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Gonzales A, Lin JH, Cha JS. A year-long case study of multicomponent interventions to promote physical activity in office workers: A randomized control trial. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 120:104333. [PMID: 38876003 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify if workplace interventions, (i.e., mindfulness classes and monetary incentives for gym attendance), influenced workers' physical activity. Office-based participants were randomized into one of four intervention assignments: 1) CONTROL (no interventions) (n = 40), 2) MINDFULNESS (n = 33), 3) GYM INCENTIVE (n = 41), or 4) BOTH mindfulness and gym incentive (n = 31). Activity-tracker and self-reported metabolic expenditure and step counts were gathered between January 2020 and December 2020 whereas the eight-week long interventions were provided between January and March 2020, when the impact of COVID-19 pandemic started. While physical activity decreased during the follow-up months, percent changes of physical activity at 1-, 2-, and 9-month follow-ups compared to baseline show no significant differences between or across the four intervention assignments (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the intervention assignments had no effect on physical activity from baseline. The lack of effectiveness of these interventions on participant physical activity could be attributed to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any effects of the interventions could not outweigh the effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Gonzales
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, USA
| | - Jia-Hua Lin
- SHARP, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, USA
| | - Jackie S Cha
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, USA.
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Wahlström V, Öhrn M, Harder M, Eskilsson T, Fjellman-Wiklund A, Pettersson-Strömbäck A. Physical work environment in an activity-based flex office: a longitudinal case study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:661-674. [PMID: 38755483 PMCID: PMC11245412 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate and explore Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management, office ergonomics, and musculoskeletal symptoms in a group of office workers relocating from cell offices to activity-based flex offices (AFOs). METHODS The analysis was based on qualitative interview data with 77 employees and longitudinal questionnaire data from 152 employees. RESULTS Results indicate that there was a need to clarify roles and processes related to the management of OHS. Self-rated sit comfort, working posture, and availability of daylight deteriorated and symptoms in neck and shoulders increased after the relocation and seemed to be influenced by many factors, such as difficulties adjusting the workstations, the availability of suitable workplaces, and age, sex, and individual needs. CONCLUSION Research on the long-term effects of physical work environments and management of (OHS) issues after implementing activity-based flex offices is sparse. This study demonstrates the importance of planning and organising OHS issue management when implementing an AFO, and to carefully implement office ergonomics among office workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Wahlström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, 901 87, Sweden.
| | - Maria Öhrn
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mette Harder
- Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Therese Eskilsson
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Chandrasekaran B, Arumugam A, Pesola AJ, Davis F, Rao CR. Association of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior patterns with cognitive functions in sedentary office workers: Insights from SMART-STEP study. Work 2024:WOR240129. [PMID: 38968035 DOI: 10.3233/wor-240129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of sedentary behavior in workplaces are currently recognized as an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and poor mental health. However, sedentary patterns vary between workdays and non-workdays, which may influence cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to quantify and compare work and nonwork device-measured sedentary time (ST) and its association with cognitive function in Indian office workers. METHODS In an ongoing randomized controlled trial (SMART-STEP), the baseline data of 136 full-time office workers, including accelerometer-measured sedentary patterns and cognitive functions, were analyzed. The ST was measured using a hip-worn accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for seven days, and executive functions were measured using computer-based tests. Linear regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between ST and executive function measures. RESULTS The median daily ST of Indian office workers was 11.41 hours. The ST was greater on both workdays (11.43 hrs.) and non-workdays (11.14 hrs.) though different (F = 6.76, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.032). Office workers accumulate more prolonged sitting bouts (+21.36 min) during work days than non-workdays. No associations between device-measured ST and executive functions were observed. CONCLUSION Indian office workers exhibited high ST patterns, especially on workdays. Although lower than workdays, Indian office workers exhibited more ST patterns during non-workdays than did their Western counterparts. Culturally adaptable workplace and leisure time physical activity interventions are needed to address the high ST of Indian office workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baskaran Chandrasekaran
- Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashokan Arumugam
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, RIMHS - Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sustainable Engineering Asset Management Research Group, RISE - Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Physiotherapy, Adjunct Faculty, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Arto J Pesola
- Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Fiddy Davis
- Department of Kinesiology, Hope College, Holland
| | - Chythra R Rao
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Alahmadi MA, Almasoud KH, Aljahani AH, Alzaman NS, Al-Nozha OM, Alahmadi OM, Jalloun RA, Alfadhli EM, Alahmadi JM, Zuair AA, Alzahrani NS, Alahmdi AA, Alghamdi MA, Aldayel AA, Aljaloud SO, Alharbi OM, Al-Nuaim A, Alshqaq SS, Alsaedi BS, Alrashidi A, Alamri OA, Alshaikhi AS, Al-Thumali FJ, Alshdokhi KA, Awn AB, Jifri AA, Aljuhani O, Aljaloud KS, Al-Mudarra MF, Ansari MGA, Al-Daghri NM. The prevalence of sedentary behavior among university students in Saudi Arabia. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:605. [PMID: 38408947 PMCID: PMC10895824 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18107-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A considerable body of research has demonstrated that reducing sitting time benefits health. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) and its patterns. METHODS A total of 6975 university students (49.1% female) were chosen randomly to participate in a face-to-face interview. The original English version of the sedentary behavior questionnaire (SBQ) was previously translated into Arabic. Then, the validated Arabic version of the SBQ was used to assess SB. The Arabic SBQ included 9 types of SB (watching television, playing computer/video games, sitting while listening to music, sitting and talking on the phone, doing paperwork or office work, sitting and reading, playing a musical instrument, doing arts and crafts, and sitting and driving/riding in a car, bus or train) on weekdays and weekends. RESULTS SBQ indicated that the total time of SB was considerably high (478.75 ± 256.60 and 535.86 ± 316.53 (min/day) during weekdays and weekends, respectively). On average, participants spent the most time during the day doing office/paperwork (item number 4) during weekdays (112.47 ± 111.11 min/day) and weekends (122.05 ± 113.49 min/day), followed by sitting time in transportation (item number 9) during weekdays (78.95 ± 83.25 min/day) and weekends (92.84 ± 100.19 min/day). The average total sitting time of the SBQ was 495.09 ± 247.38 (min/day) and 58.4% of the participants reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day). Independent t-test showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between males and females in all types of SB except with doing office/paperwork (item number 4). The results also showed that male students have a longer daily sitting time (521.73 ± 236.53 min/day) than females (467.38 ± 255.28 min/day). Finally, 64.1% of the males reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day) compared to females (52.3%). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the total mean length of SB in minutes per day for male and female university students was considerably high. About 58% of the population appeared to spend ≥7 h/day sedentary. Male university students are likelier to sit longer than female students. Our findings also indicated that SB and physical activity interventions are needed to raise awareness of the importance of adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sitting time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Alahmadi
- Sport Science and Physical Activity Department, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid H Almasoud
- Sport Science and Physical Activity Department, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani H Aljahani
- Physical Sport Science Department, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naweed S Alzaman
- Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar M Al-Nozha
- Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama M Alahmadi
- College of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola A Jalloun
- Nutrition and Food Science Department, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M Alfadhli
- Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Areeg A Zuair
- Community Health Nursing Department, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif S Alzahrani
- Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A Alahmdi
- College of Medicine, Al-Rayan Colleges, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Obead M Alharbi
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Collage of Education, Qassim University, Burayday, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Al-Nuaim
- Physical Education Department, Education College, King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Basim S Alsaedi
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf Alrashidi
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A Alamri
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulwahed S Alshaikhi
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science & Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Khaled A Alshdokhi
- Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, College of Education, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen Bin Awn
- Department of General Curricula and Instruction, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Abdullah Jifri
- Department of Sport Science, College of Sport Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Aljuhani
