Desk-based Workers Research Articles

National implementation trial of BeUpstanding™: an online initiative for workers to sit less and move more.

The online BeUpstanding™ program is an eight-week workplace-delivered intervention for desk-based workers to raise awareness of the benefits of sitting less and moving more and build a supportive culture for change. A workplace representative (the "champion") delivers the program, which includes a workshop where teams collectively choose their sit less/move more strategies. A toolkit provides the champion with a step-by-step guide and associated resources to support program uptake, delivery, and evaluation. Here we report on the main findings from the Australian national implementation trial of BeUpstanding. Recruitment (12/06/2019 to 30/09/2021) was supported by five policy and practice partners, with desk-based work teams from across Australia targeted. Effectiveness was measured via a single arm, repeated-measures trial. Data were collected via online surveys, toolkit analytics, and telephone calls with champions. The RE-AIM framework guided evaluation, with adoption/reach (number and characteristics); effectiveness (primary: self-reported workplace sitting time); implementation (completion of core components; costs); and, maintenance intentions reported here. Linear mixed models, correcting for cluster, were used for effectiveness, with reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance outcomes described. Of the 1640 website users who signed-up to BeUpstanding during the recruitment period, 233 were eligible, 198 (85%) provided preliminary consent, and 118 (50.6%) champions consented and started the trial, with 94% (n = 111 champions) completing. Trial participation was from across Australia and across industries, and reached 2,761 staff, with 2,248 participating in the staff survey(s): 65% female; 64% university educated; 17% from a non-English speaking background. The program effectively changed workplace sitting (-38.5 [95%CI -46.0 to -28.7] minutes/8-hour workday) and all outcomes targeted by BeUpstanding (behaviours and culture), with small-to-moderate statistically-significant effects observed. All participating teams (n = 94) completed at least 5/7 core steps; 72.4% completed all seven. Most champions spent $0 (72%) or >$0-$5 (10%) per team member; most (67/70 96%) intended to continue or repeat the program. BeUpstanding can be adopted and successfully implemented by a range of workplaces, reach a diversity of staff, and be effective at creating a supportive culture for teams of desk-based workers to sit less and move more. Learnings will inform optimisation of the program for longer-term sustainability. ACTRN12617000682347.

Impact of yoga on the central and peripheral vascular function among desk-based workers: A single-centered trial study

Background The aim of this study was to observe and analyze vascular function in ‘prolonged sitting’, followed by a yoga asana routine and pranayama intervention. Participants in this study include those who work from desks in offices. The study required the participants to attend on three separate days at random, and they had to finish a computerized test on each day. On the first day, participants were required to complete a computer test while sitting still for four hours (with the exception of washroom breaks). The next day, they underwent a computerized test along with a pranayama intervention. Finally, on the last day, they underwent a computerized test along with a yoga asana intervention. At the start of the study and after two and four hours, we measured the diameter and velocity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA). Methods The study was a within-subjects prospective single-center trial conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging, Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, India, between September 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to do one of the following ‘activities’ over successive weeks: Week 1 – Prolonged sitting; Week 2 – Pranayama intervention; and Week 3 – Yoga asana intervention during prolonged sitting. The baseline and follow-up variables of pulse velocity, endothelial thickness, and shear rate were assessed for normality through a Shapiro-Wilk Test. Results Our sample included 11 participants with moderate physical activity, five with high physical activity and one with low physical activity. Yoga asana intervention comprised participants sitting continuously for four hours, with a yoga asana intervention being provided every hour, lasting for 10 minutes. Conclusions Yoga asana improves vascular functions in prolonged sitting conditions. This routine can promote the concept of interrupted sitting and ways to reduce it with efficient yoga asana practice without changing the work culture and provide better physical relief. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry – India ( CTRI/2022/09/045628), date of registration: 19/09/2022(CTRI/2022/9/045628)https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=16349.27799,

Impact of yoga on the central and peripheral vascular function among desk-based workers: A single-centred trial study

