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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Do walking strategies to increase physical activity reduce reported sitting in workplaces: a randomized control trial
Nicholas D Gilson1, Anna Puig-Ribera, Jim McKenna
1School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia. n.gilson1@uq.edu.au.
Summary
Workplace walking interventions increased daily steps for employees. Incidental walking strategies showed potential for reducing sitting times, highlighting its benefit for physical activity and sedentary behavior reduction.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Behavioral science
- Public health
Background:
- High volumes of sitting are linked to chronic diseases like obesity and type II diabetes.
- Workplace physical activity interventions may not sufficiently reduce sedentary behavior.
- This study investigated two distinct walking strategies' impact on step counts and sitting times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of route-based versus incidental walking interventions on workplace physical activity.
- To assess the impact of these walking strategies on reducing sedentary behavior (sitting time) among white-collar employees.
Main Methods:
- 179 white-collar university employees participated in a 10-week intervention.
- Participants were randomized into a control group, a route-based walking group, or an incidental walking group.
- Step counts and self-reported sitting times were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both route-based and incidental walking significantly increased daily step counts compared to controls.
- While no significant changes in overall sitting time were observed, average sitting time decreased in both walking groups relative to controls.
- Incidental walking showed the most notable reduction in sitting time within the first week of the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Workplace walking interventions, especially those promoting incidental movement, can increase physical activity levels in white-collar employees.
- Incidental walking demonstrates potential for reducing employee sitting times.
- Further research using objective measures is needed to confirm the impact on sitting, standing, and walking behaviors.
