Breaking up workplace sitting time with intermittent standing bouts improves fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in overweight/obese office workers Comparisons of Musculoskeletal Complaints and Data Entry Between a Sitting and a Sit-Stand Workstation Paradigm Office ergonomics training and a sit-stand workstation: effects on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and performance of office workers. Evaluation of sit-stand workstations in an office setting: a randomised controlled trial Medium-term effects of a two-desk sit/stand workstation on cognitive performance and workload for healthy people performing sedentary work: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial A randomised control trial of the cognitive effects of working in a seated as opposed to a standing position in office workers Desk-based workers’ perspectives on using sit-stand workstations: a qualitative analysis of the Stand@Work study Using Point-of-Choice Prompts to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Sit-Stand Workstation Users The effectiveness of sit-stand workstations for changing office workers’ sitting time: results from the Stand@Work randomized controlled trial pilot Providing NHS staff with height-adjustable workstations and behaviour change strategies to reduce workplace sitting time: protocol for the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work cluster randomised controlled trial The effect of a sit-stand workstation intervention on daily sitting, standing and physical activity: protocol for a 12 month workplace randomised control trial The effect of forearm support on musculoskeletal discomfort during call centre work. Using Sit-Stand Workstations to Decrease Sedentary Time in Office Workers: A Randomized Crossover Trial Total Worker Health Intervention Increases Activity of Sedentary Workers. Effects of ergonomic intervention in work with video display units. Long-term effects of sit-stand workstations on workplace sitting: A natural experiment. An intervention to reduce sitting and increase light-intensity physical activity at work: Design and rationale of the 'Stand & Move at Work' group randomized trial. Effect of alternating postures on cognitive performance for healthy people performing sedentary work Effectiveness of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work intervention: cluster randomised controlled trial Reducing office workers’ sitting time: rationale and study design for the Stand Up Victoria cluster randomized trial Sit-Stand Desks To Reduce Workplace Sitting Time In Office Workers With Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Reducing Office Workers’ Sitting Time at Work Using Sit-Stand Protocols: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial What strategies do desk-based workers choose to reduce sitting time and how well do they work? Findings from a cluster randomised controlled trial
Objectives To examine whether the introduction of intermittent st and ing bouts during the workday using a height-adjustable workstation can improve subjective levels of fatigue , musculoskeletal discomfort and work productivity relative to seated work . Methods Overweight/obese office workers ( n=23 ; age 48.2±7.9 years , body mass index 29.6±4 kg/m2 ) undertook two , 5-day experimental conditions in an equal , r and omised ( 1:1 ) order . In a simulated office environment , participants performed their usual occupational tasks for 8 h/day in a : seated work posture ( SIT condition ) ; or interchanging between a st and ing and seated work posture every 30 min using an electric , height-adjustable workstation ( ST AND -SIT condition ) . Self-administered question naires measuring fatigue , musculoskeletal discomfort and work productivity were performed on day 5 of each experimental condition . Results Participants ’ total fatigue score was significantly higher during the SIT condition ( mean 67.8 ( 95 % CI 58.8 to 76.7 ) ) compared with the ST AND -SIT condition ( 52.7 ( 43.8 to 61.5 ) ; p<0.001 ) . Lower back musculoskeletal discomfort was significantly reduced during the ST AND -SIT condition compared with the SIT condition ( 31.8 % reduction ; p=0.03 ) . Despite concentration/focus being significantly higher during the SIT condition ( p=0.006 ) , there was a trend towards improved overall work productivity in favour of the ST AND -SIT condition ( p=0.053 ) . Conclusions Transitioning from a seated to a st and ing work posture every 30 min across the workday , relative to seated work , led to a significant reduction in fatigue levels and lower back discomfort in overweight/obese office workers , while maintaining work productivity . Future investigations should be directed at underst and ing whether sustained use of height-adjustable workstations promote concentration and productivity at work . Trial Registration Number ACTRN12611000632998 Background : Seated working positions are often regarded as a cause for discomfort in the musculoskeletal system . Performing work in different working positions — that is , alternating between sitting and st and ing ( sit-st and workstation paradigm)—could help reduce physical complaints . Objective : The questions were whether performing office work partly in a st and ing position leads to reduced complaints and whether st and ing would change the efficiency of data entry office work . Method : We investigated the effect of a sit-st and workstation paradigmd during experimental data entry office work on physical and psychological complaints and data entry efficiency by conducting a r and omized controlled trial with 60 male participants ages 18 to 35 years . Results : In this experiment , musculoskeletal complaints were reduced by a sit-st and workstation paradigm . A trend could be identified indicating a small but nonsignificant loss of efficiency in data entry while st and ing . Conclusion : A sit-st and workstation paradigm reduces musculoskeletal complaints without considerably affecting data entry efficiency under the presented