Occupational Sedentary Behaviour Research Articles

Effectiveness of workplace interventions with digital elements to reduce sedentary behaviours in office employees: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Digital interventions are potential tools for reducing and limiting occupational sedentary behaviour (SB) in sedentary desk-based jobs. Given the harmful effects of sitting too much and sitting for too long while working, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of workplace interventions, that incorporated digital elements, to reduce the time spent in SB in office workers. Randomised control trials that evaluated the implementation of workplace interventions that incorporated digital elements for breaking and limiting SB among desk-based jobs were identified by literature searches in six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PEDro) published up to 2023. Studies were included if total and/or occupational SB were assessed. Only studies that reported pre- and postintervention mean differences and standard deviations or standard errors for both intervention arms were used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields QUALSYST tool. Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review. The most employed digital elements were information delivery and mediated organisational support and social influences. Multicomponent, information, and counselling interventions measuring total and/or occupational/nonoccupational SB time by self-report or via device-based measures were reported. Multicomponent interventions were the most represented. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which presented a reduction of 29.9 (95% CI: -45.2, -14.5) min/8h workday in SB (overall effect: Z = 3.81). Multicomponent interventions, using a wide range of digital features, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing time spent in SB at the workplace among desk-based employees. However, due to hybrid work (i.e., work in the office and home) being a customary mode of work for many employees, it is important for future studies to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions in the evolving work landscape. The review protocol was registered in the Prospero database (CRD42022377366).

Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep across lifespan in adults across European countries: Background and design

Introduction
 Regular physical activity (PA) has benefits for health throughout the lifespan. PA benefits musculoskeletal, cardio metabolic health, and overall well-being (Kapoor et al., 2022). However, data from 2017 shows that about 55-83% of women and 47-74% of men from European countries (EU) do not meet these guidelines (Lübs et al,. 2018). Moreover, adults at the age of 40-54 (aOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52-0.81) and 55-64 (aOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49-0.77) are less likely to have moderate or high levels of PA in comparison with those 18-24 years of age. (Nikitara et al., 2021). Sedentary behavior (SB) including activities such as watching television, playing computer games, browsing the internet has increased (Wang et al., 2019). Canada has an established track record in the development of 24-hour movement guidelines on PA, SB, and sleep. They have previously release guidelines for all age groups. Following Canada’s lead, several jurisdictions including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa have incorporated the 24-hour movement concepts (Tremblay, 2020). There is a lack of data for 24-hour behavior guideline in the European context. There are no specific recommendations on SB and sleep. Therefore, this project will present the background, methods and design of a 24-hour movement summary of behaviors (PA, SB and sleep) in Europe.
 Methods
 We will utilize existing PA, SB and sleep data from the World Health Organization on European adults 18+. Analysis using mean, median, and 95% confidence Intervals, will be complemented by frequency distributions and histograms. These will be stratified by age and sex subgroups for a more comprehensive overview.
 Results
 The findings from this research have the potential to inform surveillance efforts, shape policies and public health strategies, improve overall well-being, and contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines.
 Discussion/Conclusion
 Implications of this research may inform researchers on further questions to pursue, policy makers in resource allocation, and practitioners on where to focus intervention efforts.
 References
 Kapoor, G., Chauhan, P., Singh, G., Malhotra, N., & Chahal, A. (2022). Physical activity for health and fitness: Past, present and future. Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(1), 9-14. https://doi.org/10.15280/jlm.2022.12.1.9
 Lübs, L., Peplies, J., Drell, C., & Bammann, K. (2018). Cross-sectional and longitudinal factors influencing physical activity of 65 to 75-year-olds: A pan European cohort study based on the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe (SHARE). BMC Geriatrics, 18, Article 94. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-0781-8
 Nikitara, K., Odani, S., Demenagas, N., Rachiotis, G., Symvoulakis, E. K., & Vardavas, C. (2021). Prevalence and correlates of physical inactivity in adults across 28 European countries. European Journal of Public Health, 31(4), 840-845. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckab067
 Tremblay, M. S. (2020). Introducing 24-hour movement guidelines for the early years: A new paradigm gaining momentum. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 17(1), 92-95. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2019-0401
 Wang, N. X., Chen, J., Wagner, N., Rebello, S. A., Petrunoff, N., Owen, N., & Müller‐Riemenschneider, F. (2019). Understanding and influencing occupational sedentary behavior: A mixed-methods approach in a multiethnic Asian population. Health Education & Behavior, 47(3), 419-429. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198119885431

Occupational physical activity as a determinant of daytime activity patterns and pregnancy and infant health.