Background The aim of this study was to observe and analyze vascular function in ‘prolonged sitting’, followed by a yoga routine and pranayama intervention. Participants in this study include those who work from desks in offices. The study required the participants to attend on three separate days at random, and they had to finish a computerized test on each day. On the first day, participants were required to complete a computer test while sitting still for four hours (with the exception of washroom breaks). The next day, they underwent a computerized test along with a pranayama intervention. Finally, on the last day, they underwent a computerized test along with a yoga intervention. At the start of the study and after two and four hours, we measured the diameter and velocity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA). Methods The study was a within-subjects prospective single-center trial conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging, Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, India, between September 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to do one of the following ‘activities’ over successive weeks: Week 1 – Prolonged sitting; Week 2 – Pranayama intervention; and Week 3 – Yoga intervention during prolonged sitting. The baseline and follow-up variables of pulse velocity, endothelial thickness, and shear rate were assessed for normality through a Shapiro-Wilk Test. Results Our sample included 11 participants with moderate physical activity, five with high physical activity and one with low physical activity. Yoga intervention comprised participants sitting continuously for four hours, with a yoga session intervention being provided every hour, lasting for 10 minutes. Conclusions Yoga improves vascular functions in prolonged sitting conditions. This routine can promote the concept of interrupted sitting and ways to reduce it with efficient yoga practice without changing the work culture and provide better physical relief. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry – India ( CTRI/2022/09/045628), date of registration: 19/09/2022(CTRI/2022/9/045628)https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=16349.27799,

Study protocol and rationale of "the UP project": evaluating the effectiveness of active breaks on health indicators in desk-based workers.

Excessive sedentary time has been negatively associated with several health outcomes, and physical activity alone does not seem to fully counteract these consequences. This panorama emphasizes the essential of sedentary time interruption programs. "The Up Project" seeks to assess the effectiveness of two interventions, one incorporating active breaks led by a professional and the other utilizing a computer application (self-led), of both equivalent duration and intensity. These interventions will be compared with a control group to evaluate their impact on physical activity levels, sedentary time, stress perception, occupational pain, and cardiometabolic risk factors among office workers. This quasi-experimental study includes 60 desk-based workers from universities and educational institutes in Valparaiso, Chile, assigned to three groups: (a) booster breaks led by professionals, (b) computer prompts that are unled, and (c) a control group. The intervention protocol for both experimental groups will last 12 weeks (only weekdays). The following measurements will be performed at baseline and post-intervention: cardiometabolic risk based on body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and bone mass evaluated by DXA), waist circumference, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and handgrip strength. Physical activity and sedentary time will be self-reported and device-based assessed using accelerometry. Questionnaires will be used to determine the perception of stress and occupational pain. Governments worldwide are addressing health issues associated with sedentary behavior, particularly concerning individuals highly exposed to it, such as desk-based workers. Despite implementing certain strategies, there remains a noticeable gap in comprehensive research comparing diverse protocols. For instance, studies that contrast the outcomes of interventions led by professionals with those prompted by computers are scarce. This ongoing project is expected to contribute to evidence-based interventions targeting reduced perceived stress levels and enhancing desk-based employees' mental and physical well-being. The implications of these findings could have the capacity to lay the groundwork for future public health initiatives and government-funded programs.

Physical activity interventions in workplace health promotion: objectives, related outcomes, and consideration of the setting-a scoping review of reviews.

The workplace is a recognized setting for promoting health among adults, and physical activity (PA) interventions are an integral part of workplace health promotion (WHP). The present review of reviews aims to provide an overview of the main objectives and related outcomes addressed in WHP-related PA interventions, as well as the setting-specific aspects considered in the research field. A scoping review of reviews was conducted. Reviews were included if they were peer-reviewed, written in English, and focused on PA interventions conducted in the context of WHP. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Reviews were included if they had been published after the year 2000. Information on the following dimensions was extracted: author, region, number of primary studies included, target group(s), PA interventions included, main objective(s), related outcomes, and setting-specific aspects. A total of 17 reviews were included. Six reviews aimed at solely identifying the effectiveness of promoting daily PA and reducing sedentary behavior. Eleven reviews showed a combined approach considering physical activity behavior and/or health and job-related outcomes. Outcomes in the primary studies were heterogeneous. None of the reviews had an explicit definition of WHP and setting-specific information was very general and sparse. The reported setting-specific information was referred to the general importance of the workplace setting, the specific importance as an access route to target groups, and implementation aspects. Regarding the additional characteristics of the reviews, the selection of primary studies was restricted to a specific region in 2 of the 17 reviews in advance. Three reviews restricted the target group (sedentary workers, women, desk-based workers), while eleven reviews included working adults in general and, three reviews gave no information about the target group. Eleven intervention approaches of the reviews were behaviorally oriented, two focused solely on environmental interventions, and four reviews can be attributed to a combined approach considering behavioral and environmental interventions. For sustainable future developments, the present results indicate a strong need for conceptual consolidation of WHP in the research field of PA interventions. Therefore, both WHP and health-related PA interventions need to take a comprehensive approach comprising behavioral and environmental interventions.

