April/May 2016 (vol. 12/6)

ContentsFeaturesNewsLegal NewsResearch DigestResearch PlusCPD

Research Plus

Reducing sedentary behaviour

Workplace interventions can be successful in increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour, this systematic review of 40 studies finds. There is strong evidence that treadmill workstations can reduce overall (work plus leisure-time) sedentary behaviour, and moderate evidence that they can increase physical activity both at work and overall. There is moderate evidence that sit–stand workstations reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity at work. There is moderate evidence that promoting the use of stairs can increase physical activity at work, but insufficient evidence that it has a positive impact on sedentary behaviour, overall physical activity, work performance, or physiological and metabolic outcomes. There is moderate evidence that personalised behavioural interventions – eg personal goal setting, self-monitoring (using pedometers and logbooks), online feedback, coaching, and motivational and information campaigns – improve overall physical activity, but conflicting evidence that they have an effect on sedentary behaviour, physical activity at work, work performance, physiological or metabolic outcomes. Most studies lacked long-term follow-up.

 

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2016; online first: doi: 10.5271/sjweh.3544.

Tags

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2016 (vol. 12/6) pp39