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Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Among University Employees
Charles J Fountaine1, Meredith Piacentini2, Gary A Liguori2
1Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN USA.
International Journal of Exercise Science
|May 17, 2016
Summary
University employees exhibit high levels of sitting and low physical activity (PA). Workplace interventions are recommended to combat inactivity and promote healthier habits among diverse employee classifications.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Rising rates of overweight and obesity in the U.S. necessitate interventions.
- The work environment is a key focus for addressing sedentary behavior and inactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sitting and physical activity (PA) habits across different university employee classifications.
- To identify potential targets for workplace interventions to reduce physical inactivity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey using the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ).
- 625 university employees categorized into Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Facilities Management.
- Data collected on daily sitting, standing, walking, heavy labor, sitting breaks, and leisure-time PA.
Main Results:
- Significant differences found in daily sitting, standing, walking, and heavy labor durations across employee classifications (p<.001).
- No significant differences in sitting breaks per hour (p=.259) or structured PA participation (p=.33).
- Excluding facilities management, 75% of the workday was spent sitting for university employees.
Conclusions:
- University employees, particularly those in non-physical roles, demonstrate predominantly sedentary work habits.
- Low levels of both occupational and leisure-time PA suggest a need for targeted workplace health promotion strategies.