Guidelines to conduct research in computer-prompt software studies to decrease sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity in the workplace.

Computers are ubiquitous in the workplace and facilitate prolonged sitting, which has adverse health consequences. Various computer-prompt software programs are designed to decrease sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity in the workplace. However, specific guidelines that would improve research in this area have not been published. The objective of this article is to present recommendations for improving computer-prompt software research, to decrease sedentary behaviors and increase physical activity in the workplace. Ten domains were identified based on deficiencies in the current literature combined with quality assessment tools to reduce the risk for bias. The ten domains include composition of the research team, behavioral sciences theoretical frameworks, research design, alert types, outcome measures, confounding factors, intervention duration, carryover effects, racial/ethnic composition, and organizational culture. Specific recommendations are presented for each domain. The research team should include all stakeholders contributing as copartners in designing the intervention. For theory, a systems science framework was presented. Clustered randomized controlled trials were recommended, rather than randomization at the individual level. Distinct types of alerts (visual, auditory, or both) and frequency of alerts (hourly, randomly generated, or based on prolonged sitting patterns) are described. Outcome measures include average duration of sitting bouts, longest sitting bout, and number of sitting bouts. Prolonged sitting and physical inactivity at work lead to major health problems. Adherence to the recommendations presented here should facilitate high-quality research and improve the health of desk-based workers by decreasing sedentary behaviors and increasing physical activity.

#163 : Stress and Occupation Impair Male Fertility

Background and Aims: Jakarta is a metropolitan city of Indonesia and most people in Jakarta are working on various occupation such as technology-based and highly skilled occupations are common (construction workers, engineers, programmer, entrepreneurs) and desk-based workers. Those occupation, stress from those occupation and environment may impair male fertility. This study was aimed to determine specific occupations, occupational stress and environment and their association with sperm parameter. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used, and 24 male participants underwent IUI treatment in Yasmin Fertility Clinic, Jakarta were recruited. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, velocity was analyzed using Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and sperm DNA fragmentation index was assessed using Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). Interview was also conducted to obtain information on age, length of marriage, biological children, occupational exposure, occupational-related psychological stress. The results were compared to parameter in WHO manual 6th edition. Results: All 24 participants experienced exposure to potential disruptor to fertility such as vehicle emission, smoke inhalation and computer radiation (Fig. 1). Their raw semen parameters were lower compared to WHO manual 6th edition. Further results indicated that washing increased the value of all standard parameters and reduced sperm DNA fragmentation index in all samples. Further results showed abnormal morphology and sperm on fresh ejaculate are affected by stress intensity and frequency. However, total motility and abnormal morphology are significant correlated to stress intensity and frequency on both before and after sperm washing (Table 1). Conclusion: Types of occupation and highly exposed to air pollution and/or demands prolonged time of sitting behaviour pose higher risk of sperm quality deterioration. Also, psychological stress resulted from workload may associate with sperm parameters outcome.

Participant and workplace champion experiences of an intervention designed to reduce sitting time in desk-based workers: SMART work & life

