Sit Less and Move More: A pilot multi-component randomised controlled trial among UK call agents

Oral Presentation B6.5

Authors

  • Abigail S. Morris Lancaster University; Swansea University
  • Rebecca C. Murphy Liverpool John Moores University
  • Nicola D. Hopkins Liverpool John Moores University
  • Paula D. Watson Liverpool John Moores University
  • David Low Liverpool John Moores University
  • Genevieve N. Healy The University of Queensland; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute; Curtin University
  • Charlotte L. Edwardson University of Leicester; NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre
  • Brendan Collins University of Liverpool
  • Hannah Timpson Liverpool John Moores University
  • Sam O. Shepherd Liverpool John Moores University
  • Madeleine Cochrane University of Bristol
  • David Gavin Liverpool John Moores University
  • Lee E. F. Graves Liverpool John Moores University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.525

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Workplace, Intervention, Pilot

Abstract

Background: Call centres workers spend up to 90% of their workday seated, often in prolonged periods (≥30 minutes) which can be detrimental to health, wellbeing and productivity. Purpose: To pilot a multicomponent intervention to sit less and move more, with (SLAMM+) and without (SLAMM) height-adjustable workstations, in contact centre call agents. Methods: Agents were individually randomized to SLAMM or SLAMM+ in this 10-month pilot trial. A mixed-methods evaluation assessed response, recruitment, retention, attrition and completion rates, adverse effects, trial feasibility and acceptability, preliminary effectiveness on worktime sitting, and secondary (cardiometabolic, wellbeing and work-related) outcomes. Intervention components were informed by formative research and underpinned by the COM-B model. Results: Intervention phases were mostly acceptable, though fluctuating call volumes impacted fidelity. Fifty-nine agents (68% female, 30.9±11.6 years) completed baseline. High staff turnover negatively impacted retention and completion rates. Agents ranked individual feedback, education sessions, and emails as the most important components for sitting less and moving more. The multicomponent intervention with height-adjustable workstations has potential to reduce total and prolonged sitting time at work over 3 and 10-months. More strategies are warranted to promote physical activity. Conclusions: Both interventions were mostly acceptable and feasible for promoting a reduction in total workday sitting time. The demonstrated findings will help prepare for a future randomized controlled trial designed to assess the effect of the interventions. Funding: Liverpool John Moores University, Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Morris, A., Murphy, R., Hopkins, N., Watson, P., Low, D., Healy, G., Edwardson, C., Collins, B., Timpson, H., Shepherd, S., Cochrane, M., Gavin, D., & Graves, L. (2021). Sit Less and Move More: A pilot multi-component randomised controlled trial among UK call agents: Oral Presentation B6.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.525

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