The Effectiveness of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Intervention on Workplace Sitting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Office workers exhibit prolonged sitting, linked to adverse health outcomes.
• Effective interventions are needed to reduce and interrupt workplace sitting.
• A theory-driven, web-based, computer-tailored intervention was developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a computer-tailored intervention on objectively measured and self-reported sitting time, standing time, and breaks.
• To assess intervention effects among Flemish employees in a field-based randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A 3-group randomized controlled trial with 213 employees.
• Intervention groups received tailored or generic web-based advice; control group received no intervention.
• Objective measures included activPAL activity monitors; self-reports assessed sitting contexts.

Main Results:

• The tailored intervention significantly decreased self-reported workday and leisure sitting time.
• Objectively measured breaks at work increased in the tailored group (P=.07).
• No significant differences were found for other sitting measures or in generic/control groups.

Conclusions:

• Computer tailoring is significant for modifying sedentary behavior.
• The tailored intervention demonstrated superior effects compared to generic and control conditions.
• This approach holds potential for public health promotion targeting sedentary behavior.