BackgroundA cluster randomised controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the SMART Work & Life (SWAL) behaviour change intervention, with and without a height-adjustable desk, for reducing sitting time in desk-based workers. Staff within organisations volunteered to be trained to facilitate delivery of the SWAL intervention and act as workplace champions. This paper presents the experiences of these champions on the training and intervention delivery, and from participants on their intervention participation.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative feedback from workplace champions on their training session was collected. Participants provided quantitative feedback via questionnaires at 3 and 12 month follow-up on the intervention strategies (education, group catch ups, sitting less challenges, self-monitoring and prompts, and the height-adjustable desk [SWAL plus desk group only]). Interviews and focus groups were also conducted at 12 month follow-up with workplace champions and participants respectively to gather more detailed feedback. Transcripts were uploaded to NVivo and the constant comparative approach informed the analysis of the interviews and focus groups.ResultsWorkplace champions rated the training highly with mean scores ranging from 5.3/6 to 5.7/6 for the eight parts. Most participants felt the education increased their awareness of the health consequences of high levels of sitting (SWAL: 90.7%; SWAL plus desk: 88.2%) and motivated them to change their sitting time (SWAL: 77.5%; SWAL plus desk: 85.77%). A high percentage of participants (70%) reported finding the group catch up session helpful and worthwhile. However, focus groups highlighted mixed responses to the group catch-up sessions, sitting less challenges and self-monitoring intervention components. Participants in the SWAL plus desk group felt that having a height-adjustable desk was key in changing their behaviour, with intrinsic as well as time based factors reported as key influences on the height-adjustable desk usage. In both intervention groups, participants reported a range of benefits from the intervention including more energy, less fatigue, an increase in focus, alertness, productivity and concentration as well as less musculoskeletal problems (SWAL plus desk group only). Work-related, interpersonal, personal attributes, physical office environment and physical barriers were identified as barriers when trying to sit less and move more.ConclusionsWorkplace champion and participant feedback on the intervention was largely positive but it is clear that different behaviour change strategies worked for different people indicating that a ‘one size fits all’ approach may not be appropriate for this type of intervention. The SWAL intervention could be tested in a broader range of organisations following a few minor adaptations based on the champion and participant feedback.Trial registrationISCRCTN registry (ISRCTN11618007).

Changes in Desk-Based Workers' Sitting, Standing, and Stepping Time: Short- and Longer-Term Effects on Musculoskeletal Pain.

Sitting at work can be associated with musculoskeletal pain, but the effect of reductions in sitting is not well understood. We examined relationships with musculoskeletal pain of changes in sitting, standing, stepping, and short and long bouts of these behaviors. Analyses pooled data from 224 desk workers (68.4% women; mean ± SD age = 45.5 ± 9.4 yr; body mass index = 28.1 ± 6.1 kg⋅m -2 ) in intervention trial. Device-assessed (activPAL3) sitting, standing, and stepping time and multisite musculoskeletal pain (Nordic Questionnaire; 12 body areas) were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Compositional data analyses in linear mixed-effects regressions examined relationships within 16 waking hours of the behaviors and their short and long bouts, with changes from baseline in acute and chronic multisite musculoskeletal pain at 3 and 12 months. Analyses were adjusted for initial group randomization and relevant covariates. At 3 months, increased standing relative to changes in other compositions was significantly associated with increased multisite musculoskeletal pain (acute: β = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10 to 2.98; chronic: β = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.12 to 2.83). By contrast, increased stepping relative to changes in other compositions was significantly associated with reduced multisite musculoskeletal pain (acute: β = -1.49, 95% CI = -2.97 to -0.02; chronic: β = -1.87, 95% CI = -3.75 to -0.01). Neither sitting reduction relative to changes in other compositions nor changes in short bouts relative to long bouts of the behaviors were significantly associated with multisite musculoskeletal pain changes. At 12 months, there were no significant associations for any of the compositional changes. In the short term, while increasing standing with reduced sitting time can be unfavorable, concurrently increasing stepping could potentially reduce musculoskeletal pain. In the longer term, musculoskeletal pain may not be increased by moderate reductions in sitting time through spending more time standing or stepping.

O.2.3-2 How to effectively develop and modify workplace health programs: case studies in UK contact centers

