odds of having a high IR value (HOMA-IR > 1.6) compared to those who reported having a low sedentary time and were employed (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.184–2.344). In the unemployed participants, sedentary time was not associated with IR.

Conclusions

High sedentary time (≥10.0 h/day) was associated with elevated HOMA-IR among Korean adults without diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the association between high sedentary time and HOMA-IR values was more pronounced in the employed population.

The Untapped Potential of the Gaming Community: Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Video gamers are a population at heightened risk of developing obesity due to the sedentary nature of gaming, increased energy intake, and the disruption caused to their sleep. This increases their risk of developing a number of noncommunicable diseases. To date, research seeking to improve health behaviors has focused on developing novel video games to promote behavior change. Although positive results have emerged from this research, large-scale success has been limited due to the lack of transferability to mainstream games and the focus on children and adolescents. The gaming community has a number of unique aspects, which have received comparatively less attention than the development of new video games.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to highlight under-researched areas that have the potential to encourage positive health behavior among this community.

METHODS

A narrative review of the lay and academic literature was conducted to provide context and support to our claims that further research could be beneficial in this area.

RESULTS

Research has found that advertising can have implicit effects on an individual's memories, which could influence later decisions. However, the effect of the exponential growth of in-game advertisements and the brand sponsorship of gaming events and professional gamers have not been explored in the gaming community. The possibility of using advertising techniques to encourage positive health behaviors within games or at these events has also not been explored. Research suggests that virtual communities can be effective at disseminating health information, but the efficacy of this needs to be explored using known community influencers within the gaming community.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper has highlighted a number of potential avenues for the development of interventions within the gaming community. Further research must be conducted alongside game developers to ensure that any in-game developed interventions do not deter gameplay and gamers to ensure that potential approaches are acceptable.

Different associations of sufficient and vigorous physical activity with BMI in Northwest China

Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight. To develop targeted strategies that encourage physical activity, knowledge of associations between intensity of physical activity (PA) levels and body mass index (BMI) is essential. We aimed to examine the relationship between sufficient and vigorous PA and BMI distribution among adults in northwest China using quantile regression. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Shaanxi Province in 2013, using proportional probability sampling. BMI was calculated using measured height and weight. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to define and measure sufficient and vigorous PA. Associations of sufficient/vigorous PA and BMI were modelled using quantile regression. Mean BMI was 24.18 ± 3.51 and BMI distribution with age showed an inverse U shape. A total 9045 (88.97%) participants demonstrated sufficient PA and 3119 (30.68%) reported vigorous PA. After adjusting for relevant sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle parameters in quantile regression modelling, sufficient PA was positively associated with BMI score distribution from the 1st to 30th quantile, with β from 0.32 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07 to 0.63) to 0.85 (95% CI: 0.40 to 1.19). Vigorous PA was negatively associated with BMI score distribution from the 30th to 93th quantiles, with β from -0.18 (95% CI: -0.31 to -0.02) to -0.81 (95% CI: -1.10 to -0.45). Sufficient PA was positively associated with underweight and normal weight whereas vigorous PA was negatively associated with overweight and obesity.

The development, implementation and evaluation of interventions to reduce workplace sitting: a qualitative systematic review and evidence-based operational framework

BACKGROUND

Prolonged sitting is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, musculoskeletal disorders and premature mortality. Workplaces contribute to a large proportion of daily sitting time, particularly among office-based workers. Interventions to reduce workplace sitting therefore represent important public health initiatives. Previous systematic reviews suggest such interventions can be effective but have reported wide variations. Further, there is uncertainty as to whether effectiveness in controlled trials can be replicated when implemented outside the research setting. The aims of this review are to identify factors important for the implementation of workplace sitting interventions and to translate these findings into a useful operational framework to support the future implementation of such interventions.

METHODS

A qualitative systematic review was conducted. Four health and social science databases were searched for studies set in the workplace, with office-based employees and with the primary aim of reducing workplace sitting. Extracted data were primarily from author descriptions of interventions and their implementation. Inductive thematic analysis and synthesis was undertaken.

RESULTS

Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine descriptive themes were identified from which emerged three higher-order analytical themes, which related to the development, implementation and evaluation of workplace sitting interventions. Key findings included: the importance of grounding interventions in theory; utilising participative approaches during intervention development and implementation; and conducting comprehensive process and outcome evaluations. There was a general under-reporting of information relating to the context within which workplace sitting interventions were implemented, such as details of local organisation processes and structures, as well as the wider political and economic landscape, which if present would aid the translation of knowledge into "real-world" settings.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provided the basis for an operational framework, which is a representation of all nine descriptive themes and three higher-order analytical themes, to support workplace sitting intervention development, implementation and evaluation. Once tested and refined, this framework has the potential to be incorporated into a practical toolkit, which could be used by a range of organisations to develop, implement and evaluate their own interventions to reduce workplace sitting time amongst staff.

