Workshop on Health Risks of Sedentary Behavior at Work - Part I Scientific Perspectives

Abstract

Health risks of sedentary behaviour at work are a matter of concern. Solutions are needed based on interdisciplinary collaborations of research experts and practitioners in the field of occupational safety and health. In February 2019, at a workshop in Berlin, experts from different fields discussed the health risks of sedentary behaviour at work and solutions for the workplace based on scientific evidence. The workshop is documented here in 2 parts. Gender relevant aspects are distinguished if possible. Part I describes the workshop contributions on current scientific findings regarding health risks of sedentary behavior in leisure time and at work as well as prevalence and determinants of sedentary work. The following contribution presents suggestions for the development of theory-based intervention strategies. Furthermore, available evidence from systematic reviews for intervention strategies to reduce sedentary time at work is shown. In spite of many studies and evidence in favour of taking into consideration sedentary behavior at work, there are still research gaps predominantly regarding etiology, possibilities of compensation, determinants, and intervention strategies. In this context, documentation of differences between men and women is insufficient. Part II presents selected workplace solutions and the results of the discussions in the workshop.