Abstract Purpose Workplace health programs are often implemented to improve employee health, and subsequently business outcomes (e.g., reducing absence). However, they rarely consider the full range of complexity and variability of organizational factors. This can lead to poor implementation, effectiveness and sustainability. As such, innovative methods which facilitate the development or modification of health programs while considering an organization’s unique organizational culture barriers are needed. Contact center-based organizations in particular have several organizational barriers, which create highly sedentary environments with limited opportunities for physical activity engagement. This study aims to improve the development, implementation and effectiveness of workplace health programs in contact centers by identifying and addressing these barriers. Methods This study is underpinned by the Six Steps in Quality Intervention Development framework (6SQuID). 6SQuID emphasizes co-production with stakeholders which is important in ensuring interventions are acceptable and sustainable. Four workshops were conducted in two contact center-based UK organizations over seven months. The workshops, with management, aimed to accomplish the following in each organization: 1) define the problem (with wellbeing programs) and its causal factors (organizational culture barriers), and 2) co-produce theories of change, theories of action and an action plan to address the causal factors and solve the problem. Results Organization 1 (private sector, nursing services) defined their problem as: low focus on engagement and participation in wellbeing activities. Organization 2 (public sector, emergency services) defined their problem as: wellbeing programs lack proactivity, engagement and sustainability. Each organization developed an action plan to address the causal factors of their problem and initiate their theory of change pathways (desired short, medium and long-term outcomes). Activity examples included: sanctioning time for well-being program/behaviour participation (e.g., break-taking to reduce sitting) and improving program promotion. Conclusions This study provides learnings on how to facilitate more effective development (or modification) and implementation of workplace health programs (especially those related to sedentary behaviour, physical activity and mental health) by including management in identifying and addressing organizational culture barriers. Results have the potential for application to other organizations with desk-based workers. This study is part of a University of Edinburgh-funded PhD studentship.

O.2.3-3 Are we working (too) comfortably?: developing and testing an evidence-informed toolkit to reduce sedentary behaviour when working at home

Abstract Covid-19 permanently changed how desk-based workers spend their day, with many working at home (W@H) some/all of the working week. W@H is associated with increased levels of sedentary behaviour (SB), when compared to office sitting. There are adverse mental and physical health outcomes associated with prolonged SB. A solution is needed to support those who W@H to move more across the day, reducing the negative effects of SB. Informed by a rapid review and focus groups with desk-based workers, we developed a ‘Toolkit’ comprising educational information about SB, suggestions for reducing SB, and action planning resources. ‘Toolkit’ components were grouped into themes and delivered over 4-weeks by e-newsletter: 1) Move During Meetings; 2) Active Breaks; 3) Home-to-Home Commute; 4) DIY Tech. Scottish Government employees tested the ‘Toolkit’ and provided feedback to allow us to refine ahead of wider rollout. Staff reported enjoying using the ‘Toolkit’ and found the weekly e-newsletters were a useful reminder to move more when W@H. Suggestions were considered practical, low-cost, and didn’t require additional resource (e.g. buying equipment) to engage with. In terms of refinements, staff felt it would be useful to have organisational support for permission to take breaks when W@H and that there were occasions when it could be difficult to implement suggestions, e.g. during meetings, when busy, and limitations of job requirements. Each participant had their own favourite strategy. The ‘Toolkit’ could be further enhanced through options to personalise. The Active Break week was the favourite theme with 39% of final evaluation respondents indicating preference for this. DIY Tech week was the least favourite (11%). W@H employees are aware of the risks of prolonged SB, and want to reduce this behaviour without impacting on job role. Validation from employers will nurture a culture of permission to move, however resources providing employees with individualised suggestions of when to move and what to do will be imperative to encourage long-term behaviour change. Through our research, we have developed and tested an intervention ‘Toolkit’ for supporting those W@H to reduce SB. The next stage is to explore AI-based opportunities for personalisation and rolling out more widely.

The Relationship Between Daytime Sedentary Behavior And Sleep Health In Desk-based Workers

The Relationship Between Daytime Sedentary Behavior And Sleep Health In Desk-based Workers

The Effect of an Electronic Passive Prompt Intervention on Prolonged Occupational Sitting and Light-Intensity Physical Activity in Desk-Based Adults Working from Home during COVID-19 in Ireland

