Reducing Occupational Sitting While Working From Home
Emily L. Mailey, Richard R. Rosenkranz, Sara K. Rosenkranz, Elizabeth Ablah, Mia Talley, Anna Biggins, Alissa Towsley, Allison Honn
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.