Though physical activity (PA) is recommended during pregnancy, it remains unclear how occupational physical activity (OPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) contribute to activity patterns and health during pregnancy. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine if OPA pattern is a determinant of all-day PA and evaluate associations with pregnancy/infant health outcomes. Data was from two prospective cohorts with study visits each trimester: MoM Health (Pittsburgh, PA; n = 120) and PRAMS (Iowa City, Iowa; n = 20). Using employment status/job hours (self-reported in demographic questionnaires) and OPA from the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, latent class analysis identified three groups: sitting (n = 61), part-time mixed (n = 9), and active (n = 29). A fourth group included non-working participants (n = 32). Device-based PA (ActiGraph GT3X), SB (activPAL3 micro), and blood pressure were measured each trimester. Glucose screening test, gestational age, gestational weight gain, adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth), and infant outcomes (length, weight, and sex) were abstracted from medical records. Associations between groups with APOs and pregnancy/infant health were calculated using linear/logistic regression with adjustment for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, education, and race. Self-reported participant characteristics were similar across groups, except education which was higher in the sitting versus other groups. All-day device-based PA differed across groups; for example, the sitting group had the highest SB across trimester (all p<0.01) while the active group had the highest steps per day across trimesters (all p<0.01). Pregnancy/infant health did not differ between groups (all p>0.09). Compared to the non-working group, the risk of any APO was non-significantly higher in the sitting (OR = 2.27, 95%CI = 0.63-8.18) and active groups (OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 0.66-9.75), though not the part-time mixed (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.08-9.1). OPA pattern is a determinant of all-day PA during pregnancy. Future studies with larger samples should examine associations between pregnancy OPA patterns and pregnancy/infant health.

Association of Work-Related Sedentary Behavior With Mental Health and Work Engagement Among Japanese White- and Blue-Collar Workers.

This study investigated the association of work-related sedentary behavior with mental health and work engagement among white- and blue-collar workers. An Internet survey was conducted among 1600 workers aged 20 to 59 years. A total of 1213 valid responses were analyzed to examine the association of work-related sedentary behavior with mental health and work engagement. Higher level of occupational sedentary behavior significantly associated with poorer mental health and lower work engagement among white-collar workers. Considering the effect of occupation, association of sedentary behavior with mental health disappeared, whereas association with work engagement remained for white-collar workers. Our result suggested the importance of decreasing work-related sedentary behavior for enhancing work engagement regardless of the occupation for white-collar workers. Further study is needed to confirm the association between these variables for blue-collar workers.

Internal but Not External Building Design Associated With More Occupational Physical Activity.

Few studies have explored the impact of internal building design features on physical activity. The purpose of this study is to determine building design features associate with physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Full-time workers (n = 114) wore an ActivPal monitor for 4 work days to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Participants completed a 25-item survey about the presence of external, internal, and staircase design features at their worksite. Participants also reported their desk type. General linear models were used to examine relations between the number of features present for each category and physical activity (steps per hour) and sedentary behavior (sitting time per hour). Internal design scores were positively associated with occupational physical activity. Each single item increase in facilitating internal design features was associated with +64.5 steps/hr (p = .045) at work. Workers who reported having a desk job walked 538 fewer steps/hr (p < .01) and sat 17 min more/hr at work than workers who reported not having a desk. These results suggest that internal design features can promote more movement and less sitting at work. Future studies that examine the longitudinal effect of changing internal design features on occupational physical activity and sedentary behaviors are warranted.