Effect of alternating postures on cognitive performance for healthy people performing sedentary work

Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for several diseases and the prevalence of worksite-based interventions such as sit-to-stand workstations is increasing. Although their impact on sedentary behaviour has been regularly investigated, the effect of working in alternating body postures on cognitive performance is unclear. To address this uncertainty, 45 students participated in a two-arm, randomised controlled cross-over trial under laboratory conditions. Subjects executed validated cognitive tests (working speed, reaction time, concentration performance) either in sitting or alternating working postures on two separate days (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02863731). MANOVA results showed no significant difference in cognitive performance between trials executed in alternating, standing or sitting postures. Perceived workload did not differ between sitting and alternating days. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant learning effects regarding concentration performance and working speed for both days. These results suggest that working posture did not affect cognitive performance in the short term. Practitioner Summary: Prior reports indicated health-related benefits based on alternated (sit/stand) body postures. Nevertheless, their effect on cognitive performance is unknown. This randomised controlled trial showed that working in alternating body postures did not influence reaction time, concentration performance, working speed or workload perception in the short term.

Impact of a Translated Disease Self-Management Program on Employee Health and Productivity: Six-Month Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Disease management is gaining importance in workplace health promotion given the aging workforce and rising chronic disease prevalence. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is an effective intervention widely offered in diverse community settings; however, adoption remains low in workplace settings. As part of a larger NIH-funded randomized controlled trial, this study examines the effectiveness of a worksite-tailored version of CDSMP (wCDSMP [n = 72]) relative to CDSMP (‘Usual Care’ [n = 109]) to improve health and work performance among employees with one or more chronic conditions. Multiple-group latent-difference score models with sandwich estimators were fitted to identify changes from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Overall, participants were primarily female (87%), non-Hispanic white (62%), and obese (73%). On average, participants were age 48 (range: 23–72) and self-reported 3.25 chronic conditions (range: 1–16). The most commonly reported conditions were high cholesterol (45%), high blood pressure (45%), anxiety/emotional/mental health condition (26%), and diabetes (25%). Among wCDSMP participants, significant improvements were observed for physically unhealthy days (uΔ = −2.07, p = 0.018), fatigue (uΔ = −2.88, p = 0.002), sedentary behavior (uΔ = −4.49, p = 0.018), soda/sugar beverage consumption (uΔ = −0.78, p = 0.028), and fast food intake (uΔ = −0.76, p = 0.009) from baseline to follow-up. Significant improvements in patient–provider communication (uΔ = 0.46, p = 0.031) and mental work limitations (uΔ = −8.89, p = 0.010) were also observed from baseline to follow-up. Relative to Usual Care, wCDSMP participants reported significantly larger improvements in fatigue, physical activity, soda/sugar beverage consumption, and mental work limitations (p < 0.05). The translation of Usual Care (content and format) has potential to improve health among employees with chronic conditions and increase uptake in workplace settings.

Changes in Physical Activity Behaviour and Health Risk Factors Following a Randomised Controlled Pilot Workplace Exercise Intervention

Background

Declining physical activity (PA) and associated health risk factors are well established. Workplace strategies to increase PA may be beneficial to ameliorate extensive sedentary behavior. This study assessed the effectiveness of two PA interventions in workplace settings.

Methods

Interventions were conducted over 40 days targeting insufficiently active (<150 min/wk PA) and/or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) adults; participants were randomly allocated to instructor-led exercise sessions either after-work (n = 25) or in-work (n = 23) with a 60 minPA/day common goal, or a wait-listed control group (n = 23). The programme commenced with low-moderate physical activities and progressed to high intensity game style activities by week six. Adherence and compliance were determined using both objective measures of daily PA time from HR monitors and self-report responses to PA questionnaires. Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors were measured pre- and post-intervention. Changes across the study were analysed using Chi square and repeat-measures ANOVA.

Results

Adherence rates (completed pre and post-testing) were not different between groups (76.0 vs 65.2%). Compliance for the instructor-led sessions was higher for the after-work group (70.4% vs 26.4%, respectively). Increased total PA and aerobic fitness, and decreased weight in both intervention groups were found relative to controls. The after-work group undertook more vigorous PA, and had greater weight loss and fasting blood glucose improvement, relative to in-work participants and controls.

Conclusions

These workplace interventions resulted in rapid and dramatic increases in PA behaviour and important health benefits. Short, in-work PA sessions were less efficacious than longer after-work sessions.

Evidence of increasing sedentarism in Mexico City during the last decade: Sitting time prevalence, trends, and associations with obesity and diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Sedentary behaviors such as sitting time are associated with obesity and diabetes independently of total reported physical activity. This study aimed to describe the current sitting time/day prevalence and trends and to examine the association of sitting time with sociodemographic and clinical variables in Mexico City.

