Reducing Occupational Sitting While Working From Home: Individual and Combined Effects of a Height-Adjustable Desk and an Online Behavioral Intervention

J Occup Environ Med. 2022 Feb 1;64(2):91-98. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002410.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the individual and combined effects of a height-adjustable desk and an online behavioral intervention on sedentary behavior and health among university employees working from home.

Methods: Participants (N = 95) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: Desk Only, Program Only, Desk + Program, or Control. Desk participants received a height-adjustable desk; program participants received a 12-week web-based intervention. Outcomes measured at baseline and post-intervention included workday sitting and cardiometabolic health outcomes.

Results: Reductions in sitting were largest in the Desk + Program condition (-206 min/workday; d = 1.84), followed by the Desk Only condition (-122 min/workday; d = 0.98), and the Program Only condition (-96 min/workday; d = 1.13). There were no significant changes in the health outcomes assessed.

Conclusions: Both a height-adjustable desk and an online behavioral intervention effectively reduced occupational sitting, and a combined approach was most effective.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy
  • Humans
  • Internet-Based Intervention*
  • Occupational Health*
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Sitting Position
  • Workplace