A Social Cognitive Assessment of Workplace Sedentary Behavior among a Sample of University Employees.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is an important public health concern. Adults working in desk-based occupations spend a considerable proportion of the workday sitting. More information is needed regarding the factors that contribute to occupational SB. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain work-related SB using a quantitative, cross-sectional design by administering an online questionnaire. Participants included 381 full-time employees at a large, public university in the south-central United States. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between SCT constructs and SB. Mean work-related SB was 5.95 (SD = 1.30) h/8 h workday. In model 1, 9.6% of the total variance in SB was accounted for by standing desk ownership and physical activity level (p = 0.001; R2 = 0.096). In model 2, SCT constructs led to a statistically significant R2 increase of 4.9% (p < 0.001), where standing desk ownership, physical activity, and self-efficacy explained 13.3% of the variance in work-related SB. Findings from this study suggest that self-efficacy may be an important factor in explaining variation in occupational SB. Public health researchers and practitioners should consider strategies to address self-efficacy when developing workplace interventions to target occupational SB.

Effectiveness of Multicomponent Interventions in Office-Based Workers to Mitigate Occupational Sedentary Behavior: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sedentary time in workplaces has been linked to increased risks of chronic occupational diseases, obesity, and overall mortality. Currently, there is a burgeoning research interest in the implementation of multicomponent interventions aimed at decreasing sedentary time among office workers, which encompass a comprehensive amalgamation of individual, organizational, and environmental strategies. This meta-analysis aims at evaluating the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions to mitigate occupational sedentary behavior at work compared with no intervention. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from database inception until March 2023 to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of multicomponent interventions on occupational sedentary behavior among office-based workers. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias by using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The average intervention effect on sedentary time was calculated using Stata 15.1. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs were used to calculate the continuous variables. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether sit-stand workstation, feedback, and prompt elements played an important role in multicomponent interventions. Further, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. A total of 11 RCTs involving 1894 patients were included in the analysis. Five studies were rated as low risk of bias, 2 as unclear risk of bias, and 4 as high risk. The meta-analysis results showed that compared with no intervention, multicomponent interventions significantly reduced occupational sitting time (MD=-52.25 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -73.06 to -31.44; P<.001) and occupational prolonged sitting time (MD=-32.63 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -51.93 to -13.33; P=.001) and increased occupational standing time (MD=44.30 min/8-h workday, 95% CI 23.11-65.48; P<.001), whereas no significant differences were found in occupational stepping time (P=.06). The results of subgroup analysis showed that compared with multicomponent interventions without installment of sit-stand workstations, multicomponent interventions with sit-stand workstation installment showed better effects for reducing occupational sitting time (MD=-71.95 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -92.94 to -51.15), increasing occupational standing time (MD=66.56 min/8-h workday, 95% CI 43.45-89.67), and reducing occupational prolonged sitting time (MD=-47.05 min/8-h workday, 95% CI -73.66 to -20.43). The GRADE evidence summary showed that all 4 outcomes were rated as moderate certainty. Multicomponent interventions, particularly those incorporating sit-stand workstations for all participants, are effective at reducing workplace sedentary time. However, given their cost, further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of low-cost/no-cost multicomponent interventions.

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 &gt; 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 &gt; 60 and &gt;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.

Use of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model to Pilot an Occupational Physical Activity Intervention: Tailored Through a Community Partnership.

Healthcare and social assistance workers are at increased risk for obesity. This industry has limited access to workplace health promotion resources and reports low rates of physical activity programs for workers. This article describes the application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model (PPM) to plan, implement, and evaluate a pilot physical activity intervention, Project Move, tailored to promote occupational physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors among female workers. Actions taken by the community-based participatory research partnership assisted in the identification of the predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors that influenced the physical activity behaviors of female workers. The resources and capacities of the partnership were leveraged to implement and evaluate the pilot intervention. After the 12-week intervention, the participants' daily average steps while at work met the recommended minimum 7,000 steps/day, and the time spent sitting decreased along with positive changes in health-related psychosocial measures. The PPM represents a feasible approach for community-based participatory partnerships to create a tailored intervention to address the occupational physical activity and sedentary behaviors of at-risk female healthcare and social assistance workforce.