METHODS

Two cross-sectional representative surveys in Mexico City were used for this analysis (2006: n = 1148 and 2015: n = 1329). Sedentary behavior questions from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire included time spent sitting on a weekday in the last week or on a Wednesday. Sitting time /day was divided into deciles, and participants in the highest decile (≥ 420 minutes/day) were classified within the high sitting category; others were classified in the low sitting time category. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations of sitting time with sociodemographic and clinical indicators, controlling for confounders and testing for potential interactions.

RESULTS

A total of 13.7% (2006) and 14.8% (2015) adults were classified in the highest sitting time category (≥ 420 minutes/day). There was a significant increase in the average sitting time/day between the surveys (216.0 minutes in 2006 vs. 233.3 minutes in 2015, p < 0.001). In 2015, men, those aged 20-49 years, those in low-intensity jobs, students, and those with a high socioeconomic level were more likely to be in the highest sitting time category. Participants with overweight/obesity (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.09) and those with high glucose levels (survey finding) (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.04, 5.25) were more likely to report sitting time in the highest category.

DISCUSSION

Sitting time/day prevalence increased 8%, and average daily sitting minutes significantly increased by 8.2% (18 minutes) in the nine-year study period (2006-2015). Current public health policies should consider strategies not only for increasing physical activity levels, but also for reducing sitting time/day among the population as a measure to fight the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes in Mexico.

Sitting Time and Obesity or Abdominal Obesity in Older South Koreans: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013

We examined relationships between sitting time and obesity or abdominal obesity according to sex and socioeconomic status in elderly people. We analyzed data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013, and 1565 participants were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine relationships between sitting time and obesity or abdominal obesity according to sex and socioeconomic status. Sitting time was positively correlated with body mass index in men and women and waist circumference in men. When considering socioeconomic factors, men who sat for 5 hours or longer and fell within the lowest income were more likely to have obesity and abdominal obesity relative to men who sat for 5 hours or shorter and earned higher incomes (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.80 [1.14-2.84] and 1.63 [1.02-2.61] respectively), and women who sat for 5 hours or longer and fell within the lowest educational level were more likely to have obesity relative to women who sat for 5 hours or less and were educated to a higher level (1.24 [1.01-1.85]). Strategies to reduce sedentary behavior would help to prevent obesity in older men who earn low incomes and women with lower levels of educational attainment.

An examination of objectively-measured sedentary behavior and mental well-being in adults across week days and weekends

BACKGROUND

Limited research has explored the links between sedentary behaviour, mental health and quality of life. This study examines objectively measured sedentary behaviour and perceived mental health and quality of life across week days and weekends.

METHODS

42 adults (19M, 23F; mean age 38yrs (range 18-67) & BMI 24.8kg/m2 (range 18.7-33.8) wore an activPAL monitor 24h/day for one week and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and SF12 Health Survey. Average weekday and weekend day sitting time was computed. Differences between sitting (Group 1 = <8hrs/day, Group 2 = 8-10 hrs/day, Group 3 = >10hrs/day) and components of the HADS and SF12 health survey were examined using an ANCOVA with a measure of physical activity (step count) included as a covariate.

RESULTS

Average sitting time on a weekday was 9hrs 29mins (range 5hrs 52mins to 12hrs 55mins) and 8hrs 59mins (range 4hrs, 07mins to 14hrs, 40mins) on a weekend day. There was a main effect (p<0.05) for weekday sitting time on total anxiety and depression (HADS) and mental health and vitality (SF12). Planned contrasts identified individuals in group 1 had lower anxiety and depression and higher mental health and vitality scores than individuals in groups 2 or 3 (p<0.05). No difference was found between individuals in group 2 and group 3 (p>0.05). No main effects were found for weekend sitting (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Weekday sitting time below 8 hours/day is associated with better perceived mental health and quality of life.

Is Active Design changing the workplace? - A natural pre-post experiment looking at health behaviour and workplace perceptions

BACKGROUND

Active Design is a relatively new concept and evaluation on its effects on healthy behaviour is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate Active Design influence on workplace physical activity, sedentary behaviour, musculoskeletal complaints, and perceptions of the workplace and productivity.

METHODS

Participants (n = 118 adults) moving from 14 workplaces into a new building completed an online questionnaire pre- and post-move. The questions related to health behaviours (physical activity, sitting time and sleep); musculoskeletal issues; perceptions of the office environment; productivity; and engagement.

