How Does Definition of Minimum Break Length Affect Objective Measures of Sitting Outcomes Among Office Workers?

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stine Kloster ◽  
Ida Høgstedt Danquah ◽  
Andreas Holtermann ◽  
Mette Aadahl ◽  
Janne Schurmann Tolstrup
Keyword(s):  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Standard Definition ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Right

Background:Harmful health effects associated with sedentary behavior may be attenuated by breaking up long periods of sitting by standing or walking. However, studies assess interruptions in sitting time differently, making comparisons between studies difficult. It has not previously been described how the definition of minimum break duration affects sitting outcomes. Therefore, the aim was to address how definitions of break length affect total sitting time, number of sit-to-stand transitions, prolonged sitting periods and time accumulated in prolonged sitting periods among office workers.Methods:Data were collected from 317 office workers. Thigh position was assessed with an ActiGraph GT3X+ fixed on the right thigh. Data were exported with varying bout length of breaks. Afterward, sitting outcomes were calculated for the respective break lengths.Results:Absolute numbers of sit-to-stand transitions decreased, and number of prolonged sitting periods and total time accumulated in prolonged sitting periods increased, with increasing minimum break length. Total sitting time was not influenced by varying break length.Conclusions:The definition of minimum break length influenced the sitting outcomes with the exception of total sitting time. A standard definition of break length is needed for comparison and interpretation of studies in the evolving research field of sedentary behavior.

scholarly journals Sedentary Behaviors and Biomarkers Among Breast Cancer Survivors

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheri J. Hartman ◽  
Catherine R. Marinac ◽  
Lisa Cadmus-Bertram ◽  
Jacqueline Kerr ◽  
Loki Natarajan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Breast Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Sit To Stand

Background: Sedentary behavior is associated with increased risk of poor outcomes in breast cancer survivors, but underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This pilot study explored associations between different aspects of sedentary behaviors (sitting, prolonged sitting, sit-to-stand transitions, and standing) and breast cancer risk-related biomarkers in breast cancer survivors (n = 30). Methods: Sedentary behavior variables were objectively measured with thigh-worn activPALs. Breast cancer risk-related biomarkers assessed were C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and were measured in fasting plasma samples. Linear regression models were used to investigate associations between sedentary behavior variables and biomarkers (log CRP, insulin, and HOMA-IR). Results: Sit-to-stand transitions were significantly associated with insulin resistance biomarkers (P < .05). Specifically, each 10 additional sit-to-stand transitions per day was associated with a lower fasting insulin concentration (β = −5.52; 95% CI, −9.79 to −1.24) and a lower HOMA-IR value (β = −0.22; 95% CI, −0.42 to −0.03). Sit-to-stand transitions were not significantly associated with CRP concentration (P = .08). Total sitting time, long sitting bouts, and standing time were not significantly associated with CRP, insulin, or HOMA-IR (P > .05). Conclusions: Sit-to-stand transitions may be an intervention target for reducing insulin resistance in breast cancer survivors, which may have favorable downstream effects on cancer prognosis.

scholarly journals The search for the ejecting chair: a mixed-methods analysis of tool use in a sedentary behavior intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Takemoto ◽  
Suneeta Godbole ◽  
Dori E Rosenberg ◽  
Camille Nebeker ◽  
Loki Natarajan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Tool Use ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Behavior Intervention ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Appropriate Behavior ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Unit Increase

Abstract Research is needed on interventions targeting sedentary behavior with appropriate behavior-change tools. The current study used convergent sequential mixed methods (QUAN + qual) to explore tool use during a edentary behavior intervention. Data came from a two-arm randomized sedentary behavior pilot intervention. Participants used a number of intervention tools (e.g., prompts and standing desks). Separate mixed-effects regression models explored associations between change in number of tools and frequency of tool use with two intervention targets: change in sitting time and number of sit-to-stand transitions overtime. Qualitative data explored participants’ attitudes towards intervention tools. There was a significant relationship between change in total tool use and sitting time after adjusting for number of tools (β = −12.86, p = .02), demonstrating that a one-unit increase in tool use was associated with an almost 13 min reduction in sitting time. In contrast, there was a significant positive association between change in number of tools and sitting time after adjusting for frequency of tool use (β = 63.70, p = .001), indicating that increasing the number of tools without increasing frequency of tool use was associated with more sitting time. Twenty-four semistructured interviews were coded and a thematic analysis revealed four themes related to tool use: (a) prompts to disrupt behavior; (b) tools matching the goal; (c) tools for sit-to-stand were ineffective; and (d) tool use evolved over time. Participants who honed in on effective tools were more successful in reducing sitting time. Tools for participants to increase sit-to-stand transitions were largely ineffective. This study is registered at clincialtrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02544867

‘Too Much Sitting’ and Metabolic Risk—Has Modern Technology Caught Up with Us?