Association between domain-specific sedentary behaviour and endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveSedentary behaviour is associated with increased cancer risk. We aim to assess the associations of domain-specific and total sedentary behaviour with risk of endometrial cancer, with additional attention paid to...

Paradoxical Associations of Occupational and Nonoccupational Sedentary Behavior With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Measures in Desk Workers.

We assessed sedentary behavior (SB) patterns and examined its associations, by domain, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk measures in desk workers ( N = 273). Sedentary behavior was measured by activPAL3 and partitioned into occupational and nonoccupational SB. Cardiovascular disease risk measures included blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Paired t tests evaluated patterns of SB across domains. Linear regressions estimated associations of occupational and nonoccupational SB with CVD risk measures. Participants spent 69% of their time in SB; higher proportions were accumulated during occupational versus nonoccupational time. Higher all-domain SB was only associated with higher pulse wave velocity. Paradoxically, greater nonoccupational SB unfavorably associated with CVD risk measures, while higher occupational SB favorably correlated to CVD risk measures. Observed paradoxical associations suggest that domain should be considered in efforts to improve cardiovascular health by reducing SB.

Validity of the Modified SIT-Q 7d for Estimating Sedentary Break Frequency and Duration in Home-Based Office Workers During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: A Secondary Analysis

Office workers who transitioned to working from home are spending an even higher percentage of their workday sitting compared with being “in-office” and this is an emerging health concern. With many office workers continuing to work from home since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to have a validated self-report questionnaire to assess sedentary behavior, break frequency, and duration, to reduce the cost and burden of using device-based assessments. This secondary analysis study aimed to validate the modified Last 7-Day Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SIT-Q 7d) against an activPAL4™ device in full-time home-based “office” workers (n = 148; mean age = 44.90). Participants completed the modified SIT-Q 7d and wore an activPAL4 for a full work week. The findings showed that the modified SIT-Q 7d had low (ρ = .35–.37) and weak (ρ = .27–.28) criterion validity for accurate estimates of break frequency and break duration, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement were large for break frequency (26.85–29.01) and medium for break duration (5.81–8.47), indicating that the modified SIT-Q 7d may not be appropriate for measuring occupational sedentary behavior patterns at the individual level. Further validation is still required before confidently recommending this self-report questionnaire to be used among this population to assess breaks in sedentary time.

Abstract P227: Paradoxical Associations of Occupational and Non-Occupational Sedentary Behavior With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Desk Workers

Introduction: Sedentary behavior (SB) has emerged as a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, independent of physical inactivity. Yet, preliminary research suggests that these relationships may differ if SB is accumulated during occupational or non-occupational time. Thus, we examined associations of SB with CVD risk factors, by domain, in desk workers. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that non-occupational SB would have more unfavorable associations with CVD risk factors compared to occupational SB. Methods: This cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline data from the RESET BP clinical trial included 269 desk workers (age=45.2±11.6 years; 83.5% white; 59.3% female). Total SB was measured by activPAL3 and was partitioned into occupational and non-occupational domains. CVD risk factors included resting and nocturnal systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and heart rate (HR), resting carotid-femoral (cf) and carotid-radial (cr) pulse wave velocity (PWV), and heart rate variability (HRV) [i.e., natural log transformed standard deviation of R-R intervals (lnSDNN), root mean square of successive differences (lnRMSSD), and high frequency (lnHF)]. Adjusted linear regression estimated associations of SB with CVD risk factors. A Wald test compared the beta-coefficients associating occupational vs. non-occupation SB with these CVD risk factors. Results: Participants spent 69%, 77%, and 64% of their time in total, occupational, and non-occupational SB, respectively. Agnostic of the domains, a 1-hour increase in total SB was only associated with higher cfPWV (0.18 m/s; p&lt;0.05). A 1-hour increase in occupational SB was associated with lower (favorable) resting DBP and nocturnal SBP and DBP (-1.02, -1.52, and -1.12 mmHg, respectively; p&lt;0.05). Paradoxically, a 1-hour increase in non-occupational SB was associated with higher (unfavorable) resting DBP (1.04 mmHg), HR (1.07 beat/minute), cfPWV (0.23 m/s), nocturnal SBP (1.41 mmHg), and lower resting lnSDNN (-0.07), lnRMSSD (-0.10), and lnHF (-0.18). Wald tests revealed significant differences in beta coefficients (p&lt;0.05 for all) for all these outcomes where occupational SB was favorably associated with these CVD risk factors while non-occupational SB was unfavorably associated with these CVD risk factors. Conclusions: While desk workers accumulate high amounts of occupational and non-occupational SB, paradoxical associations with CVD risk were observed with non-occupational SB being unfavorable and occupational SB being favorable for CVD risk factors. Confirmation is needed in longitudinal and experimental studies.

