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ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to explore the potential of a sitting reduction workplace intervention for improving stress and work performance.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial evaluated an intervention to reduce and break up occupational sitting in 12 clusters ( n = 89 office workers) over 8 weeks. Outcomes were physiological stress (cortisol concentrations), perceived stress, and work performance.ResultsLinear mixed model group × time interaction effects were nonsignificant. Exploratory analyses showed a trend, with a large effect, for lower cortisol concentrations over the day in the intervention group relative to controls at 8 weeks (-0.85; 95% confidence interval, -1.70 to 0.03 nmol·L -1 ; P = 0.06, d = 0.79). The intervention group had higher vigor and cognitive liveliness at 8 weeks relative to controls ( P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsThis exploratory study suggests that there could be meaningful changes in physiological stress and work-related outcomes that should be investigated in future studies.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/jom.0000000000002971

Type

Journal article

Journal

Journal of occupational and environmental medicine

Publication Date

12/2023

Volume

65

Pages

e744 - e751

Addresses

From the Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, University of Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom (B.D.M., J.H., J.K.Z.-F., D.P.B.); Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom (B.D.M., C.L.E.); Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom (B.D.M., C.L.E.); School of Science and Technology, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom (J.H.); Centre for Physical Activity in Health and Disease, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (D.P.B.); and Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom (D.P.B.).

Keywords

Humans, Hydrocortisone, Occupational Health, Workplace, Health Promotion, Work Performance, Sitting Position, Sedentary Behavior