study conditions ( young male participants , short duration , fixed and controlled sit-st and workstation paradigm , simulated experimental working condition ) . Application : According to the present data , implementing a sit-st and workstation paradigm can be an effective workplace health intervention to reduce musculoskeletal complaints . This experiment encourages further studies on the effectiveness of a sit-st and workstation paradigm . Experimental research and field studies that prove the reduction of complaints when introducing a sit-st and workstation paradigm in the workplace could be the basis for evidence -based recommendations regarding such interventions Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ( WMSDs ) among office workers with intensive computer use is widespread and the prevalence of symptoms is growing . This r and omized controlled trial investigated the effects of an office ergonomics training combined with a sit-st and workstation on musculoskeletal and visual discomfort , behaviors and performance .  Participants performed a lab-based customer service job for 8 h per day , over 15 days and were assigned to :  Ergonomics Trained ( n = 11 ) or Minimally Trained ( n = 11 ) . The training consisted of : a 1.5-h interactive instruction , a sit/st and practice period , and ergonomic reminders . Ergonomics Trained participants experienced minimal musculoskeletal and visual discomfort across the 15 days , varied their postures , with significantly higher performance compared to the Minimally Trained group who had a significantly higher number of symptoms , suggesting that training plays a critical role . The ability to mitigate symptoms , change behaviors and enhance performance through training combined with a sit-st and workstation has implication s for preventing discomforts in office workers Background Excessive sitting time is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity independent of physical activity . This aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a sit-st and workstation on sitting time , and vascular , metabolic and musculoskeletal outcomes in office workers , and to investigate workstation acceptability and feasibility . Methods A two-arm , parallel-group , individually r and omised controlled trial was conducted in one organisation . Participants were asymptomatic full-time office workers aged ≥18 years . Each participant in the intervention arm had a sit-st and workstation installed on their workplace desk for 8 weeks . Participants in the control arm received no intervention . The primary outcome was workplace sitting time , assessed at 0 , 4 and 8 weeks by an ecological momentary assessment diary . Secondary behavioural , cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal outcomes were assessed . Acceptability and feasibility were assessed via question naire and interview . ANCOVA and magnitude-based inferences examined intervention effects relative to controls at 4 and 8 weeks . Participants and research ers were not blind to group allocation . Results Forty-seven participants were r and omised ( intervention n = 26 ; control n = 21 ) . Relative to the control group at 8 weeks , the intervention group had a beneficial decrease in sitting time ( −80.2 min/8-h workday ( 95 % CI = −129.0 , −31.4 ) ; p = 0.002 ) , increase in st and ing time ( 72.9 min/8-h workday ( 21.2 , 124.6 ) ; p = 0.007 ) and decrease in total cholesterol ( −0.40 mmol/L ( −0.79 , −0.003 ) ; p = 0.049 ) . No harmful changes in musculoskeletal discomfort/pain were observed relative to controls , and beneficial changes in flow-mediated dilation and diastolic blood pressure were observed . Most participants self-reported that the workstation was easy to use and their work-related productivity did not decrease when using the device . Factors that negatively influenced workstation use were workstation design , the social environment , work tasks and habits . ConclusionS hort-term use of a feasible sit-st and workstation reduced daily sitting time and led to beneficial improvements in cardiometabolic risk parameters in asymptomatic office workers . These findings imply that if the observed use of the sit-st and workstations continued over a longer duration , sit-st and workstations may have important ramifications for the prevention and reduction of cardiometabolic risk in a large proportion of the working population .Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT02496507 Abstract Implementing sit/st and workstations in sedentary work environments is a common way to reduce sedentary time , but their medium-term effect on cognitive performance is unclear . To address this circumstance , eighteen office workers participated in a two-arm , r and omised controlled cross-over trial ( Clinical Trials.gov Identifier : NCT02825303 ) , either working at a traditional ( sit ) or an interventional ( sit/st and ) workplace for 23 weeks . Cognitive performance ( working speed , reaction time , concentration performance , accuracy ) , workload and relevant covariates ( salivary cortisol level , heart rate , physical activity , sitting time ) were measured pre- and post-intervention under laboratory conditions . MANOVA and RMANOVA results did not show differences in performance parameters and workload , respectively , between sit/st and and traditional workplace users . Differences in text editing accuracy and cortisol levels for sit/st and workstation users indicate potential connectivity to cognitive parameters which should be further examined with large-scale studies . Practitioner summary : Medium-term effects of working at sit/st and workstations on cognitive performance and workload are unexplored . This r and omised controlled trial suggests that cognitive performance and workload are unaffected for sit/st and workstation users after 23 weeks of use . However , accuracy appeared to improve and physiological stress appeared to be altered . Abbreviations : BMI : body mass index ; IPAQ : International physical activity question naire ; MET : metabolic equivalent of task ; MANOVA : multivariate ANOVA ; NASA TLX : NASA task load index ; RMANOVA : repeated measures ANOVA GRAPHICAL Abstract Sedentary behaviour is increasing and has been identified as a potential significant health risk , particularly for desk-based employees . The development of sit-st and workstations in the workplace is one approach to reduce sedentary behaviour . However , there is uncertainty about the effects of sit-st and workstations on cognitive functioning .  