Using an e-Health Intervention to Reduce Prolonged Sitting in UK Office Workers: A Randomised Acceptability and...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Workplace Wellness

Background:

• Prolonged sitting in office workers poses health risks.
• Low-cost workplace interventions are needed to mitigate these risks.
• E-health solutions offer a scalable approach to behavior change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability and feasibility of an e-health intervention for reducing prolonged sitting in UK office workers.
• To explore preliminary changes in employee health, mood, and productivity.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on activity patterns and physiological markers.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week randomized crossover trial involving 14 university office workers.
• Intervention group received computer-based prompts to reduce sitting.
• Objective measures of sitting, standing, stepping, vascular function, and cerebrovascular function were collected.
• Qualitative interviews explored user acceptability.

Main Results:

• Feasibility demonstrated by eligibility (54.5%) and retention (77.8%) rates.
• Participants reported issues with autonomy and workflow disruption, impacting acceptability.
• Preliminary data suggest improved activity patterning (more standing/stepping bouts) and enhanced vascular function.
• The intervention is feasible for delivery in university office settings.

Conclusions:

• The e-health intervention is feasible for office workers but requires adaptations for improved acceptability.
• Personalized settings and workflow integration are crucial for long-term success.
• Further research with refined interventions is needed before large-scale implementation.