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Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Occupational Safety and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 34795

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Dr. Gemma Ryde

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Guest Editor

BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
Interests: physical activity and sedentary behaviour; workplace behaviour change interventions and public health policy and guidelines

Dr. Simone A. Tomaz

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Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
Interests: physical activity and other movement behaviours (sedentary behaviour, screen time and sleep); physical activity and gross motor skills in children under 5; physical activity (and exercise) prescription for health and chronic disease management; physical activity in people from disadvantaged communities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to be organising this Special Issue on sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the workplace for the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. This peer-reviewed scientific journal publishes articles and communications in the interdisciplinary area of environmental health sciences and public health. For detailed information on the journal, please see: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph.

Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace is an exciting and complex research area. The workplace is often a target for research and interventions due to the number of adults that can potentially be reached, the amount of time people spend in this setting and the reduction in movement across most occupational categories over the years. However, the full potential of this setting with regard to promoting physical activity and enhancing health it yet to be reached, with significant barriers at both the employee and organisational level. This Special Issue is open to any subject area relating to sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the workplace. Novel and innovative research in this area is welcomed, especially where strong collaborations with workplaces, policy or impact can be demonstrated.

Dr. Gemma Ryde
Dr. Simone A. Tomaz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Workplace
Physical activity
Sedentary behaviour
Sitting
Health

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Productivity, Perceived Stress and Work Engagement of a Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge

by Gemma C. Ryde, Simone A. Tomaz, Krissi Sandison, Carl Greenwood and Paul Kelly

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031843 - 6 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3303

Abstract

Workplace step count challenges show promise with regard to increasing physical activity, with walking linked to many positive physical and mental health benefits. Few studies have investigated their effects on work-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe (1) the process of collecting work-related outcomes as part of a real-world workplace intervention, the Step Count Challenge, and (2) report step counts and work-related outcomes (productivity, perceived stress and work engagement) during the Step Count Challenge. This pre-post study was conducted as part of a four-week 2018 National Step Count Challenge (SCC) in Scotland, UK. A survey was administered to collect self-reported steps, productivity (HWQ), perceived stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and work engagement (UWES) on the week prior to the intervention starting (baseline), week 1 and week 4. Process data such as recruitment and response rates were monitored throughout. Of 2042 employees who signed up to the SCC, baseline data were reported for 246 (12% of total; mean age 42.5 years, 83% female). Process data suggest low uptake to the study and poor compliance between surveys time points. Preliminary data suggest positive changes in step counts (3374 steps/day by week 4), stress and productivity. No changes in work engagement were found. The findings highlight the need to integrate research more effectively into real-world interventions, including a true baseline period. The Step Count Challenge may have positive change on some work-related outcomes warranting further investigation into how robust research designs can be delivered without negatively influencing real-world interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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14 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Physical Activity, Work Ability, Absenteeism and Presenteeism in Australian and New Zealand Adults during COVID-19

by Jayden R. Hunter, Rebecca M. Meiring, Ashley Cripps, Haresh T. Suppiah, Don Vicendese, Michael I. Kingsley and Brett A. Gordon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312563 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3982

Abstract

Public health movement and social restrictions imposed by the Australian and New Zealand governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the working environment and may have affected health behaviours, work ability, and job performance. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between health behaviours and work ability and performance during COVID-19 restrictions and if health behaviours were related to demographic or population factors. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather responses from 433 adult employees in Australia and New Zealand between June and August 2020. The survey requested demographic information and used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, and the World Health Organisation’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. Multivariate regression models were used to explore relationships between the identified variables while controlling for several possible confounders. Being sufficiently physically active was associated with higher reported physical (aOR = 2.1; p = 0.001) and mental work abilities (aOR = 1.8; p = 0.007) and self-reported job performance (i.e., lower presenteeism) (median +7.42%; p = 0.03). Part-time employees were 56% less likely (p = 0.002) to report a good or very good mental work ability. Those with existing medical conditions were 14% less likely (p = 0.008) to be sufficiently active and 80% less likely (p = 0.002) to report rather good or very good physical work ability. Being sufficiently active was associated with higher physical and mental work abilities and better job performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers should support opportunities for regular physical activity and provide specific support to individuals with medical conditions or in part-time employment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

12 pages, 5532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Related to Job Stress and Job Satisfaction: Correspondence Analysis on a Population-Based Study

by Domingo de-Pedro-Jiménez, Alfonso Meneses-Monroy, Rocío de Diego-Cordero, Marta María Hernández-Martín, Antonio Gabriel Moreno-Pimentel and Manuel Romero-Saldaña

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111220 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2746