- Department of Physical Education, College of Sports Science and Physical Activity, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S Aljaloud
- Exercise Physiology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munirah Fayez Al-Mudarra
- Department of Home Economics, College of Education, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed G A Ansari
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser M Al-Daghri
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Mason-Mackay AR. Gender, Sex and Desk-Based Postural Behaviour: A systematic review re-interpreting biomechanical evidence from a social perspective. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 114:104073. [PMID: 37945179 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomechanical and pain prevalence differences between sex/gender groups are frequently attributed to biological differences between sexes without considering the influence of socially-constructed gender. This may lead to interventions which are insufficient and culturally unresponsive. This review reinterprets the evidence regarding differences in desk-based postural behaviour between sex/gender groups from a gender-based perspective. METHODS Four prominent databases were searched using terms such as 'desk based', 'posture', and 'position'. Articles were included if they objectively investigated desk-based positional variability, postural variability and/or habitual alignment in healthy adults. RESULTS Nine studies were included. Differences were found in postural variability and habitual alignment between sex/gender groups and were not explored from a gender-based perspective. CONCLUSION Gender-based expectations regarding 'acceptable' posture and movement likely contribute to biomechanical and pain differences between genders. This should be considered by clinicians intending to affect patients' movement and postural patterns and by researchers working in this space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ruth Mason-Mackay
- Physiotherapy, Centre for Health and Social Practice, Wintec Te Pūkenga, Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa, New Zealand
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Wahlström V, Januario LB, Mathiassen SE, Heiden M, Hallman DM. Hybrid office work in women and men: do directly measured physical behaviors differ between days working from home and days working at the office? Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:1043-1055. [PMID: 37795673 PMCID: PMC10683849 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated and compared temporal sitting patterns among male and female hybrid office workers when working at the office (WAO), working from home (WFH), and for non-working days (NWD). METHODS We analyzed data collected in 2020 among 165 hybrid office workers, carrying thigh-worn accelerometers for 938 days in total. Day type (WAO, WFH, or NWD) and time in bed were identified using diaries. Time awake was exhaustively classified as non-sitting time and time sitting in short, moderate, and long bouts. Effects of day type and gender on the 24-h compositions of physical behaviors were analyzed using multilevel linear mixed models. RESULTS During workdays (both WAO and WFH), workers spent less time in bed and more time sitting, particularly in moderate and long bouts, than during NWD. Time in bed was longer when working from home than when working at the office, and more of the awake time was spent sitting. Differences between WAO and WFH in ratios between short, moderate, and long bouts of sitting were small and inconsistent. Men spent more time sitting than women, and more time in moderate and long sitting bouts relative to short bouts. CONCLUSIONS When working from home, hybrid office workers sat more during their hours awake compared to when working at the office. Sitting time was larger during working days than during non-working days and was higher in men than in women. These results may contribute to support organizational policies for hybrid work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Wahlström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Leticia Bergamin Januario
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Marina Heiden
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - David M Hallman
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden
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Barbieri DF, Brusaca LA, Mathiassen SE, Oliveira AB, Srinivasan D. Do Sit-Stand Tables Affect Physical Behavior and Body Composition Similarly in Normal-Weight and Overweight Office Workers? A Pilot Study. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2023; 11:81-93. [PMID: 37982162 DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2023.2281964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSSedentary behavior is a significant health concern among office workers. We completed the same 6-month sit-stand table intervention at work for groups of normal-weight and overweight workers, and compared it to not having sit-stand tables. The intervention caused the intended decrease in sitting time in both groups and a corresponding increase in standing. We did not find compensation effects on physical behavior outside of work. Furthermore, the intervention did not change the composition of fat, lean, and bone mass in either group. Thus, strategies including initiatives to increase physical activity are likely needed to have effects on body composition; and an intervention needs to be sustained for longer than six months for any changes in body composition to be observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dechristian França Barbieri
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Luiz Augusto Brusaca
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Ana Beatriz Oliveira
