Effects on Activity Outcomes of an e-Health Smartphone Intervention to Reduce Office Workers' Sitting Time

Oral Presentation B6.4

Authors

  • Abigail S. Morris Lancaster University; Swansea University
  • Kelly Mackintosh Swansea University
  • David Dunstan Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute; Australian Catholic University
  • Neville Owen Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute; Swinburne University of Technology
  • Paddy C. Dempsey University of Cambridge; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute; University of Leicester; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre
  • Thomas Pennington Swansea University
  • Melitta A. McNarry Swansea University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.524

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Workplace, Intervention, Feasibility

Abstract

Background: Occupational sedentary time is the largest contributor to total weekday sitting time among office workers. Purpose: This feasibility study evaluated the effects of an individual-level intervention to target office workers total and prolonged sedentary behaviour during working hours, using an e-health smartphone application. Methods: A three-arm (Prompt-30 or 60 min Intervention arm and a No-Prompt Comparison arm), quasi-randomised intervention was conducted over 12 weeks. Behavioural outcomes (worktime sitting, standing, stepping, prolonged sitting, and physical activity) were monitored using accelerometers and anthropometrics measured at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Cardiometabolic measures were taken at baseline and 12 weeks. Results: Fifty-six office workers (64% female) completed baseline assessments. The Prompt-60 arm was associated with a reduction in occupational sitting time at 6 (-46.8 min/8 h workday [95% confidence interval = -86.4, -6.6], p < 0.05) and 12 weeks (-69.6 min/8 h workday [-111.0, -28.2], p < 0.05) relative to the No-Prompt Comparison arm. Sitting was primarily replaced with standing in both arms (p > 0.05). Both Intervention arms reduced time in prolonged sitting bouts at 12 weeks (Prompt-30: -27.0 [-99.0, 45.0]; Prompt-60: -25.8 [-98.4, 47.4] min/8 h workday; both p > 0.05). There were no changes in steps or cardiometabolic risk. Conclusions: Findings highlight the potential of a smartphone e-health application, suggesting 60 min prompts may present an optimal frequency to reduce total occupational sedentary behaviour. Funding: Get a Move On Network+, EPSRC, Grant Number EP/N027799/1.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Morris, A., Mackintosh, K., Dunstan, D., Owen, N., Dempsey, P., Pennington, T., & McNarry, M. (2021). Effects on Activity Outcomes of an e-Health Smartphone Intervention to Reduce Office Workers’ Sitting Time: Oral Presentation B6.4. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.524

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