Participatory workplace interventions can reduce sedentary time for office workers--a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Occupational sedentary behaviour is a significant contributor to overall sedentary risk.
• Limited evidence exists for effective workplace interventions to reduce sedentary time and increase light activity during work hours.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if participatory workplace interventions could reduce total and sustained sedentary time.
• To assess if interventions could increase breaks in sedentary time and promote light intensity and moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during work hours.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 62 clerical, call centre, and data processing workers in Perth, Australia.
• Three intervention groups utilized a participatory approach: 'Active office', 'Active Workstation', and 'Office ergonomics'.
• Accelerometers measured sedentary time, light activity, and MVPA before and after a 12-week intervention period.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in sedentary time during work days and work hours was observed for all participants.
• A significant increase in the number of breaks per sedentary hour was noted.
• Significant increases in light activity during work hours and MVPA on work days were found.

Conclusions:

• Participatory workplace interventions offer novel strategies to modify work practices and reduce occupational sedentary behaviour.
• These interventions effectively decrease sedentary time, increase break frequency, and improve light activity and MVPA among office workers.