Effect of an education-based workplace intervention (move in office with education) on sedentary behaviour and well-being in desk-based workers: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of short-term workplace-based physical activity education on altering sitting outcomes, maximal oxygen consumption (V O2max) and occupational well-being. Four office clusters (46 participants) of desk-based workers were randomized to either the move in office with education (MOWE) group or the control (CONT) group for 4 weeks. The outcomes were occupational sedentary time, V O2max and workplace well-being. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests. Our study results did not show any significant change in sitting time or V O2max. Nevertheless, workplace well-being of the MOWE group significantly improved when compared to the CONT group, especially in the domains of work satisfaction (odds ratio 11.67; p = 0.001) and employer care (odds ratio 0.167; p = 0.001). Workplace education (MOWE) improves well-being but may not alter sitting outcomes or V O2max in office workers. Workplace education without policy change may not yield positive health outcomes.