RESULTS

After the move, 68% of participants were located in an open plan building (21% before the move). In the new workplace participants tended to sit less during their work time (72% - 66%; p < 0.05) and stand more (15% - 19%; p < 0.05) while walking remained unchanged. Participants reported less lower-back pain. The new work environment was perceived as more motivating and providing better light, air quality and temperature, but less storage space. Participants reported looking forward to going to work more than before. No difference was reported in productivity related measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Moving to a new Active Design building can have some physical health-promoting effects on occupants. Satisfaction with environmental characteristics tended to improve in the new building though perceptions of productivity measures were variable.

The sedentary profile of primary care patients

Background

Primary care is one of the key environments in which to target public health and sedentary behaviours are increasing being linked to several adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of sedentary behaviour in an adult primary care population.

Methods

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect data on the weekday sitting of participants. Stratified random sampling based on urban/rural location and deprivation was used to identify three primary care centres from which the sample was drawn.

Results

Data were collected from 885 participants (96.7% response rate) of whom 64% (n = 565) were female and 36% (n = 320) were male. The mean age was 42 (SD 14.2). Overall 48% (n = 418) of participants sat for >4 h daily with a median sitting time of 240 min (IQR 150-480). Attendance at the urban non-deprived primary care centre (B = 0.237, P < 0.001), male gender (B = 0.284, P < 0.001), overweight/obesity (B = 0.081, P = 0.048) and having a disability or injury limiting physical activity (B = 0.093, P = 0.028) were associated with higher sitting times.

Conclusion

This study established the factors that influence sedentary behaviours in the primary care population which can help inform the development and targeting of promotional strategies.

Sitting Time, Physical Activity and Sleep by Work Type and Pattern-The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health

Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were used to examine how work was associated with time spent sleeping, sitting and in physical activity (PA), in working women. Young (31-36 years; 2009) and mid-aged (59-64 years; 2010) women reported sleep (categorised as shorter ≤6 h/day and longer ≥8 h/day) and sitting time (work, transport, television, non-work computer, and other; summed for total sitting time) on the most recent work and non-work day; and moderate and vigorous PA (categorised as meeting/not meeting guidelines) in the previous week. Participants reported occupation (manager/professional; clerical/sales; trades/transport/labourer), work hours (part-time; full-time) and work pattern (shift/night; not shift/night). The odds of shorter sleep on work days was higher in both cohorts for women who worked shift or night hours. Longer sitting time on work days, made up primarily of sitting for work, was found for managers/professionals, clerical/sales and full-time workers. In the young cohort, clerical/sales workers and in the mid-aged cohort, full-time workers were less likely to meet PA guidelines. These results suggest multiple behaviour interventions tailored to work patterns and occupational category may be useful to improve the sleep, sitting and activity of working women.

Time spent in sedentary posture is associated with waist circumference and cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

The relationship between metabolic risk and time spent sitting, standing and stepping has not been well established. The present study aimed to determine associations of objectively measured time spent siting, standing and stepping, with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of healthy non-smoking Glasgow postal workers, n=111 (55 office workers, 5 women, and 56 walking/delivery workers, 10 women), who wore activPAL physical activity monitors for 7 days. Cardiovascular risks were assessed by metabolic syndrome categorisation and 10-year PROCAM (prospective cardiovascular Munster) risk.

RESULTS

Mean (s.d.) age was 40 (8) years, body mass index 26.9 (3.9) kg m^-2 and waist circumference 95.4 (11.9) cm. Mean (s.d.) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) 1.33 (0.31), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 3.11 (0.87), triglycerides 1.23 (0.64) mmol l^-1 and 10-year PROCAM risk 1.8 (1.7)%. The participants spent mean (s.d.) 9.1 (1.8) h per day sedentary, 7.6 (1.2) h per day sleeping, 3.9 (1.1) h per day standing and 3.3 (0.9) h per day stepping, accumulating 14 708 (4984) steps per day in 61 (25) sit-to-stand transitions per day. In univariate regressions-adjusting for age, sex, family history of CHD, shift worked, job type and socioeconomic status-waist circumference (P=0.005), fasting triglycerides (P=0.002), HDL cholesterol (P=0.001) and PROCAM risk (P=0.047) were detrimentally associated with sedentary time. These associations remained significant after further adjustment for sleep, standing and stepping in stepwise regression models. However, after further adjustment for waist circumference, the associations were not significant. Compared with those without the metabolic syndrome, participants with the metabolic syndrome were significantly less active-fewer steps, shorter stepping duration and longer time sitting. Those with no metabolic syndrome features walked >15 000 steps per day or spent >7 h per day upright.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer time spent in sedentary posture is significantly associated with higher CHD risk and larger waist circumference.

