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Breaking up Sitting Time With Isometric Wall Squat Exercise During Occupational Activities: A Feasibility Randomized
Jefferson Maxwell Silva1, Anderson Cavalcante, Theo Victor Alves Soares Rêgo
1From the Graduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife/PE, Brazil (J.M.S., T.V.A.S.R., D.K.S.H., B.Q.F.); Associate Postgraduate Program in Movement Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife/PE, Brazil (A.C., B.Q.F.); Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK (G.G.C.); and Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo/SP, Brazil (R.M.R.-D., B.Q.F.).
Isometric wall squat exercise (IWSE) is a feasible method for reducing sedentary time in adults. This 12-week study found IWSE comparable to standing breaks for adherence and satisfaction in the workplace.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Exercise physiology
- Sedentary behavior research
Background:
- Prolonged sitting is linked to adverse health outcomes.
- Breaking up sedentary time is crucial for workplace wellness.
- Novel interventions are needed to mitigate risks of occupational sitting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of isometric wall squat exercise (IWSE) as a strategy to interrupt prolonged sitting.
- To compare IWSE with standing breaks over a 12-week period in sedentary adults.
- To evaluate adherence, safety, satisfaction, and acceptability of IWSE in a workplace setting.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized feasibility study was conducted.
- Sedentary adults were assigned to either IWSE or a standing group.
- Feasibility metrics were collected via online questionnaires at week 8.
Main Results:
- Adherence to breaks was similar between the IWSE and standing groups.
- No significant adverse effects were reported in either group.
- Dropout rates, satisfaction, and intention to continue were comparable between interventions.
Conclusions:
- Isometric wall squat exercise is a feasible alternative to standing for breaking up sedentary time.
- IWSE presents a viable option for improving workplace health behaviors.
- Both IWSE and standing are effective strategies for reducing occupational sedentary time.
