One-year follow-up of a sit-stand workstation intervention to decrease sedentary time in office workers.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Prolonged sedentary time is linked to adverse health outcomes, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• A prior four-week randomized trial demonstrated that sit-stand desks (SSDs) reduced occupational sedentary time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sustained impact of sit-stand desks (SSDs) on sitting time and activity levels one year after an initial intervention.
• To assess the long-term effectiveness of SSDs in mitigating workplace sedentary behavior.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post study design was employed, using baseline data from the original trial as the "pre" period.
• Follow-up measurements were conducted over two weeks in June 2013 among office workers who had previously used SSDs.
• Data collection included self-reported sitting time and accelerometer-measured activity levels (Gruve).

Main Results:

• Fifteen of 23 original participants completed the follow-up.
• Self-reported work-hour sitting time decreased by 22% (p < 0.001), largely replaced by standing.
• Accelerometer data showed a significant increase in work-hour activity (+24,748 AU/h, p < 0.01).
• Qualitative feedback indicated favorable experiences with SSDs and no negative impact on productivity.

Conclusions:

• Sit-stand desks (SSDs) promote sustained reductions in sedentary time and increases in activity at work one year post-intervention.
• The use of SSDs appears to be a viable strategy for improving occupational health by reducing prolonged sitting.