Worksite Exercise Programs

Worksite wellness interventions have been a part of companies’ health care offerings to address prevalent health risks such as obesity and physical inactivity. To enhance engagement, participation has been financially incentivized with the assumption that an external motivator in form of monetary benefit is employees’ primary driver. However, a more thorough investigation of behavioral regulations that lead to participation is essential, particularly in the absence of incentives. We surveyed a cohort of 436 white collar employees, of which 177 were worksite exercise program participants and 259 were non-participants. Diverse exercise facilities were available to all and participation was not incentivized. After controlling for covariates previously identified to affect participation, external regulation was a significant factor in the tested multivariate logistic regression. This finding adds to the evidence of a significant role of non-financial external motivators, such as organizational health culture and the necessity for a holistic participatory approach to health promotion.

The associations between domain-specific sedentary behaviours and dietary habits in European adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the SPOTLIGHT survey

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviour has been associated with obesity and related chronic diseases. Disentangling the nature of this association is complicated due to interactions with other lifestyle factors, such as dietary habits, yet limited research has investigated the relation between domain-specific sedentary behaviours and dietary habits in adults. The aim of this paper was to examine the association between domain-specific sedentary behaviours and dietary habits in adults and to test the moderating effect of age and gender on this association.

METHODS

A total of 6,037 participants from five urban regions in Europe completed an online survey, of which 6,001 were included in the analyses. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were used to examine main associations and interaction effects.

RESULTS

All domain-specific sedentary behaviours, except transport-related sitting time, were significantly related to dietary habits. In general, having a higher sitting time was related to having less healthy dietary habits, especially for television viewing. Gender did not moderate any of the relations, and age was only a significant moderator in the relation between other leisure sitting time and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

Domain-specific sitting behaviours were related to unhealthy dietary behaviours. However, the small effect sizes suggest that individual level behavioural interventions focusing on sedentary behaviour will not be sufficient to improve dietary habits. The fact that almost none of the associations were moderated by age or gender suggests that these associations, and possibly also the effects of interventions targeting both behaviours, may hold across age and gender groups.

Evaluating the low back biomechanics of three different office workstations: Seated, standing, and perching

The objective of this study was to evaluate how different workstations may influence physical behavior in office work through motion and how that may affect spinal loads and discomfort. Twenty subjects performed a typing task in three different workstations (seated, standing, and perching) for one hour each. Measures of postural transitions, spinal loads, discomfort, and task performance were assessed in order to understand the effects of workstation interaction over time. Results indicated that standing had the most amount of motion (6-8 shifts/min), followed by perching (3-7 shifts/min), and then seating (<1 shift/min). Standing had the highest reports of discomfort and seating the least. However, spinal loads were highest in A/P shear during standing (190N posterior shear, 407N anterior shear) compared to perching (65N posterior shear, 288N anterior shear) and seating (106N posterior shear, 287 anterior shear). These loads are below the risk threshold for shear, but may still elicit a cumulative response. Perching may induce motion through supported mobility in the perching stool, whereas standing motion may be due to postural discomfort. Office workstation designs incorporating supported movement may represent a reasonable trade-off in the costs-benefits between seating and standing.

Effect of a novel two-desk sit-to-stand workplace (ACTIVE OFFICE) on sitting time, performance and physiological parameters: protocol for a randomized control trial

Background

Prolonged sitting is ubiquitous in modern society and linked to several diseases. Height-adjustable desks are being used to decrease worksite based sitting time (ST). Single-desk sit-to-stand workplaces exhibit small ST reduction potential and short-term loss in performance. The aim of this paper is to report the study design and methodology of an ACTIVE OFFICE trial.

Design

The study was a 1-year three-arm, randomized controlled trial in 18 healthy Austrian office workers. Allocation was done via a regional health insurance, with data collection during Jan 2014 – March 2015. Participants were allocated to either an intervention or control group. Intervention group subjects were provided with traditional or two-desk sit-to-stand workstations in either the first or the second half of the study, while control subjects did not experience any changes during the whole study duration.

Sitting time and physical activity (IPAQ-long), cognitive performance (text editing task, Stroop-test, d2R test of attention), workload perception (NASA-TLX) and physiological parameters (salivary cortisol, heartrate variability and body weight) were measured pre- and post-intervention (23 weeks after baseline) for intervention and control periods. Postural changes and sitting/standing time (software logger) were recorded at the workplace for the whole intervention period.

Discussion

This study evaluates the effects of a novel two-desk sit-to-stand workplace on sitting time, physical parameters and work performance of healthy office based workers. If the intervention proves effective, it has a great potential to be implemented in regular workplaces to reduce diseases related to prolonged sitting.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02825303, July 2016 (retrospectively registered).

A Psychophysical Protocol to Develop Ergonomic Recommendations for Sitting and Standing Workstations

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine user self-selected setup for both sitting and standing computer workstations and identify major differences.

BACKGROUND

No current ergonomic setup guideline for standing computer workstations is available.

