Static and Active Workstations for Improving Workplace Physical Activity and Sitting Time

Abstract

Purpose: There is growing evidence prolonged workplace sitting is associated with multiple health risks. Utilizing static and active workstations may help improve these health risks. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if providing access to a sit-stand workstation and a shared treadmill desk without a behavioural intervention could increase workplace physical activity and decrease sitting time. Methodology: Participants (N=15) were assigned to an experimental (sit-stand desk and shared treadmill desk; n=8) or control group (n=7) for seven weeks. No behavioural interventions were used to encourage participation. A physical activity questionnaire was administered at baseline and at the end of the study to assess workplace physical activity and sitting time. Participants wore an activity tracker (Fitbit One) to objectively assess daily footsteps and physically active hours. A mixed between-within subject analysis of variance was used to compare the groups (p < .05). Findings: There were no statistically significant between-group differences in the dependent variables. Although just half of the experimental group used the shared treadmill desk, the mean number of footsteps taken (8897.25) was well above the recommended >5000 steps/day. Practical Implications: This is the first study to examine the use of both static and active workstations to increase workplace physical activity and reduce sitting time without a behavioural intervention. Value: Combining static and active workstations with the addition of a behavioural intervention to promote and motivate the participants may produce significant improvements in workplace physical activity and reductions in sitting time.