Associations of Physical and Social Workplace Characteristics with Movement Behaviors at Work. Issue 2 (10th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holmes, Anthony J.; Quinn, Tyler D.; Conroy, Molly B.; Paley, Joshua L.; Huber, Kimberly A.; Barone Gibbs, Bethany
• Is Part Of: Translational journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. Volume 8:Issue 2(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-10
• Subjects: Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1249/TJX.0000000000000225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-2868

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction/Purpose: Sedentary behavior (SB) is common in desk-based work, and prolonged periods of SB are associated with negative health outcomes. This study assessed associations between workplace characteristics and setting and movement patterns during working hours. Methods: This secondary analysis used baseline data from the Reducing Sedentary Behavior to Decrease Blood Pressure clinical trial, which enrolled inactive, desk-based workers with elevated blood pressure ( n = 271; mean age, 45.3 ± 11.6 yr; body mass index, 30.66 ± 7.1 kg·m −2 ; 59.4% women). Physical and social workplace characteristics were assessed by a study-developed questionnaire and the Office Environment and Sitting Scale. Participants also wore an activPAL activity monitor for 7 d and reported working hours in a diary to measure SB and physical activity (PA) specifically while working. Linear regression was used to analyze cross-sectional associations between workplace characteristics and SB and PA. A stratified analysis was also conducted to assess associations among home-based and in-office desk workers separately. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, and work wear time. Results: Participants spent 77% of working hours in SB. Public versus private offices, working in-office versus at home, higher local connectivity, and greater overall connectedness were associated with lower SB and/or greater PA (all P < 0.05). Higher frequency of face-to-face interactions, and greater visibility and proximity to coworkers were associated with less SB and more PA (all P < 0.05). For example, home-based workers had more total SB (+17.2 ± 8.4 min per day), more SB bouts ≥30 min (+39.1 ± 12.8 min per day), and less steps (695 ± 201 steps per day) than in-office employees. Stratification by office setting revealed differences in associations between SB and PA and workplace characteristics. Conclusions: More public, open spaces with more social interactions and physical walkways could improve SB and PA patterns during work. Home-based workers had more SB, less PA, and unique associations of these activities with workplace characteristics, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.