An Intervention to Reduce Prolonged Sitting in Police Staff

The primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of an intervention to reduce and break up prolonged sitting time in full-time police staff. The secondary aims of this study are to assess preliminary effects on patterns of sedentary behaviour (number of breaks, number of prolonged sitting bouts, average duration of prolonged sitting bouts, and total prolonged sitting duration), additional measures of sedentary behaviour (total sitting time, standing, and stepping), cardiometabolic risk markers, physiological stress (cortisol levels), physical health (self-report and postural stability), psychological wellbeing and mood, work stress (self-reported), and work performance (job satisfaction and productivity).

Prolonged sedentary behaviour is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A large proportion of daily sedentary time (sitting) occurs in the workplace. On average, full time office workers spend upwards of 70% of their working day seated with the majority of this time accumulated in sitting bouts ≥ 20 minutes. A recent cross-sectional investigation into the occupational characteristics of over 5,000 British police force employees reported at least 30% identifying as having mainly office-based duties. When trying to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace, one of the most effective strategies is the use of multi-component interventions. At the present time, sedentary workplace intervention studies in the police are limited.

The primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of an intervention to reduce and break up prolonged sitting time at work in full-time police staff. The secondary aims of this study are to assess preliminary effects on sedentary behaviour, cardiometabolic risk markers, physiological stress, physical health, psychological wellbeing and mood, work stress, and work performance.

This has a single-arm, pre-post study design. Participants will receive a multi-component intervention to break up and reduce prolonged sitting including: a presentation/workshop, electronic support, minor environmental modifications, organisational support, and team competition. Assessments will take place at baseline and post-intervention (week 10).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 0.6 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) work hours
* Ambulatory
* Predominantly desk-based (spend on average ≥ 5-h/day seated at work by self-report)
* Own a smartphone, with ability to keep phone with them during work hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Planned absence of two weeks or more during the intervention period
* Work part time (\< 0.6 FTE)
* Health contraindications to standing and walking
* Planned relocation to another site, office or workplace
* Have personal access to an active workstation (sit-stand desk, seat cycle, treadmill desk or similar)
* Participating simultaneously in another workplace intervention (for sedentary behaviour, physical activity, diet, lifestyle, or combination thereof)
* Health contraindications to postural stability testing (e.g., injury to the lower extremities in the past six months, dizziness, or epilepsy)