This study aimed to assess the effect of passive prompts on occupational physical behaviours (PBs) and bouts of prolonged sitting among desk-based workers in Ireland who were working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic passive prompts were delivered every 45 min, asking participants to walk for five minutes, during working hours. Twenty-eight participants (aged 30–67 years) completed the six-week intervention between October 2020 and April 2021. PBs were measured using an activPAL3TM accelerometer, following a 24 h wear protocol, worn for the duration of the study. Participants were highly sedentary at both baseline (77.71% of work hours) and during the intervention (75.81% of work hours). However, the number of prolonged occupational sedentary bouts > 90 min was reduced compared to baseline (0.56 ± 0.08 vs. 0.77 ± 0.11, p = 0.009). Similar reductions were observed in the time spent in sustained sitting > 60 and >90 min when compared to baseline sedentary patterns (60 min: −31.27 ± 11.91 min, p = 0.014; 90 min: −27.97 ± 9.39 min, p = 0.006). Light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) significantly increased during the intervention (+14.29%, p = 0.001). This study demonstrates that passive prompts, delivered remotely, can both reduce the number and overall time spent in prolonged bouts of occupational sedentary behaviour and increase occupational LIPA.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of sedentary behaviour interventions in offices to reduce sitting time in Australian desk-based workers: A modelling study.

Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, cancers, and premature mortality. SB interventions in workplaces are effective in reducing sitting time. Previous economic evaluations have not specifically used changes in sitting time to estimate the long-term impact of SB on chronic disease-related health and cost outcomes. This research evaluated the cost-effectiveness of three hypothetical SB interventions: behavioural (BI), environmental (EI) and multi-component intervention (MI), implemented in the Australian context, using a newly developed epidemiological model that estimates the impact of SB as a risk factor on long-term population health and associated cost outcomes. Pathway analysis was used to identify the resource items associated with implementing each of the three interventions using a limited societal perspective (included costs: health sector, individuals and industry; excluded costs: productivity). The effectiveness of the modelled interventions in reducing daily sitting time (informed by published meta-analyses) was modelled for the Australian working population aged 20-65 years. A multi-cohort Markov model was developed to simulate the 2019 Australian population and estimate the incidence, prevalence and mortality of five diseases causally related to excessive sitting time, over the life course. Monte-Carlo simulations were used to calculate each intervention's mean incremental costs and benefits (quantified as health adjusted life years HALYs) compared to a do-nothing comparator. When implemented at the national level, the interventions were estimated to reach 1,018 organisations with 1,619,239 employees. The estimated incremental cost of SB interventions was A$159M (BI), A$688M (EI) and A$438M (MI) over a year. Incremental health-adjusted life years (HALYs) gained by BI, EI and MI were 604, 919 and 349, respectively. The mean ICER for BI was A$251,863 per HALY gained, A$737,307 for EI and A$1,250,426 for MI. Only BI had any probability (2%) of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50,000 per HALY gained from a societal perspective. SB interventions are not cost-effective when a reduction in sitting time is the outcome measure of interest. The cost-effectiveness results are heavily driven by the cost of the sit-stand desks and the small HALYs gained from reducing sitting time. Future research should focus on capturing non-health-benefits of these interventions, such as productivity, work satisfaction, and other health benefits: metabolic, physical, and musculoskeletal outcomes. Importantly, the health benefits of simultaneously reducing sitting time and increasing standing time for such interventions should be captured with the joint effects of these risk factors appropriately considered.

Associations of physical and social workplace characteristics with movement behaviors at work.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is common in desk-based work and prolonged periods of SB are associated with negative health outcomes. This study assessed associations between workplace characteristics and setting and movement patterns during working hours. This secondary analysis used baseline data from the Reducing Sedentary Behavior to Decrease Blood Pressure (RESET BP) clinical trial which enrolled inactive, desk-based workers with elevated blood pressure (n=271; mean age: 45.3±11.6 years; body mass index (BMI): 30.66±7.1 kg/m2; 59.4% women). Physical and social workplace characteristics were assessed by a study-developed questionnaire and the Office Environment and Sitting Scale (OFFESS). Participants also wore an activPAL activity monitor for 7 days and reported working hours in a diary to measure SB and physical activity (PA) specifically while working. Linear regression was used to analyze cross-sectional associations between workplace characteristics and SB and PA. A stratified analysis was also conducted to assess associations among home-based and in-office desk workers separately. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, and work wear time. Participants spent 77% of working hours in SB. Public vs. private offices, working in-office vs. at home, higher local connectivity, and greater overall connectedness were associated with lower SB and/or greater PA (all p<0.05). Higher frequency of face-to-face interactions, and greater visibility and proximity to co-workers was associated with less SB and more PA (all p<0.05). For example, home-based workers had more total SB (+17.2±8.4 mins/day), more SB bouts ≥30 mins (+39.1±12.8 mins/day), and less steps (695±201 steps/day) than in-office employees. Stratification by office setting revealed differences in associations between SB and PA and workplace characteristics. More public, open spaces with more social interactions and physical walkways could improve SB and PA patterns during work. Home-based workers had more SB, less PA, and unique associations of these activities with workplace characteristics, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.