A sample of 36 university staff participated in a within-subjects r and omised control trial examining the effect of sitting vs. st and ing for one hour per day for five consecutive days on attention , information processing speed , short-term memory , working memory and task efficiency . The results of the study showed no statistically significant difference in cognitive performance or work efficiency between the sitting and st and ing conditions , with all effect sizes being small to very small ( all ds < .2 ) . This result suggests that the use of sit-st and workstations is not associated with a reduction in cognitive performance . Practitioner Summary : Although it has been reported that the use of sit-st and desks may help offset adverse health effects of prolonged sitting , there is scant evidence about changes in productivity . This r and omised control study showed that there was no difference between sitting and st and ing for one hour on cognitive function or task efficiency in university staff Background Prolonged sitting time has been identified as a health risk factor . Sit-st and workstations allow desk workers to alternate between sitting and st and ing throughout the working day , but not much is known about their acceptability and feasibility . Hence , the aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the acceptability , feasibility and perceptions of using sit-st and workstations in a group of desk-based office workers . Methods This article describes the qualitative evaluation of the r and omized controlled cross-over St and @Work pilot trial . Participants were adult employees recruited from a non-government health agency in Sydney , Australia . The intervention involved using an Ergotron Workfit S sit-st and workstation for four weeks . After the four week intervention , participants shared their perceptions and experiences of using the sit-st and workstation in focus group interviews with 4–5 participants . Topics covered in the focus groups included patterns of workstation use , barriers and facilitators to st and ing while working , effects on work performance , physical impacts , and feasibility in the office . Focus group field notes and transcripts were analysed in an iterative process during and after the data collection period to identify the main concepts and themes . Results During nine 45-min focus groups , a total of 42 participants were interviewed . Participants were largely intrinsically motivated to try the sit-st and workstation , mostly because of curiosity to try something new , interest in potential health benefits , and the relevance to the participant ’s own and organisation ’s work . Most participants used the sit-st and workstation and three common usage patterns were identified : task-based routine , time-based routine , and no particular routine . Common barriers to sit-st and workstation use were working in an open plan office , and issues with sit-st and workstation design . Common facilitators of sit-st and workstation use were a supportive work environment conducive to st and ing , perceived physical health benefits , and perceived work benefits . When prompted , most participants indicated they were interested in using a sit-st and workstation in the future . Conclusions The use of a sit-st and workstation in this group of desk-based office workers was generally perceived as acceptable and feasible . Future studies are needed to explore this in different desk-based work population s and setting Introduction : Desk-based office workers are at occupational risk for poor health outcomes from excessive time spent sitting . Sit-st and workstations are used to mitigate sitting , but lack of workstation usage has been observed . Point-of-choice ( PoC ) prompts offer a complementary strategy for office workers to break up their sitting time . Study purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the preliminary efficacy , preference , and acceptability of a theory-driven ( i.e. , 40 unique prompts encompassing social cognitive theory ; TD-PoC ) and an atheoretical basic reminder PoC prompt intervention ( R-PoC ) on reducing sedentary behavior in office workers with self-reported low sit-st and workstation usage ( ≤4 h per day ) . Methods : In a cross-over design , participants ( N = 19 , 78.9 % female , 39.4 ± 10.7 years of age ) completed a 5-days no-prompt control condition followed by a r and om and counterbalanced assignment to one of the TD-PoC and R-PoC active conditions with a 1-week washout period between . Preliminary efficacy was assessed during work hours with the activPAL micro accelerometer . Preference was assessed prior to each active condition and acceptability was assessed following each active condition via question naire . Results : The R-PoC prompt condition significantly decreased sitting time ( b[se ] = −49.0 [ 20.8 ] , p = 0.03 ) and increased st and ing time ( b[se ] = 49.8 [ 19.7 ] , p = 0.02 ) and displayed a significant increase in sit-st and transitions ( b[se ] = 2.3 [ 1.1 ] , p = 0.04 ) , relative to no-prompt control . Both the R-PoC and TD-PoC prompt conditions significantly decreased time spent in prolonged sitting bouts at b[se ] = −68.1 [ 27.8 ] , ( p = 0.02 ) , ( b[se ] = −76.7 [ 27.1 ] , p = 0.008 ) relative to no-prompt control . Overall , the TD-PoC prompt condition displayed higher preference and acceptability ratings ; however , these differences were not significant ( p 's > 0.05 ) . Conclusion : While the R-PoC prompt condition was slightly