Feasibility and Acceptability of an Internet of Things-Enabled Sedentary Behavior Intervention: Mixed Methods Study.

Encouraging office workers to break up prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) at work with regular microbreaks can be beneficial yet challenging. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers great promise for delivering more subtle and hence acceptable behavior change interventions in the workplace. We previously developed an IoT-enabled SB intervention, called WorkMyWay, by applying a combination of theory-informed and human-centered design approaches. According to the Medical Research Council's framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions such as WorkMyWay, process evaluation in the feasibility phase can help establish the viability of novel modes of delivery and identify facilitators and barriers to successful delivery. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the WorkMyWay intervention and its technological delivery system. A mixed methods approach was adopted. A sample of 15 office workers were recruited to use WorkMyWay during work hours for 6 weeks. Questionnaires were administered before and after the intervention period to assess self-report occupational sitting and physical activity (OSPA) and psychosocial variables theoretically aligned with prolonged occupational SB (eg, intention, perceived behavioral control, prospective memory and retrospective memory of breaks, and automaticity of regular break behaviors). Behavioral and interactional data were obtained through the system database to determine adherence, quality of delivery, compliance, and objective OSPA. Semistructured interviews were conducted at the end of the study, and a thematic analysis was performed on interview transcripts. All 15 participants completed the study (attrition=0%) and on average used the system for 25 tracking days (out of a possible 30 days; adherence=83%). Although no significant change was observed in either objective or self-report OSPA, postintervention improvements were significant in the automaticity of regular break behaviors (t14=2.606; P=.02), retrospective memory of breaks (t14=7.926; P<.001), and prospective memory of breaks (t14=-2.661; P=.02). The qualitative analysis identified 6 themes, which lent support to the high acceptability of WorkMyWay, though delivery was compromised by issues concerning Bluetooth connectivity and factors related to user behaviors. Fixing technical issues, tailoring to individual differences, soliciting organizational supports, and harnessing interpersonal influences could facilitate delivery and enhance acceptance. It is acceptable and feasible to deliver an SB intervention with an IoT system that involves a wearable activity tracking device, an app, and a digitally augmented everyday object (eg, cup). More industrial design and technological development work on WorkMyWay is warranted to improve delivery. Future research should seek to establish the broad acceptability of similar IoT-enabled interventions while expanding the range of digitally augmented objects as the modes of delivery to meet diverse needs.

Examining the impact of 12-hour day and night shifts on nurses' fatigue: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Fatigue is prevalent among hospital nurses and has been linked to medical errors and decreased patient safety. However, little is known regarding the relationship between occupational physical activity, sedentary behavior, and fatigue. Objective: To assess the impact of 12-hour shifts on nurses' fatigue and its relationship to occupational physical activity and sedentary behavior. Design: Prospective-cohort study design Setting(s): Midwestern trauma one academic medical center Participants: A total of 80 registered nurses working 12-hour day and night shifts participated in this study and completed momentary measures of fatigue (texting, aim one). Only 52 participants were included in aim two analyses (included activity monitoring, aim two). Methods: Occupational patterns of momentary fatigue was measured via ecological momentary assessments. Occupational physical activity and sedentary behaviors (e.g., step count, time spent sitting, standing, and walking) were measured for 14 continuous days using the ActivPAL3 micro activity monitor. Mixed models were used to examine the effects of shift type and time within a shift on occupational fatigue. General estimation equations were used to examine the relationship between time spent sitting, standing, and walking on fatigue. Results: Regardless of shift type, nurses exhibited a significant rise in fatigue; however, the rise was greater during night shifts compared to day shifts. Walking was positively associated with fatigue during day shifts, and negatively associated with fatigue during night shifts. Conclusions: The rise in fatigue was greater among nurses working night shifts compared to day shifts, which could place them at greater risk for fatigue-related consequences. The relationship between walking and fatigue was moderated by shift-type. Tweetable abstract: Nursing fatigue rises during 12-hour shifts, but the rise is greater for those working night shifts @DrRobertoBenzo.