0310 Sleep Health Characteristics in Sedentary Desk-Based Workers

Abstract Introduction Many occupations consist of predominantly desk-based work, which leads to prolonged periods of sitting during the workday. Excessive periods of sedentary behavior could have a negative impact on health outcomes, including sleep. The purpose of this study was to characterize sleep health in a sample of sedentary desk-based workers. Methods This secondary analysis of baseline data from an ongoing clinical trial included 125 inactive adults with elevated, nonmedicated blood pressure and desk-based occupations (49.6% female, age=43.9±10.6 y, 85.6% White race, body mass index [BMI]=30.9±6.4 kg/m²). Sleep was assessed using validated questionnaires (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]) and 7 nights of actigraphy. Six dimensions of sleep health (regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration) were categorized as “good” or “poor”; a composite score summed good sleep health dimensions on a scale of 0-6. Results The mean sleep health score was 4.7±1.1; 24.8% of participants met “good” criteria for all 6 sleep health dimensions. The most common “good” sleep health dimensions were efficiency (89.0%) and alertness (87.2%); the least common was regularity (60%). The mean PSQI score was 5.5±3.0, and 41.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI &amp;gt;5); a trend was observed in adults with poor sleep quality to have lower sleep health (p=0.055). The mean ISI score was 7.1±4.7, and 40% had at least mild-severity insomnia symptoms (ISI ≥8); those with insomnia symptoms had significantly lower sleep health compared to those without insomnia symptoms (p=0.04). Sleep health was not significantly correlated with age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, or mean daily sedentary behavior (each r≤ .08, p≥0.38) and did not differ between males and females (p=0.26). However, White adults had significantly better sleep health compared to their non-White counterparts (6.4% Black, 5.6% Asian, 2.4% other) (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion This sample of sedentary desk-based workers presented generally good sleep health. This warrants future investigations comparing adults with different levels of occupational activity and non-desk-based occupations to understand why highly sedentary behavior is associated with negative health outcomes. Support (If Any) This study was funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants R01HL134809 and R01HL147610.

Sitting less and moving more for improved metabolic and brain health in type 2 diabetes: ‘OPTIMISE your health’ trial protocol

BackgroundClinical practice guidelines recommend that adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) sit less and move more throughout the day. The 18-month OPTIMISE Your Health Clinical Trial was developed to support desk-based workers with T2D achieve these recommendations. The two-arm protocol consists of an intervention and control arms. The intervention arm receives 6 months health coaching, a sit-stand desktop workstation and an activity tracker, followed by 6 months of text message support, then 6 months maintenance. The control arm receives a delayed modified intervention after 12 months of usual care. This paper describes the methods of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention, compared to a delayed intervention control.MethodsThis is a two-arm RCT being conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Desk-based workers (≥0.8 full-time equivalent) aged 35–65 years, ambulatory, and with T2D and managed glycaemic control (6.5–10.0% HbA1c), are randomised to the multicomponent intervention (target n = 125) or delayed-intervention control (target n = 125) conditions. All intervention participants receive 6 months of tailored health coaching assisting them to “sit less” and “move more” at work and throughout the day, supported by a sit-stand desktop workstation and an activity tracker (Fitbit). Participants receive text message-based extended care for a further 6-months (6–12 months) followed by 6-months of non-contact (12–18 months: maintenance). Delayed intervention occurs at 12–18 months for the control arm. Assessments are undertaken at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 15 and 18-months. Primary outcomes are activPAL-measured sitting time (h/16 h day), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c; %, mmol/mol) and, cognitive function measures (visual learning and new memory; Paired Associates Learning Total Errors [adjusted]). Secondary, exploratory, and process outcomes will also be collected throughout the trial.DiscussionThe OPTIMISE Your Health trial will provide unique insights into the benefits of an intervention aimed at sitting less and moving more in desk-bound office workers with T2D, with outcomes relevant to glycaemic control, and to cardiometabolic and brain health. Findings will contribute new insights to add to the evidence base on initiating and maintaining behaviour change with clinical populations and inform practice in diabetes management.Trial registrationANZCTRN12618001159246.

