Using Sit-Stand Workstations to Decrease Sedentary Time in Office Workers: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Nirjhar Dutta, Gabriel A. Koepp, Steven D. Stovitz, James A. Levine and Mark A. Pereira
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Nirjhar Dutta: Division of Health Policy & Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Gabriel A. Koepp: Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
Steven D. Stovitz: Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
James A. Levine: Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
Mark A. Pereira: Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Objective : This study was conducted to determine whether installation of sit-stand desks (SSDs) could lead to decreased sitting time during the workday among sedentary office workers. Methods : A randomized 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 standing 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 standing 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.

Keywords: sedentary time; sit stand desk; work place intervention; accelerometer; dietary assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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