Longitudinal Relationship Between Sitting Time on a Working Day and Vitality, Work Performance, Presenteeism, and Sickness Absence

J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Aug;58(8):784-9. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000809.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal relationship between sitting time on a working day and vitality, work performance, presenteeism, and sickness absence.

Methods: At the start and end of a five-month intervention program at the workplace, as well as 10 months after the intervention, sitting time and work-related outcomes were measured using a standardized self-administered questionnaire and company records. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the longitudinal relationship between sitting time and work-related outcomes, and possible interaction effects over time.

Results: A significant and sustainable decrease in sitting time on a working day was observed. Sitting less was significantly related to higher vitality scores, but this effect was marginal (b = -0.0006, P = 0.000).

Conclusions: Our finding of significant though marginal associations between sitting time and important work-related outcomes justifies further research.

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Posture*
  • Presenteeism*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Work Performance*
  • Workplace