Associations of Prolonged Occupational Sitting with the Spectrum of Kidney Disease: Results from a Cohort of a Half-Million Asian Adults

BackgroundKidney diseases are viewed as continuously progressing diseases from microalbuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD), to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and its mortality including deaths. The report on the association between prolonged sitting and kidney diseases is limited.MethodsWe examined a cohort of 455,506 participants in a screening program in Taiwan conducted between 1996 and 2017. Data on occupational sedentary behavior and physical activity were collected with a standardized questionnaire. The outcomes of ESRD and death were identified by linking with the Catastrophic Illness Dataset and Cause of Death Data. The association between prolonged sitting and CKD, the incidence of ESRD, and death were assessed using logistic regression models to compute odds ratios (ORs) and Cox proportional hazards models for hazard ratios (HRs).ResultsMore than half of the participants, i.e., 265,948 (58.4%), were categorized as “prolonged sitting” during their work. During a median of 13 years of follow-up, we identified 2227 individuals undergoing dialysis and 25,671 deaths. Prolonged occupational sitting was significantly associated with a higher risk of CKD (OR: 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 1.31), ESRD (HR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.03, 1.38), and kidney-specific mortality (HR: 1.43, 95% CI 1.07, 1.91) compared to mostly standing participants after controlling for physical activity and other risk factors. Inactive prolonged sitting carries a significantly higher risk of ESRD than physically active mostly standing participants (HR: 1.34, 95% CI 1.04, 1.73). However, active prolonged sitting decreased the risk of ESRD (HR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.79, 1.34) compared to inactive prolonged sitting.ConclusionThe results suggest that prolonged occupational sitting is associated with a greater risk of the spectrum of kidney disease, proteinuria, CKD, dialysis (ESRD), and mortality for all causes and kidney diseases. Physical activity, even at a minimal level of 15 min/day (90 min/week) of moderate-intensity exercise, was associated with a reduction in these risks.

The Importance of Research on Occupational Sedentary Behaviour and Activity Right Now

The workplace has been identified as a key setting for public health interventions to 'promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations' by the World Health Organisation [...].

Health effects of reduced occupational sedentary behaviour in type 2 diabetes using a mobile health intervention: a study protocol for a 12-month randomized controlled trial—the ROSEBUD study

BackgroundShort-term trials conducted in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) showed that reducing sedentary behaviour by performing regular short bouts of light-intensity physical activity enhances health. Moreover, support for reducing sedentary behaviour may be provided at a low cost via mobile health technology (mHealth). There are a wide range of mHealth solutions available including SMS text message reminders and activity trackers that monitor the physical activity level and notify the user of prolonged sitting periods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a mHealth intervention on sedentary behaviour and physical activity and the associated changes in health in adults with T2DM.MethodsA dual-arm, 12-month, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted within a nationwide Swedish collaboration for diabetes research in primary health care. Individuals with T2DM (n = 142) and mainly sedentary work will be recruited across primary health care centres in five regions in Sweden. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into two groups. A mHealth intervention group who will receive an activity tracker wristband (Garmin Vivofit4), regular SMS text message reminders, and counselling with a diabetes specialist nurse, or a comparator group who will receive counselling with a diabetes specialist nurse only. The primary outcomes are device-measured total sitting time and total number of steps (activPAL3). The secondary outcomes are fatigue, health-related quality of life and musculoskeletal problems (self-reported questionnaires), number of sick leave days (diaries), diabetes medications (clinical record review) and cardiometabolic biomarkers including waist circumference, mean blood pressure, HbA1c, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.DiscussionSuccessful interventions to increase physical activity among those with T2DM have been costly and long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. The use of mHealth technologies such as activity trackers and SMS text reminders may increase awareness of prolonged sedentary behaviour and encourage increase in regular physical activity. mHealth may, therefore, provide a valuable and novel tool to improve health outcomes and clinical management in those with T2DM. This 12-month RCT will evaluate longer-term effects of a mHealth intervention suitable for real-world primary health care settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04219800. Registered on 7 January 2020.