METHODS

Twenty adult participants completed four 45-min sessions of simulated office computer work with an adjustable sit-stand computer workstation. Placement and relative position of all workstation components, including a cordless mouse, a cordless keyboard, a height-adjustable desk, and a 22-inch monitor mounted on a mechanical-assisted arm were recorded during the four sessions, which alternated between sitting and standing for each session. Participants were interrupted four times within each session, and the workstation was "reset" to extreme locations. Participants were instructed to adjust the location to achieve the most comfortable arrangement and to make as many adjustments during the session to achieve this goal.

RESULTS

Overall, users placed the keyboard closer to their body (sternum), set desk height lower than their elbow, and set the monitor lower relative to their eyes with a greater upward tilt while standing compared to sitting. During the 45-min sessions, the number of adjustments participants made became smaller and over the four sessions was consistent, suggesting the psychophysical protocol was effective and consistent.

CONCLUSION

Users preferred different workstation setups for sitting and standing computer workstations. Therefore, future setup guidelines and principles for standing computer workstations may not be simply translated from those for sitting.

APPLICATION

These results can serve as the first step toward making recommendations to establish ergonomic guidelines for standing computer workstation arrangement.

A randomised control trial of the cognitive effects of working in a seated as opposed to a standing position in office workers

Sedentary behaviour is increasing and has been identified as a potential significant health risk, particularly for desk-based employees. The development of sit-stand workstations in the workplace is one approach to reduce sedentary behaviour. However, there is uncertainty about the effects of sit-stand workstations on cognitive functioning. A sample of 36 university staff participated in a within-subjects randomised control trial examining the effect of sitting vs. standing for one hour per day for five consecutive days on attention, information processing speed, short-term memory, working memory and task efficiency. The results of the study showed no statistically significant difference in cognitive performance or work efficiency between the sitting and standing conditions, with all effect sizes being small to very small (all ds < .2). This result suggests that the use of sit-stand workstations is not associated with a reduction in cognitive performance. Practitioner Summary: Although it has been reported that the use of sit-stand desks may help offset adverse health effects of prolonged sitting, there is scant evidence about changes in productivity. This randomised control study showed that there was no difference between sitting and standing for one hour on cognitive function or task efficiency in university staff.

Effect of Standing or Walking at a Workstation on Cognitive Function: A Randomized Counterbalanced Trial

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we examined the effect of working while seated, while standing, or while walking on measures of short-term memory, working memory, selective and sustained attention, and information-processing speed.

BACKGROUND

The advent of computer-based technology has revolutionized the adult workplace, such that average adult full-time employees spend the majority of their working day seated. Prolonged sitting is associated with increasing obesity and chronic health conditions in children and adults. One possible intervention to reduce the negative health impacts of the modern office environment involves modifying the workplace to increase incidental activity and exercise during the workday. Although modifications, such as sit-stand desks, have been shown to improve physiological function, there is mixed information regarding the impact of such office modification on individual cognitive performance and thereby the efficiency of the work environment.

METHOD

In a fully counterbalanced randomized control trial, we assessed the cognitive performance of 45 undergraduate students for up to a 1-hr period in each condition.

RESULTS

The results indicate that there is no significant change in the measures used to assess cognitive performance associated with working while seated, while standing, or while walking at low intensity.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that cognitive performance is not degraded with short-term use of alternate workstations.

The Relation between Occupational Sitting and Mental, Cardiometabolic, and Musculoskeletal Health over a Period of 15 Years--The Doetinchem Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Sedentary behaviors are reported to impose health risks. Since occupational exposure is a major proportion of total sedentary time, we studied the association between occupational sitting and a number of health problems.

METHODS

From the longitudinal Doetinchem Cohort Study, we selected those working at baseline with complete data (n = 1,509). Participants were examined four times at 5 year-intervals between 1993 and 2012. We characterized occupational sitting as follows: 1) stable sitters and stable non sitters over a 15-year period, based on job characteristics and (2) having a job with a low, moderate or high amount of sitting, based on tertiles of self-reported number of hours per week of occupational sitting, measured at wave 5. Linear and logistic regression models were used. Outcomes were self-reported mental health, low-back or upper extremity pain, and objectively measured cardiometabolic health (overweight, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia).

RESULTS

Compared to stable non sitters, a lower risk of chronic upper extremity pain was observed for stable sitters (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57; 1.00) as well as for those in the two upper tertiles for hours of occupational sitting (>4 hr/wk) (OR 0.65; 95%CI 0.50-0.86). For the other health outcomes studied, no significant associations were found with occupational sitting.

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not support the hypothesis that occupational sitting is associated with health problems. The finding that occupational sitting is associated with less upper extremity pain might be due to the association of occupational sitting with less physical load.