Abstract

Background: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is not the same as occupational activity. Various factors influence both forms of physical activity, including job stress and job satisfaction, but the associations found are weak, and the need for new studies in large populations is emphasized. The objective was to study the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction, and the relationship between these and occupational and leisure-time physical activity according to the National Survey of Health 2017. Methods: A population-based study of 8716 workers between 18 and 65 years of age. The variables age, sex, leisure, and occupational-time physical activity (OTPA), educational level, type of occupation, job stress level, and job satisfaction were collected. A simple and multiple correspondence analysis was performed between the variables that reached statistical significance. Results: 4621 cases (53.02%) correspond to men with a mean age of 44.83 years (SD 10.22) and 4095 cases to women with a mean age of 44.55 years (SD 10.23). Women had higher percentages of higher education (p < 0.001), intermediate to high occupations and unskilled (p < 0.001), job stress (p < 0.001), covered the most extreme levels of satisfaction (p = 0.003), and do less LTPA (p < 0.001) and OTPA (p < 0.001). Also, in women a relationship was found between job stress and LTPA (p = 0.024), as well as between satisfaction and both forms of physical activity (OTPA p = 0.013 and LTPA p < 0.001). In men, significance was only reached in the relationship between job stress and OTPA (p <0.001). Conclusions. The higher the job stress, the less the job satisfaction, but the relationship is reversed in the intermediate categories. For both sexes, job stress is related to a sedentary lifestyle and higher employment and education levels. Higher levels of satisfaction correspond to higher levels of occupancy. The relationship between job satisfaction and educational level is direct in women but inverse in men. In women, there is a relationship between sedentary occupations and job satisfaction. In addition, intense physical activity at work is related to higher levels of job stress, lower satisfaction levels, and less physical activity in leisure-time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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13 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sara Moreira, Maria Salomé Ferreira, Maria Begoña Criado, Jorge Machado, Cristina Mesquita, Sofia Lopes and Paula Clara Santos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147604 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3512

Abstract

A lack of physical activity in computer workers (CW) can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim: (i) Evaluate MSS over a 12 month and 7 days period, (ii) determine physical activity (PA) levels and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and (iii) assess the relationship between compliance with WHO PA recommendations and MSS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study comprising 119 computer workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. Results: MSS occurred in the lumbar region (56.3%), neck (43.7%), and shoulders (39.5%). 44.7% of the participants reported a low level of PA. The percentage of compliance was similar among women and men (62.2% vs. 58.5%, respectively). Negative correlations were found between pain intensity and metabolic equivalent values. The participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported a lower frequency of MSS compared to those who did not, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that computer workers presented a higher frequency of MSS in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Regarding the level of PA, participants were mostly classified as low. Participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported lower MSS than those who did not. This finding could be important in obtaining successful programs that promote health-oriented physical activity in this group of workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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11 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of an Annual Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge on Changing Step Counts: Findings from Four Years of Delivery

by Ailsa Niven, Gemma Cathrine Ryde, Guy Wilkinson, Carl Greenwood and Trish Gorely

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105140 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3132

Abstract

Paths for All’s 8-week online Workplace Step Count Challenge (SCC) is a flagship program of Scotland’s National Walking Strategy. The aim of this study was to examine changes in step counts throughout the duration of the SCC, across four years of delivery. Participants were those who registered for the 2015–2018 SCCs, and reported demographic data at registration. Participants self-reported their device-measured step count for each day of the SCC. Following data screening, mean daily steps for each week were calculated. Linear mixed models (R nlme procedure), controlling for the within subject nature of the step count measure, were used to explore changes in steps over time. Gender and age group (<45 years; ≥45 years) were entered into a subsequent model. Separate models were created for each year of the SCC and for all years combined. Participants (n = 10,183) were predominantly women (76.8%), aged <45 (54.6%) and ≥45 years. In general, steps increased each week compared to week 1 (p < 0.001), with a significant increase evident at all but seven of 28 data points. Across the four years of SCC, the increase in steps at week 8 compared to week 1 ranged from 506 to 1223 steps per day, making a substantial contribution to the recommended physical activity levels for health. There was no consistent age or gender effect. The findings provide support for the continued investment in such workplace interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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21 pages, 1933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Sophie E. Carter, Richard Draijer, Joseph D. Maxwell, Abigail S. Morris, Scott J. Pedersen, Lee E. F. Graves, Dick H. J. Thijssen and Nicola D. Hopkins

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238942 - 1 Dec 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4220

Abstract

Low-cost workplace interventions are required to reduce prolonged sitting in office workers as this may improve employees’ health and well-being. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of an e-health intervention to reduce prolonged sitting among sedentary UK-based office workers. Secondary aims were to describe preliminary changes in employee health, mood and work productivity after using an e-health intervention. Healthy, university office workers (n = 14) completed this study. An 8 week randomised crossover design was used, consisting of two trials: Intervention (computer-based prompts) and Control. Eligibility and retention rates were recorded to assess the feasibility of the trial and interviews were conducted following the intervention to explore its acceptability. Sitting, standing and stepping were objectively assessed prior to and during week 8 of each trial. Before and after each trial, measurements of vascular function, cerebrovascular function, mood and work productivity were obtained. This study had eligibility and retention rates of 54.5% and 77.8%, respectively. Participants expressed a lack of autonomy and disruption to their workflow when using the e-health intervention, raising concerns over its acceptability and long-term implementation. Preliminary data indicate that the intervention may improve the patterning of activity accrued during work hours, with increases in the number of standing and stepping bouts completed, in addition to improving vascular function. This e-health intervention is feasible to deliver in a cohort of university office workers. However, adaptations to its implementation, such as personalised settings, are needed to increase acceptability before larger trials can be conducted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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10 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An mHealth Workplace-Based “Sit Less, Move More” Program: Impact on Employees’ Sedentary and Physical Activity Patterns at Work and Away from Work

