Development, implementation, and assessment of a pilot workplace intervention to reduce sitting among staff in a UK university department. (13th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mackenzie, Kelly; Goyder, Elizabeth; Eves, Francis
• Is Part Of: Lancet. Volume 386(2015)Supplement 2
• Page Start: S53
• Publication Date: 2015-11-13
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00891-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-6736

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Time spent being sedentary is linked with poor health, independent of physical activity levels. Sitting in the workplace substantially contributes to sedentary time, but research assessing low-cost interventions aimed at reducing sitting in the workplace is scarce. Existing evidence supports the use of multimodal interventions developed using participative approaches. This study aimed to develop, implement, and assess a multimodal, participative, low-cost intervention intended to reduce workplace sitting. Methods: The intervention, Sit Less ScHARR!, was developed with a focus group of 11 staff from the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) in which participative approaches and brainstorming techniques were used. Main components of the intervention included posters and prompts or emails suggesting ways to sit less, use of social media, and management support. All staff (n=317) were invited to take part, of whom 17 participated in all aspects of the assessment, completing 7 day preintervention and postintervention daily logs that recorded time spent sitting. Sit Less ScHARR! was delivered over 4 weeks from July 7 to Aug 3, 2014. Paired t tests were done to determine preintervention and postintervention differences in daily workplace sitting time, although this pilot study aimed to determine an overall magnitude of effect only and was not powered to detect a specific effect size. Qualitative survey data about feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were collected and thematically analysed. The study was approved by the ScHARR Ethics Committee. Focus group participants provided informed consent; for other participants, informed consent was implied by completion of daily logs. Findings: Mean baseline sitting time of 440 min/workday was reported with a mean reduction of 26 min/workday post intervention (n=17, 95% CI −2 to 53, p=0·067). Sit Less ScHARR! was well received and perceived to be both acceptable and feasible. Management support was a highlighted strength, whereas meetings where participants were encouraged to walk or stand received mixed feedback. Interpretation: This small pilot study is encouraging with respect to potential outcomes and feasibility of multimodal interventions to reduce sitting in the workplace in UK settings. Assessment of this study provides useful information to support the use of participatory approaches during intervention development and potential for more sustainable low-cost interventions. The findings might not be generalisable since this study was carried out within a health-related academic setting. Funding: None.