Acceptability and feasibility of a low-cost, theory-based and co-produced intervention to reduce workplace sitting time in desk-based university employees

BACKGROUND

Prolonged sedentary time is linked with poor health, independent of physical activity levels. Workplace sitting significantly contributes to sedentary time, but there is limited research evaluating low-cost interventions targeting reductions in workplace sitting. Current evidence supports the use of multi-modal interventions developed using participative approaches. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a low-cost, co-produced, multi-modal intervention to reduce workplace sitting.

METHODS

The intervention was developed with eleven volunteers from a large university department in the UK using participative approaches and "brainstorming" techniques. Main components of the intervention included: emails suggesting ways to "sit less" e.g. walking and standing meetings; free reminder software to install onto computers; social media to increase awareness; workplace champions; management support; and point-of-decision prompts e.g. by lifts encouraging stair use. All staff (n = 317) were invited to take part. Seventeen participated in all aspects of the evaluation, completing pre- and post-intervention sitting logs and questionnaires. The intervention was delivered over four weeks from 7th July to 3rd August 2014. Pre- and post-intervention difference in daily workplace sitting time was presented as a mean ± standard deviation. Questionnaires were used to establish awareness of the intervention and its various elements, and to collect qualitative data regarding intervention acceptability and feasibility.

RESULTS

Mean baseline sitting time of 440 min/workday was reported with a mean reduction of 26 ± 54 min/workday post-intervention (n = 17, 95 % CI = -2 to 53). All participants were aware of the intervention as a whole, although there was a range of awareness for individual elements of the intervention. The intervention was generally felt to be both acceptable and feasible. Management support was perceived to be a strength, whilst specific strategies that were encouraged, including walking and standing meetings, received mixed feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

This small-scale pilot provides encouragement for the acceptability and feasibility of low-cost, multi-modal interventions to reduce workplace sitting in UK settings. Evaluation of this intervention provides useful information to support participatory approaches during intervention development and the potential for more sustainable low-cost interventions. Findings may be limited in terms of generalisability as this pilot was carried out within a health-related academic setting.

Association Between Sedentary Work and BMI in a U.S. National Longitudinal Survey

INTRODUCTION

Technological advancements have made life and work more sedentary, and long hours of sitting are known to be associated with many health concerns. Several studies have reported an association between prolonged sitting time at work and weight gain, but the results are inconsistent. This study examined the relationship between sitting time at work and BMI using data from a large prospective cohort of U.S. men and women from 2002 to 2010. Initial analyses were performed in 2013, with additional analyses in 2014 and 2015.

METHODS

The sample size at the base year (2002) was 5,285 and the age range 38-45 years. The outcome, BMI, was based on self-reported measures of height and weight. Estimates of workplace sitting time were linked from an external database (Occupational Information Network), and the occupation-wide rating for sitting time was linked to survey participants by occupation. Fixed-effects models controlling for time-invariant effects of all time-invariant characteristics were employed to examine the association, controlling for age, education, work hours, and hours of vigorous and light/moderate physical activities.

RESULTS

Longer sitting time was significantly associated with higher BMI for the overall sample (β = 0.054; p<0.05) and men (β = 0.086; p<0.01). For women, the association was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide further support for initiatives to reduce workplace sitting time as a means of reducing the risk of weight gain and related health conditions.

Is Sitting Too Much Bad for Your Health?

Office workers spend a large part of their workday sitting down. Too much sitting seems bad for people’s health and puts them at risk for premature death. Workstation alternatives that allow desk work to be done while standing, walking, biking, or stepping reduce the total time spent sitting without affecting work performance much. Moreover, these alternatives seem acceptable to users. Future research is needed to determine long-term effects and whether results apply to different working populations. Ergonomists play an important role in developing recommendations for the setup and use of alternative workstations and in improving their feasibility.

Classification of occupational activity categories using accelerometry: NHANES 2003-2004

Background

An individual’s occupational activity (OA) may contribute significantly to daily physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). However, there is little consensus about which occupational categories involve high OA or low OA, and the majority of categories are unclassifiable with current methods. The purpose of this study was to present population estimates of accelerometer-derived PA and SB variables for adults (n = 1112, 20–60 years) working the 40 occupational categories collected during the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

ActiGraph accelerometer-derived total activity counts/day (TAC), activity counts/minute, and proportion of wear time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], lifestyle, and light PA organized by occupational category were ranked in ascending order and SB was ranked in descending order. Summing the ranks of the six accelerometer-derived variables generated a summary score for each occupational category, which was re-ranked in ascending order. Higher rankings indicated higher levels of OA, lower rankings indicated lower levels of OA. Tertiles of the summary score were used to establish three mutually exclusive accelerometer-determined OA groupings: high OA, intermediate OA, and low OA.