by Judit Bort-Roig, Emilia Chirveches-Pérez, Maria Giné-Garriga, Lydia Navarro-Blasco, Roser Bausà-Peris, Pedro Iturrioz-Rosell, Angel M. González-Suárez, Iván Martínez-Lemos, Emma Puigoriol-Juvanteny, Kieran Dowd and Anna Puig-Ribera

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238844 - 28 Nov 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3217

Abstract

Background: Most workplace interventions that aim to reduce sedentary behaviour have 38 focused on employees’ sedentary patterns at-work but less have focused on understanding the 39 impact beyond working time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 13-week m-40 health workplace-based ‘sit less, move more’ intervention (Walk@WorkApp; W@W-App) on 41 physical activity (PA) and sitting in desk-based employees at-work and away from work. Methods: Participants (n = 141) were assigned by hospital to an intervention group (IG; used the W@W-App; n = 90) or an active comparison group (A-CG; monitored occupational activity; n = 51). The W@W-App, installed on the participants´ own smartphones, provided real-time feedback for occupational sitting, standing, and stepping, and gave access to automated strategies to sit less and move more at work. Changes between groups were assessed for total sitting time, sedentary bouts and breaks, and light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (activPAL3TM; min/day) between the baseline and after program completion. Results: Compared to the A-CG, employees that used the W@W-App program increased their number of daily breaks and the time spent on short sedentary bouts (<20 min, p = 0.047) during weekends. Changes in shortest sedentary bouts (5–10 min) during weekends were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). No changes in workday PA or sitting were observed. Conclusion: Desk-based employees seemed to transfer the W@W-App program knowledge outside of work. Evaluating the impact of workplace (mHealth-based or not) interventions at work but also away from work would provide a better understating of the impact of such interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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14 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Workplace Sedentary Behavior and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sara K. Rosenkranz, Emily L. Mailey, Emily Umansky, Richard R. Rosenkranz and Elizabeth Ablah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186535 - 8 Sep 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6451

Abstract

Reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace has become an important public health priority; however, some employers have expressed concerns regarding the potential for reduced productivity if employees are not seated while at work. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between workplace sedentary behavior (sitting time) and work productivity among full-time office-based employees, and further to investigate other potential factors associated with productivity. A 19-item online self-report survey was completed by 2068 government employees in Kansas. The survey assessed workplace sedentary behavior, work productivity, job satisfaction, and fatigue. Overall, office workers reported high levels of sedentary time (mean > 78%). The primary results indicated that sitting time was not significantly associated with productivity (β = 0.013, p = 0.519), but job satisfaction and fatigue were positively (β = 0.473, p < 0.001) and negatively (β = −0.047, p = 0.023) associated with productivity, respectively. Furthermore, participants with the highest level of sitting time (>91% of the time) reported lower job satisfaction and greater fatigue as compared with the lowest level of sitting time (<75% of the time). Taken together, these results offer promising support that less sitting time is associated with positive outcomes that do not seem to come at the expense of productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

10 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Workplace-Based Virtual-Run Intervention Among University Employees

by Apichai Wattanapisit, Waluka Amaek, Watcharawat Promma, Phatcharawadee Srirug, Uchane Cheangsan, Satit Khwanchum, Wattana Chadakorn, Kanittha Eardmak and Narumon Chadakorn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082745 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2791

Abstract

Virtual runs (real running or walking activities using online recording platforms) have been popular in the digital age and could have the potential to promote physical activity (PA) in workplaces. We investigated the effects of a virtual-run intervention (VRI) on PA and body compositions among university employees. A three-phase intervention was conducted over 6 months: 0 (pre-intervention), 1 (during intervention), and 2 (post-intervention). Exercise stages of change were assessed in phases 0 and 2. Body compositions (body weight, body mass index, fat mass, percentage of fat mass, fat-free mass, and percentage of fat-free mass) were assessed in phases 0, 1, and 2. Running and walking times were recorded through a mobile application. Forty-seven participants completed the VRI. The number of participants at the maintenance stage increased from 34.04% in phase 0 (n = 16) to 63.83% in phase 2 (n = 30). None of the changes in body compositions were significant (p > 0.05). The median running and walking time among participants at the maintenance stage was 151.85 (interquartile range, 109.15) min/week. Future research should focus on approaches to improve the efficacy of VRIs and their effects on health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in the Workplace)

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