2009 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W Dunstan ◽  
Genevieve N Healy ◽  
Takemi Sugiyama ◽  
Neville Owen ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Epidemiological Evidence ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Sedentary Behavior Time

Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that prolonged sitting (sedentary behavior: time spent in behaviors that have very low energy expenditure, such as television viewing and desk-bound work) has deleterious cardiovascular and metabolic correlates, which are present even among adults who meet physical activity and health guidelines. Further advances in communication technology and other labor-saving innovations make it likely that the ubiquitous opportunities for sedentary behavior that currently exist will become even more prevalent in the future. We present evidence that sedentary behavior (too much sitting) is an important stand-alone component of the physical activity and health equation, particularly in relation to cardio-metabolic risk, and discuss whether it is now time to consider public health and clinical guidelines on reducing prolonged sitting time that are in addition to those promoting regular participation in physical activity.

scholarly journals Corrigendum to “Office workers' objectively assessed total and prolonged sitting time: Individual-level correlates and worksite variations” [Prev. Med. Rep. 4 (2016) 184–191]

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 301-302
Author(s):  
Nyssa T. Hadgraft ◽  
Genevieve N. Healy ◽  
Neville Owen ◽  
Elisabeth A.H. Winkler ◽  
Brigid M. Lynch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Prolonged Sitting

scholarly journals Long-Term Access to Sit-Stand Workstations in a Large Office Population: User Profiles Reveal Differences in Sitting Time and Perceptions

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidewij Renaud ◽  
Maaike Huysmans ◽  
Hidde van der Ploeg ◽  
Erwin Speklé ◽  
Allard van der Beek
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
User Profiles ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Office Employees

Background: To decrease the detrimental health effects of prolonged sitting, the implementation of sit-stand workstations is a commonly used intervention for office workers. Most studies on this topic evaluated the effects of newly introduced sit-stand workstations. The objective of this study was to determine how often and how long the standing option is used and how the use of sit-stand workstations is perceived in office workers with long-term access to these workstations. Methods: Using an online survey, 1098 office employees responded to questions about frequency of usage of the sit-stand workstation, sitting time, physical activity, and positive and negative perceptions of the use of the sit-stand workstations. Results: Based on the frequency of use, three user groups were identified: non-users (32.1%), monthly/weekly users (37.5%) and daily users (30.4%). Non-users reported to sit more, stand less and have longer bouts of sitting, compared to monthly/weekly users, and these differences were even larger compared to daily users. A higher proportion of daily users perceived the use of the sit-stand workstation as being more healthy and appealing and making them more productive and energetic compared to the non-users. A higher proportion of the non-users perceived it as being uncomfortable, distracting, and unpractical, compared to the other user groups. Conclusions: The differences between the three identified user groups with respect to sitting, standing and perceptions of sit-stand workstations, might be helpful in tailoring future interventions to reduce occupational sitting time, to increase the reach, effectiveness and sustainability.

scholarly journals Sitting Time And Quality Of Life In Office Workers Undergoing A Sedentary Behavior Intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (5S) ◽  
pp. 633
Author(s):  
Nirjhar Dutta ◽  
Nathan R. Mitchell ◽  
Sarah A. Rydell ◽  
Meynard L. Toledo ◽  
Sarah L. Mullane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Behavior Intervention ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time

Design Recommendations for Active Workplaces

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaas P. Pronk
Keyword(s):  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Organizational Strategy ◽  
Design Recommendations ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
A Company

An active workplace, operationally defined as a company that deploys an organizational strategy designed to encourage movement and minimize sedentary time during the workday, may benefit from more engaged employees and less productivity loss, providing benefits for both workers and the company. Evidence of effectiveness supports the introduction of programs that reduce prolonged sitting time and increase movement and activity. This article highlights the need for companies to intentionally address sedentary behavior at work and base the approach for doing so on best-practice design principles that will increase the chances for successful solutions.