Results

According to their summary score, ‘farm and nursery workers’ were classified as high OA and ‘secretaries, stenographers, and typists’ were classified as low OA. Consistent with previous research, some low OA occupational categories (e.g., ‘engineers, architects, and scientists’, ‘technicians and related support occupations’, ‘management related occupations’, ‘executives, administrators, and managers’, ‘protective services’, and ‘writers, artists, entertainers, and athletes’) associated with higher education and income had relatively greater amounts of MVPA compared to other low OA occupational categories, likely due to the greater percentage of men in those occupations and/or the influence of higher levels of leisure time PA. Men had more TAC, activity counts/minute and time in MVPA, but similar proportions of SB compared to women in all three OA groupings.

Conclusions

Objectively measured PA allowed for a more precise estimate of the amount of PA and SB associated with different occupations and facilitated systematic classification of the 40 different occupational categories into three distinct OA groupings. This information provides new opportunities to explore the relationship between OA and health outcomes.

Factors associated with higher sitting time in general, chronic disease, and psychologically-distressed, adult populations: findings from the 45 & up study

This study examined factors associated with higher sitting time in general, chronic disease, and psychologically-distressed, adult populations (aged ≥45 years). A series of logistic regression models examined potential socio-demographic and health factors associated with higher sitting (≥6hrs/day) in adults from the 45 and Up Study (n = 227,187), including four separate subsamples for analysis comprising those who had ever had heart disease (n = 26,599), cancer (n = 36,381), diabetes (n = 19,550) or psychological distress (n = 48,334). Odds of higher sitting were significantly (p<.01) associated with a number of factors across these groups, with an effect size of ORs≥1.5 observed for the high-income ≥$70,000AUD, employed full-time and severe physical limitations demographics. Identification of key factors associated with higher sitting time in this population-based sample will assist development of broad-based, public health and targeted strategies to reduce sitting-time. In particular, those categorized as being high-income earners, full-time workers, as well as those with severe physical limitations need to be of priority, as higher sitting appears to be substantial across these groups.

Do sedentary behaviors mediate associations between socio-demographic characteristics and BMI in women living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods?

BACKGROUND

Women living in deprived neighborhoods are a risk group for overweight and obesity, particularly during the childbearing years. Several socio-demographic characteristics may compound this risk, but little is known about why this might be the case. Sedentary behaviors are emerging as a socio-demographically patterned risk factor for obesity. The purpose of the present study was to assess socio-demographic differences in sedentary behaviors, and to examine whether these behaviors could explain the relation between socio-demographic variables and BMI (BMI) in this risk group.

METHODS

Women aged 18-46 years were recruited from 40 urban and 40 rural deprived neighborhoods in Victoria, Australia. In total, 3879 women reported socio-demographic variables (age, educational level, employment status, marital status, number of children, residential location and country of birth), sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, total screen time and total sedentary time), physical activity, and height and weight, which were used to calculate BMI. For each socio-demographic variable, four single mediation models were conducted using two-level mixed-models regression analyses. Mediating effects were examined using the MacKinnon product-of-coefficients procedure and the Sobel test.

RESULTS

All socio-demographic variables were significantly associated with sedentary behaviors. Single mediation analyses revealed that television time (αβ = 0.017, 95% CI = 0.000, 0.030) and total screen time (αβ = 0.006, 95% CI = 0.000, 0.012) mediated 14.1% and 4.9% of the relationship between educational level and BMI, respectively. Total screen time mediated 45.1% of the relationship between employment status and BMI (αβ = -0.020, 95% CI = -0.033, -0.006), and television time mediated 8.2% of the relationship between country of birth and BMI (αβ = -0.008, 95% CI = -0.016, -0.001).

CONCLUSION

Sedentary behaviors differed depending on socio-demographic characteristics, and partly explained the relationship between socio-demographic factors and BMI in this sample of women. Both television time and total screen time are potential behaviors to target in future programs aimed at reducing socio-demographic disparities in overweight and obesity.

Sedentary work--associations between five-year changes in occupational sitting time and body mass index

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between five-year changes in occupational sitting and body mass index (BMI) in working adults.

METHODS

We analyzed data from The Danish Work Environment Cohort Study (2005 and 2010, n=3.482). Data on occupational sitting, weight, height and several potential confounders were self-reported. The association between change in occupational sitting (hours) (categorized as large decrease <-7.5, moderate decrease -7.5 to <-2.5, no change -2.5 to 2.5, moderate increase >2.5 to 7.5 and large increase >7.5) and change in BMI was explored by multiple linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

43.0% men and 36.1% women had high occupational sitting time (≥25h per week) at baseline. 31.8% men and 27.2% women decreased while 30.0% men and 33.0% women increased occupational sitting. The proportion of obese (BMI≥30) increased almost 3% for both genders. BMI changed 0.13 (CI: 0.06; 0.20, p=0.0003), per category of change in occupational sitting in women, but no association was found in men.

CONCLUSION

In women, there is a positive association between five-year changes in occupational sitting and BMI.