more efficacious than the TD-PoC prompt condition , the TD-PoC prompt condition was rated with higher preference and acceptability scores . Large variations between participants in preference , acceptability , and intervention feedback may indicate need for tailored messaging which may facilitate sustained use in the long-term Background Prolonged sitting time is detrimental for health . Individuals with desk-based occupations tend to sit a great deal and sit-st and workstations have been identified as a potential strategy to reduce sitting time . Hence , the objective of the current study was to examine the effects of using sit-st and workstations on office workers ’ sitting time at work and over the whole day . Methods We conducted a r and omized controlled trial pilot with crossover design and waiting list control in Sydney , Australia from September 2011 to July 2012 ( n = 42 ; 86 % female ; mean age 38 ± 11 years ) . Participants used a sit-st and workstation for four weeks in the intervention condition . In the time-matched control condition , participants received nothing and crossed over to the intervention condition after four weeks . The primary outcomes , sitting , st and ing and walking time at work , were assessed before and after using the workstations with ActivPALs and self-report question naires . Secondary outcomes , domain-specific sitting over the whole day , were assessed by self-report . Linear mixed models estimated changes in outcomes adjusting for measurement time , study grouping and covariates . Results Intervention participants significantly reduced objective ly assessed time spent sitting at work by 73 min/workday ( 95 % CI : -106,-39 ) and increased st and ing time at work by 65 min/workday ( 95 % CI : 47 , 83 ) ; these changes were significant relative to controls ( p = 0.004 and p < 0.001 , respectively ) . Total sitting time significantly declined in intervention participants ( -80 min/workday ; 95 % CI : -155 , -4 ) . Conclusions This study shows that introducing sit-st and workstations in the office can reduce desk-based workers ’ sitting time at work in the short term . Larger scale studies on more representative sample s are needed to determine the public health impact of sit-st and workstations . Trial registration Background High levels of sedentary behaviour ( i.e. , sitting ) are a risk factor for poor health . With high levels of sitting widespread in desk-based office workers , office workplaces are an appropriate setting for interventions aim ed at reducing sedentary behaviour . This paper describes the development processes and proposed intervention procedures of St and More AT ( SMArT ) Work , a multi-component r and omised control ( RCT ) trial which aims to reduce occupational sitting time in desk-based office workers within the National Health Service ( NHS ) . Methods / Design SMArT Work consists of 2 phases : 1 ) intervention development : The development of the SMArT Work intervention takes a community-based participatory research approach using the Behaviour Change Wheel . Focus groups will collect detailed information to gain a better underst and ing of the most appropriate strategies , to sit alongside the provision of height-adjustable workstations , at the environmental , organisational and individual level that support less occupational sitting . 2 ) intervention delivery and evaluation : The 12 month cluster RCT aims to reduce workplace sitting in the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust . Desk-based office workers ( n = 238 ) will be r and omised to control or intervention clusters , with the intervention group receiving height-adjustable workstations and supporting techniques based on the feedback received from the development phase . Data will be collected at four time points ; baseline , 3 , 6 and 12 months . The primary outcome is a reduction in sitting time , measured by the activPALTM micro at 12 months . Secondary outcomes include objective ly measured physical activity and a variety of work-related health and psycho-social measures . A process evaluation will also take place . Discussion This study will be the first long-term , evidence -based , multi-component cluster RCT aim ed at reducing occupational sitting within the NHS . This study will help form a better underst and ing and knowledge base of facilitators and barriers to creating a healthier work environment and contribute to health and wellbeing policy . Trial registration IS RCT N10967042 . Registered 2 February 2015 Background A lack of physical activity and excessive sitting can contribute to poor physical health and wellbeing . The high percentage of the UK adult population in employment , and the prolonged sitting associated with desk-based office-work , make these workplaces an appropriate setting for interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity . This pilot study aims to determine the effect of an office-based sit-st and workstation intervention , compared with usual desk use , on daily sitting , st and ing and physical activity , and to examine the factors that underlie sitting , st and ing and physical activity , within and outside , the workplace . Methods / Design A r and omised control trial ( RCT ) comparing the effects of a sit-st and workstation only and a multi-component sit-st and workstation intervention , with usual desk-based working practice ( no sit-st and workstation ) will be conducted with office workers across two organisations , over a 12 month period ( N = 30 ) . The multicomponent intervention will comprise organisational , environmental and individual elements . Objective data will be collected at baseline , and after 2-weeks , 3-months , 6-months and 12-months of the intervention . Objective measures of sitting , st and ing , and physical activity will be made concurrently ( ActivPAL3 ™ and ActiGraph ( GT3X+ ) ) . Activity diaries , ethnographic participant observation , and interviews with participants and key organisational personnel will be used to elicit