Effects of a Minimal Workplace Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors and Improve Perceived Wellness in Middle-Aged Women Office Workers

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 838-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyan L. Urda ◽  
Jeffrey S. Lynn ◽  
Andrea Gorman ◽  
Beth Larouere
Keyword(s):  
Activity Monitor ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
University Staff ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Control Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perceived Wellness

Background:The purpose of this study was to determine whether an alert to get up once per hour while at work would reduce sitting time, increase sit-to-stand transitions, and improve perceived wellness in women with sedentary jobs.Methods:Female university staff and administrators (48 ± 10 years) were randomly assigned to control-control (CC) (n = 22) or control-intervention (CI) (n = 22) groups. Both used a thigh-worn postural-based activity monitor for 2 weeks. The CC group maintained normal behaviors, whereas the CI group maintained behaviors during control week, but received hourly alerts on their computer during work hours in the intervention week. Time sitting and sit-to-stand transitions during an 8.5-hour workday were examined. A perceived wellness survey was completed at baseline and after the control and intervention weeks.Results:Among all participants (N = 44) during the control week, 68% of the workday was spent sitting and 41 sit-to-stand transitions occurred. An analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in variables over time (P > .05). There was a significant increase in perceived wellness from baseline in both groups (P ≤ .05). Perceived wellness showed no statistically significant difference between groups.Conclusions:The intervention had no statistically significant effect on sitting time or sit-to-stand transitions. Participation improved perceived wellness in the absence of behavior change.

scholarly journals Sedentary Behavior, Cardiovascular Risk and Importance of Physical Activity and Breaking-Up Sedentary Behavior

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imtiyaz Ali Mir
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Quality Of Living

Sedentary behavior (SB) is one of the common leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and all-cause mortality. However, not much is known concerning the relationship between SB and CV risk factors. This chapter aimed to explore the scientific knowledge that examines the association between SB and CV risk factors and its association with the development of CVD. Besides, the focus on preventing the SB by avoiding prolonged sitting and breaking-up the extended periods of sitting, and participating in physical activity (PA) are usually highlighted in this chapter, explaining how these intervention protocols can reduce the burden of CVD due to SB. Regardless of the known benefits of both PA and taking frequent breaks when engaging in sedentary tasks, the adaptation of a physically active lifestyle has remained very low because of various reasons; habitual behavior, insufficient or lack of time, misconceptions of CVD related health benefits from PA. Thus, it is very important to break these barriers associated with PA and encourage the physically inactive population, especially those who practice prolonged sitting to actively participate in PA and break the prolonged sitting time with regular interval breaks. Therefore, promotion of PA and limiting the sedentary tasks which would lead to improved levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and better quality of living is necessary among all age groups, gender and ethnicities to prevent many chronic illnesses, specifically CVD and its associated risks related to SB.

Occupational sitting time, its determinants and intervention strategies in Malaysian office workers: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saiful Adli Suhaimi ◽  
Andre Matthias Müller ◽  
Eliza Hafiz ◽  
Selina Khoo
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Occupational Sitting ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Malaysian Government

Abstract Adults who accumulate a lot of sedentary time per day are at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Prolonged sitting is also associated with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. With the increase in desk-based office work, many office workers spend long hours sitting at the workplace. The aim of this study was to assess occupational sitting time in Malaysian government office workers, and investigate determinants of occupational sitting time and potential strategies to interrupt sitting time. We conducted a mixed-methods study consisting of a survey and focus group discussions (FGDs). A total of 1338 office workers from 24 Malaysian ministries completed the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire. Twenty-nine office workers who spent at least 7 h per day sitting at work participated in FGDs. We enquired about knowledge, awareness and perceptions related to prolonged sitting time, barriers and facilitators to sitting time at work, and potential intervention strategies. Mean daily sitting time at work was 5.96 h (standard deviation = 1.37 h). FDGs confirmed barriers and facilitators to sitting time in accordance with the social-ecological model for health. Intrapersonal, social and physical environmental factors as well as organizational culture and organizational policy were mentioned to affect occupational sitting time. The results show that Malaysian government office workers spent a significant amount of time sitting at work and we identified multi-level factors influencing sitting time. A smartphone-based intervention to interrupt sitting time at work was suggested and is currently being tested.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document