Effectiveness of a healthcare-based mobile intervention on sedentary patterns, physical activity, mental well-being and clinical and productivity outcomes in office employees with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundProlonged sedentary time is associated with an increased incidence of chronic disease including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Given that occupational sedentary time contributes significantly to the total amount of daily sedentariness, incorporating programmes to reduce occupational sedentary time in patients with chronic disease would allow for physical, mental and productivity benefits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-, medium- and long-term effectiveness of a mHealth programme for sitting less and moving more at work on habitual and occupational sedentary behaviour and physical activity in office staff with DM2. Secondary aims. To evaluate the effectiveness on glycaemic control and lipid profile at 6- and 12-month follow-up; anthropometric profile, blood pressure, mental well-being and work-related post-intervention outcomes at 3, 6 and 12 months.MethodsMulticentre randomized controlled trial. A sample size of 220 patients will be randomly allocated into a control (n = 110) or intervention group (n = 110), with post-intervention follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Health professionals from Spanish Primary Health Care units will randomly invite patients (18–65 years of age) diagnosed with DM2, who have sedentary office desk-based jobs. The control group will receive usual healthcare and information on the health benefits of sitting less and moving more. The intervention group will receive, through a smartphone app and website, strategies and real-time feedback for 13 weeks to change occupational sedentary behaviour. Variables: (1) Subjective and objective habitual and occupational sedentary behaviour and physical activity (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire, Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool, activPAL3TM); 2) Glucose, HbA1c; 3) Weight, height, waist circumference; 4) Total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides; (5) Systolic, diastolic blood pressure; (6) Mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being); (7) Presenteeism (Work Limitations Questionnaire); (8) Impact of work on employees´ health, sickness absence (6th European Working Conditions Survey); (9) Job-related mental strain (Job Content Questionnaire). Differences between groups pre- and post- intervention on the average value of the variables will be analysed.DiscussionIf the mHealth intervention is effective in reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity in office employees with DM2, health professionals would have a low-cost tool for the control of patients with chronic disease.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092738. Registered September 17, 2019.

Association of domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior with cardiometabolic health among office workers.

Previous studies have reported opposite effects of occupational or non-occupational physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on health outcomes. However, no study has investigated the relationship between domain-specific movement behaviors and cardiometabolic health (CMH) among office workers, considering the compositional nature of time-use data. We investigated the associations of accelerometer-measured PA and SB for each domain (working time, non-working time on workday, and non-workday) with CMH indicators among office workers, using compositional data analysis. This cross-sectional study included 1258Japanese office workers. The time spent on SB, light-intensity PA (LPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) were assessed using an accelerometer. CMH indicators were retrieved from the annual health check-up data. Compositional multiple linear regression indicated that PA and SB during non-working time on workdays, but not working time or non-workdays, were significantly associated with CMH. In particular, during non-working time, time reallocations from SB to LPA and from SB to MVPA were associated with favorable changes in cardiometabolic risk score and lipid metabolism, respectively. Paradoxically, a greater proportion of LPA during non-working time was associated with favorable diastolic blood pressure (β=1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.02, 3.19), whereas occupational LPA was detrimental (β=-2.48; 95% CI=-4.87, -0.09). Our results suggested that reducing SB and increasing PA during non-working time on workdays may be effective for managing CMH among office workers. Future longitudinal studies using compositional data analysis are required to confirm our results.