underst and ing of the influence of organisational culture on sitting , st and ing and physical activity behaviour in the workplace . Discussion This study will be the first long-term sit-st and workstation intervention study utilising an RCT design , and incorporating a comprehensive process evaluation . The study will generate an underst and ing of the factors that encourage and restrict successful implementation of sit-st and workstation interventions , and will help inform future occupational wellbeing policy and practice . Other strengths include the objective measurement of physical activity during both work and non-work hours . Trail registration Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT02172599 , 22nd June 2014 Using a computer keyboard with the forearms unsupported has been proposed as a causal factor for  neck/shoulder and arm/h and diagnoses . Recent laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that forearm support might be preferable to working in the traditional " floating " posture . The aim of this study was to determine whether providing forearm support when using a normal computer workstation would decrease musculoskeletal discomfort in intensive computer users in a call centre . A r and omised controlled study ( n = 59 ) , of 6 weeks duration was conducted . Thirty participants ( Group 1 ) were allocated to forearm support using the desk surface with the remainder ( Group 2 ) acting as a control group . At 6 weeks , the control group was also set up with forearm support . Both groups were then monitored for another 6 weeks . Question naires were used at 1 , 6 and 12 weeks to obtain information about discomfort , workstation setup , working posture and comfort .  Nine participants ( Group 1 n = 6 , Group 2 n = 3 ) withdrew within a week of commencing forearm support either due to discomfort or difficulty in maintaining the posture . At 6 weeks , the group using forearm support generated significantly fewer reports of discomfort in the neck and back , although the difference between the groups was not statistically significant . At 12 weeks , there were fewer reports of neck , back and wrist discomfort when preintervention discomfort was compared with post intervention discomfort . These findings indicate that for the majority of users , forearm support may be preferable to the " floating " posture implicit in current guidelines for computer workstation setup Objective : This study was conducted to determine whether installation of sit-st and desks ( SSDs ) could lead to decreased sitting time during the workday among sedentary office workers . Methods : A r and omized cross-over trial was conducted from January to April , 2012 at a business in Minneapolis . 28 ( nine men , 26 full-time ) sedentary office workers took part in a 4 week intervention period which included the use of SSDs to gradually replace 50 % of sitting time with st and ing during the workday .  Physical activity was the primary outcome . Mood , energy level , fatigue , appetite , dietary intake , and productivity were explored as secondary outcomes . Results : The intervention reduced sitting time at work by 21 % ( 95 % CI 18%–25 % ) and sedentary time by 4.8 min/work-hr ( 95 % CI 4.1–5.4 min/work-hr ) . For a 40 h work-week , this translates into replacement of 8 h of sitting time with st and ing and sedentary time being reduced by 3.2 h. Activity level during non-work hours did not change . The intervention also increased overall sense of well-being , energy , decreased fatigue , had no impact on productivity , and reduced appetite and dietary intake . The workstations were popular with the participants . Conclusion : The SSD intervention was successful in increasing work-time activity level , without changing activity level during non-work hours INTRODUCTION Office employees are exposed to hazardous levels of sedentary work . Interventions that integrate health promotion and health protection elements are needed to advance the health of sedentary workers . This study tested an integrated intervention on occupational sedentary/physical activity behaviors , cardiometabolic disease biomarkers , musculoskeletal discomfort , and work productivity . DESIGN Two-group , RCT . Data were collected between January and August 2014 . SETTING / PARTICIPANTS Overweight/obese adults working in sedentary desk jobs were r and omized to : ( 1 ) a health protection-only group ( HPO , n=27 ) ; or ( 2 ) an integrated health protection/health promotion group ( HP/HP , n=27 ) . INTERVENTION HPO participants received an ergonomic workstation optimization intervention and three e-mails/week promoting rest breaks and posture variation . HP/HP participants received the HPO intervention plus access to a seated activity permissive workstation . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Occupational sedentary and physical activity behaviors ( primary outcomes ) , cardiometabolic health outcomes , musculoskeletal discomfort , and work productivity ( secondary outcomes ) were measured at baseline and post-intervention ( 16 weeks ) . RESULTS The HP/HP group increased occupational light intensity physical activity over the HPO group and used the activity permissive workstations 50 minutes/work day . Significant associations were observed between activity permissive workstation adherence and improvements in several cardiometabolic biomarkers ( weight , total fat mass , resting heart rate , body fat percentage ) and work productivity outcomes ( concentration at work , days missed because of health problems ) . CONCLUSIONS The HP/HP group increased occupational physical activity and greater activity permissive workstation adherence was associated with improved health and work productivity outcomes . These findings are important for employers interested in advancing the well-being of sedentary office workers . TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered at www . clinical trials.gov NCT02071420 OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the