Workplace neighbourhood built-environment attributes and sitting at work and for transport among Japanese desk-based workers

Workplace settings—both internal and external—can influence how workers are physically active or sedentary. Although research has identified some indoor environmental attributes associated with sitting at work, few studies have examined associations of workplace neighbourhood built-environment attributes with workplace sitting time. We examined the cross-sectional associations of perceived and objective workplace neighbourhood built-environment attributes with sitting time at work and for transport among desk-based workers in Japan. Data were collected from a nationwide online survey. The Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (n = 2137) and Walk Score® (for a subsample of participants; n = 1163) were used to assess perceived and objective built-environment attributes of workplace neighbourhoods. Self-reported daily average sitting time at work, in cars and in public transport was measured using a Japanese validated questionnaire. Linear regression models estimated the associations of workplace neighbourhood built-environment attributes with sitting time. All perceived workplace neighbourhood built-environment attributes were positively correlated with Walk Score®. However, statistically significant associations with Walk Score® were found for sitting for transport but not for sitting at work. Workers who perceived their workplace neighbourhoods to be more walkable reported a longer time sitting at work and in public transport but a shorter sitting time in cars. Our findings suggest that walkable workplace neighbourhoods may discourage longer car use but have workplaces where workers spend a long time sitting at work. The latter finding further suggests that there may be missed opportunities for desk-based workers to reduce sitting time. Future workplace interventions to reduce sitting time may be developed, taking advantage of the opportunities to take time away from work in workplace neighbourhoods.

Peer champions responses to nudge-based strategies designed to reduce prolonged sitting behaviour: Lessons learnt and implications from lived experiences of non-compliant participants.

Occupational sedentariness is problematic for office-based workers because of their prolonged sitting periods and the advent of technology which reduces work-based movement. A common workplace strategy to deal with this preventable health risk is to have workers engage in brief movement breaks throughout the workday. To date, the use of interventions underpinned by individual self-regulation has had less than optimal impact on changing workers sedentary work behaviours. An alternative design for workplace interventions is the use of nudge theory. Nudge theory incorporates strategies that are delivered at the point of choice designed to influence individual decision making regarding alternative behaviour options. In this study, desk-based workers were exposed to two nudge strategies which suggested alternative behaviours of regular standing and taking movement breaks during work periods to the default behaviours of prolonged sitting and sedentary work behaviour. A small group of women managers who served as peer champions (n = 6), withdrew early from the study, and then took part in an exit interview to gain an understanding of their experiences of being exposed to the two nudge strategies. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis. Two major themes with seven second order themes central to their experiences were extracted: facilitative behaviour and feelings (advocacy, acceptance & facilitative burden) and dysfunctional behaviours and feelings (dysfunctional behaviour & feelings, control, reactance & presenteeism). Participants initially perceived a positive exchange associated with exposure to nudge strategies. Yet, participants' emotional connection to their work roles and behaviour were perceived as a negative exchange. Participants cited numerous maladaptive feelings because of a perception of incongruency with the established work normative behaviour. These findings reveal that nudge strategies of reduced choice and social norms are viable, but perceptions of monitoring can moderate adherence.

Employee Engagement in A Remote Working Scenario

Remote working is a concept in which the employees do not commute or travel to the Organizations place of work but allows the employees to work outside of the traditional office environment. Employee engagement can be viewed as an attitude of an employee/employee’s a to be productive, to excel and therefore be committed towards the organisation. Remote working applies to a variety of employees especially office or desk-based workers. This paper explores different facets of the remote worker’s persona and provides recommendations and practices to enhance employee engagement of the employees working remotely. Remote work culture is not a new concept, but due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic situation there seems to be a rapid shift of many employees to the remote working model essentially working away from the traditional office ecosystem. This paper examines two aspects of working remotely, a. In regular times b. during a crisis and in both these scenarios how to keep the remote workers engaged and motivated to ensure a minimum if not zero loss of Productivity.