effect of an intensive ergonomic approach and education on workstation changes and  musculoskeletal disorders among workers who used a video display unit ( VDU ) . METHODS A r and omized controlled design was used . The subjects ( N=124 ) were allocated into three groups ( intensive ergonomics , ergonomic education , reference ) using stratified r and om sampling . The evaluation involved question naires , a diary of discomfort , measurements of workload , and an ergonomic rating of the workstations . The assessment s were made 2 weeks before the intervention and after 2 and 10 months of follow-up . RESULTS The intensive and training groups showed less musculoskeletal discomfort than the reference group after 2 months of follow-up . Positive effects on discomfort were seen primarily for the shoulder , neck , and upper back areas . No significant differences were found for the strain levels or prevalence of pain . After the intervention the ergonomic level was distinctly higher in the intensive ergonomic group than in the education or reference group . CONCLUSIONS Both the intensive ergonomics approach and education in ergonomics help reduce discomfort in VDU work . In attempts to improve the physical ergonomics of VDU workstations , the best result will be achieved with cooperative planning in which both workers and practitioners are actively involved OBJECTIVE Sit-st and workstations may result in significant reductions in workplace sitting . However , few studies have examined long-term maintenance under real-world conditions . The purpose of this study was to evaluate workplace sitting time , cardio-metabolic biomarkers , and work productivity during a workplace re- design which included the installation of sit-st and workstations . DESIGN Natural experiment with appropriately matched comparison . METHODS Office workers from distinct worksites in the same unit were recruited ( Intervention , n=24 ; Comparison , n=12 ) . Intervention arm participants received a sit-st and workstation and 4 months of sitting-specific motivational support . The comparison arm received 4 months of ergonomic focused motivational support .  Time spent in sitting , st and ing , and other physical activity were measured by activPAL3c for a week . Cardio-metabolic biomarkers and work productivity were also measured . Assessment s occurred at baseline , 4 months , and 18 months . RESULTS At 4 months , work sitting time was reduced by 56.7±89.1min/8h workday ( d=-0.64 ) , relative to comparison . St and ing time ( 37.4±69.2min/8h workday ; d=0.54 ) and sit-to-st and transitions ( 3.3±0.4min/8h workday , d=0.44 ) were also improved relative to comparison . At 18 months , work sitting time reductions ( 52.6±68.3min/8h workday ; d=-0.77 ) and st and ing time improvements ( 17.7±54.8min/8h workday , d=0.32 ) were maintained in the intervention group relative to comparison . Cardio-metabolic and work productivity changes were mixed ; however , strongest effects favoring the intervention group were observed at 18 months . CONCLUSIONS Sit-st and workstations , accompanied with behavioral support , were effective in reducing workplace and overall daily sitting and increasing st and ing time in a real-world setting . The effect appears to have been sustained for 18 months , with mixed results in cardio-metabolic and productivity outcomes BACKGROUND American workers spend 70 - 80 % of their time at work being sedentary . Traditional approaches to increase moderate-vigorous physical activity ( MVPA ) may be perceived to be harmful to productivity . Approaches that target reductions in sedentary behavior and /or increases in st and ing or light-intensity physical activity [ LPA ] may not interfere with productivity and may be more feasible to achieve through small changes accumulated throughout the workday METHODS / DESIGN : This group r and omized trial ( i.e. , cluster r and omized trial ) will test the relative efficacy of two sedentary behavior focused interventions in 24 worksites across two states ( N=720 workers ) . The MOVE+ intervention is a multilevel individual , social , environmental , and organizational intervention targeting increases in light-intensity physical activity in the workplace . The ST AND + intervention is the MOVE+ intervention with the addition of the installation and use of sit-st and workstations to reduce sedentary behavior and enhance light-intensity physical activity opportunities . Our primary outcome will be objective ly-measured changes in sedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity over 12months , with additional process measures at 3months and longer-term sustainability outcomes at 24months . Our secondary outcomes will be a clustered cardiometabolic risk score ( comprised of fasting glucose , insulin , triglycerides , HDL-cholesterol , and blood pressure ) , workplace productivity , and job satisfaction DISCUSSION : This study will determine the efficacy of a multi-level workplace intervention ( including the use of a sit-st and workstation ) to reduce sedentary behavior and increase LPA and concomitant impact on cardiometabolic health , workplace productivity , and satisfaction . TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov Identifier : NCT02566317 ( date of registration : 10/1/2015 ) Abstract Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for several diseases and the prevalence of worksite-based interventions such as sit-to-st and workstations is increasing . Although their impact on sedentary behaviour has been regularly investigated , the effect of working in alternating body postures on cognitive performance is unclear . To address this uncertainty , 45 students participated in a two-arm , r and omised controlled cross-over trial under laboratory conditions . Subjects executed vali date d cognitive tests ( working speed , reaction time , concentration performance ) either in sitting or alternating working postures on two separate days ( Clinical Trials.gov Identifier : NCT02863731 ) . MANOVA results showed no significant difference in cognitive performance between trials executed in alternating , st and ing or sitting postures . Perceived workload did not differ between sitting and alternating days . Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant learning effects regarding concentration performance and working speed for both days . These results suggest that working posture did not affect cognitive performance in the short term . Practitioner Summary : Prior reports indicated health-related benefits based on alternated ( sit/st and ) body postures . Nevertheless , their effect on cognitive performance is unknown . This r and omised controlled trial showed that working in alternating body postures did not influence reaction time , concentration performance , working speed or workload perception in the short term Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of a multicomponent intervention ( St and More AT ( SMArT ) Work ) design ed to reduce sitting time on short ( three months ) , medium ( six months ) , and longer term ( 12 months ) changes in occupational , daily , and prolonged sitting , st and ing , and physical activity , and physical , psychological , and work related health . Design Cluster two arm r and omised controlled trial . Setting National Health Service trust , Engl and . Participants 37 office clusters ( 146 participants ) of desk based workers : 19 clusters ( 77 participants ) were r and omised to the intervention and 18 ( 69 participants ) to control . Interventions The intervention group received a height adjustable workstation , a brief seminar with supporting leaflet , workstation instructions with sitting and st and ing targets , feedback on sitting and physical activity at three time points , posters , action planning and goal setting booklet , self monitoring and prompt tool , and coaching sessions ( month 1 and every three months thereafter ) . The control group continued with usual practice . Main outcome measures The primary outcome was occupational sitting time ( thigh worn accelerometer ) . Secondary outcomes were objective ly measured daily sitting , prolonged sitting ( ≥30 minutes ) , and st and ing time , physical activity , musculoskeletal problems , self reported work related health ( job performance , job satisfaction , work engagement , occupational fatigue , sickness presenteeism , and sickness absenteeism ) , cognitive function , and self reported psychological measures ( mood and affective states , quality of life ) assessed at 3 , 6 , and 12 months . Data were analysed using generalised estimating equation models , accounting for clustering . Results A significant difference between groups ( in favour of the intervention group ) was found in occupational sitting time at 12 months ( −83.28 min/workday , 95 % confidence interval −116.57 to −49.98 , P=0.001 ) . Differences between groups ( in favour of the intervention group compared with control ) were observed for occupational sitting time at three months ( −50.62 min/workday , −78.71 to −22.54 , P<0.001 ) and six months ( −64.40 min/workday , −97.31 to −31.50 , P<0.001 ) and daily sitting time at six months ( −59.32 min/day , −88.40 to −30.25 , P<0.001 ) and 12 months ( −82.39 min/day , −114.54 to −50.26 , P=0.001 ) . Group differences ( in favour of the intervention group compared with control ) were found for prolonged sitting time , st and ing time , job performance , work engagement , occupational fatigue , sickness presenteeism , daily anxiety , and quality of life . No differences were seen for sickness absenteeism . Conclusions SMArT Work successfully reduced sitting time over the short , medium , and longer term , and positive changes were observed in work related and psychological health . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT N10967042 Background Excessive time spent in sedentary behaviours ( sitting or lying with low energy expenditure ) is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes , cardiovascular disease and some cancers . Desk-based office workers typically accumulate high amounts of daily sitting time , often in prolonged unbroken bouts . The St and Up Victoria study aims to determine whether a 3-month multi-component intervention in the office setting reduces workplace sitting , particularly prolonged , unbroken sitting time , and results in improvements in cardio-metabolic biomarkers and work-related outcomes , compared to usual practice . Methods / Design A two-arm cluster-r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) , with worksites as the unit of r and omization , will be conducted in 16 worksites located in Victoria , Australia . Work units from one organisation ( Department of Human Services , Australian Government ) will be allocated to either the multi-component intervention ( organisational , environmental [ height-adjustable workstations ] , and individual behavioural strategies ) or to a usual practice control group . The recruitment target is 160 participants ( office-based workers aged 18–65 years and working at least 0.6 full time equivalent ) per arm . At each assessment ( 0- [ baseline ] , 3- [ post intervention ] , and 12-months [ follow-up ] ) , objective measurement via the activPAL3 activity monitor will be used to assess workplace : sitting time ( primary outcome ) ; prolonged sitting time ( sitting time accrued in bouts of ≥30 minutes ) ; st and ing time ; sit-to-st and transitions ; and , moving time . Additional outcomes assessed will include : non-workplace activity ; cardio-metabolic biomarkers and health indicators ( including fasting glucose , lipids and insulin ; anthropometric measures ; blood pressure ; and , musculoskeletal symptoms ) ; and , work-related outcomes ( presenteeism , absenteeism , productivity , work performance ) . Incremental cost-effectiveness and identification of both workplace and individual-level mediators and moderators of change will also be evaluated . Discussion St and Up Victoria will be the first cluster- RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention aim ed at reducing prolonged workplace sitting in office workers . Strengths include the objective measurement of activity and assessment of the intervention on markers of cardio-metabolic health . Health- and work-related benefits , as well as the cost-effectiveness of the intervention , will help to inform future occupational practice .Trial registration BACKGROUND Sit-st and desks reduce workplace sitting time among healthy office workers ; however , their metabolic and behavioral impact in higher risk population s remains unknown . METHODS 25 office workers with abdominal obesity were r and omized to an intervention ( sit-st and workstation ) or control group ( seated desk ) for 12 weeks . Physical activity , sedentary behavior , and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed before and after the intervention period in both groups . RESULTS In comparison with the control group , which did not change , the intervention group experienced significant reductions in workday ( 344 ± 107 to 186 ± 101 min/day ) and total ( 645 ± 140 to 528 ± 91 min/day ) sitting time , as well as increases in workday st and ing time ( 154 ± 108 to 301 ± 101 min/day , P < .05 ) . There were no changes in sitting or st and ing time outside of work hours , steps taken each day , or any marker of cardiometabolic risk in either group ( all P > .05 ) . CONCLUSION Sit-st and desks were effective in reducing workplace sedentary behavior in an at-risk population , with no change in sedentary behavior or physical activity outside of work hours . However , these changes were not sufficient to improve markers of cardiometabolic risk in this population Objective : To examine the effects of different sit-st and protocol s on work-time sitting and physical activity ( PA ) of office workers . Methods : Participants ( n = 26 , 77 % women , mean age 42 ) were r and omly allocated to usual sitting ( control ) or one of three sit-st and protocol s ( intervention ) facilitated by height-adjustable workstations for a 4-week period between June and August 2015 . Sitting , st and ing , and stepping time were assessed by inclinometry ( activPAL ) ; leisure-time physical activity ( LTPA ) by self-report . One-way analysis of covariance ( ANCOVA ) and post-hoc ( Bonferroni ) tests explored between-group differences . Results : Compared with baseline , intervention groups reduced work sitting time by 113 minutes/8-hour workday ( 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] [ −147,−79 ] ) and increased work st and ing time by 96 minutes/8-hour workday ( 95 % CI [ 67,125 ] ) without significantly impacting LTPA/sleep time . Conclusions : Sit-st and protocol s facilitated by height-adjustable workstations appear to reduce office workers ’ sitting time without significant adverse effects on LTPA Background Large amounts of sitting at work have been identified as an emerging occupational health risk , and findings from intervention trials have been reported . However , few such reports have examined participant-selected strategies and their relationships with behaviour change . Methods The St and Up Victoria cluster-r and omised controlled trial was a workplace-delivered intervention comprising organisational , environmental and individual level behaviour change strategies aim ed at reducing sitting time in desk-based workers .  Sit-st and workstations were provided , and participants ( n = 134 ; intervention group only ) were guided by health coaches to identify strategies for the ‘ St and Up ’ , ‘ Sit Less ’ , and ‘ Move More ’ intervention targets , including how long they would st and using the workstation . Three-month workplace sitting and activity changes ( activPAL3-assessed total sitting , prolonged sitting ( i.e. , sitting ≥30 min continuously ) and purpose ful walking ) were evaluated in relation to the number ( regression analysis ) and types of strategies ( decision-tree analysis ) . Results Over 80 different strategies were nominated by participants . Each additional strategy nominated for the ‘ St and Up ’ intervention target ( i.e. number of strategies ) was associated with a reduction in prolonged sitting of 27.6 min/8-h workday ( 95 % CI : -53.1 , − 2.1 , p = 0.034 ) . Types of strategies were categorised into 13 distinct categories . Strategies that were task-based and phone-based were common across all three targets . The decision tree models did not select any specific strategy category as predicting changes in prolonged sitting ( ‘ St and Up ’ ) , however four strategy categories were identified as important for total sitting time ( ‘ Sit Less ’ ) and three strategy categories for purpose ful walking ( ‘ Moving More ’ ) . The uppermost nodes ( foremost predictors ) were nominating > 3 h/day of workstation st and ing ( reducing total workplace sitting ) and choosing a ‘ Move More ’ task-based strategy ( purpose ful walking ) . Conclusions Workers chose a wide range of strategies , with both strategy choice and strategy quantity appearing relevant to behavioural improvement . Findings support a tailored and pragmatic approach to encourage a change in sitting and activity in the workplace . Evaluating participant-selected strategies in the context of a successful intervention serves to highlight options that may prove feasible and effective in other desk-based workplace environments . Trial registration This trial was prospect ively registered with the Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trials register ( ACTRN12611000742976 ) on 15 July 2011
Conclusion : sit-st and workstations may reduce low back pain  among workers .
Practitioner Summary : In a sedentary population , changing posture may reduce the chance of developing low back pain .
Abstract Background : Sit-st and workstations are proposed solutions to reduce sedentary time at work .
Numerous companies are using them to mitigate health concerns such as musculoskeletal discomfort .
Objective : To review the literature on sit-st and workstations and low back discomfort .