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Divya Srinivasan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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Batista A, Forte P, Ribeiro J, Silva-Santos S, Neto ES, Rodrigues F, Teixeira JE, Ferraz R, Branquinho L. Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults from Penafiel, Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:443. [PMID: 37366695 DOI: 10.3390/bs13060443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) levels of young and middle-aged adults living in and around the municipality of Penafiel and to determine whether they meet PA recommendations. The researchers used the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" (IPAQ) to measure moderate to vigorous PA and time spent on sedentary behavior (high vs. low). A prospective observational cross-sectional sample of 1105 adults aged 18-63 years, living in the municipality of Penafiel and its surroundings (45% women, 55% men), was used. The results indicated that more than half of the population was inactive (53.8%) and sedentary (54.0%). Men were more likely to be sedentary (59.2%) and inactive (55.6%) than women (inactive: 51.7%, high SB: 47.7%). Regarding daily PA and SB levels, women had higher levels of walks (3.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.034) and vigorous PA (2.2 ± 1.8 min; p = 0.005) per days/week, as well as vigorous PA per minutes/week (75.4 ± 82.1 min; p = 0.034). The time spent on vigorous PA per day was also higher in women (26.2 ± 22.8 min; p = 0.030). However, men had higher values in walking minutes per day (26.3 ± 17.1 min; p = 0.030), SB for weekdays (429.2 ± 141.2 min; p = 0.001), SB for weekends (324.7 ± 163.7 min; p = 0.033) and time spent on SB per minutes/week (2795.6 ± 882.0 min; p = 0.001). The results also showed that the older the adults, the lower the frequency and total time of vigorous PA per week. Young adults (18-28 years) had higher levels of vigorous PA (p = 0.005) than the other age groups (29-39; 40-50 and 51-63 years). Finally, the study found no significant correlation between individual level factors, such as number of children, marital status and monthly income, and PA or SB. Conversely, a significant and negative correlation between SB and levels of PA was found, indicating that the higher the level of PA practice, the lower the SB level. The authors suggest that promoting new PA habits and healthy lifestyles is an important future challenge for sustainability and improving the quality of life in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Batista
- Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- CI-ISCE/ISCE Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Pedro Forte
- Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- CI-ISCE/ISCE Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Sports Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- CI-ISCE/ISCE Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Sandra Silva-Santos
- Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- CI-ISCE/ISCE Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Elmiro Silva Neto
- Department of Sports Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40210-630, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Rodrigues
- ESECS-Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Center, 2040-413 Leiria, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Teixeira
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Sports Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Ferraz
- ESECS-Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Branquinho
- Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- CI-ISCE/ISCE Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Covilhã, Portugal
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Brusaca LA, Januario LB, Mathiassen SE, Barbieri DF, Oliveira RV, Heiden M, Oliveira AB, Hallman DM. Sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and sleep among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison of Brazil and Sweden. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2196. [PMCID: PMC9702952 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the physical behaviours of office workers worldwide, but studies comparing physical behaviours between countries with similar restrictions policies are rare. This study aimed to document and compare the 24-hour time-use compositions of physical behaviours among Brazilian and Swedish office workers on working and non-working days during the pandemic.
Methods
Physical behaviours were monitored over 7 days using thigh-worn accelerometers in 73 Brazilian and 202 Swedish workers. Daily time-use compositions were exhaustively described in terms of sedentary behaviour (SED) in short (< 30 min) and long (≥30 min) bouts, light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and time-in-bed. We examined differences between countries using MANOVA on data processed according to compositional data analysis. As Swedish workers had the possibility to do hybrid work, we conducted a set of sensitivity analyses including only data from days when Swedish workers worked from home.
Results
During working days, Brazilian office workers spent more time SED in short (294 min) and long (478 min) bouts and less time in LPA (156 min) and MVPA (50 min) than Swedish workers (274, 367, 256 and 85 min, respectively). Time spent in bed was similar in both groups. Similar differences between Brazilians and Swedes were observed on non-working days, while workers were, in general, less sedentary, more active and spent more time-in-bed than during working days. The MANOVA showed that Brazilians and Swedes differed significantly in behaviours during working (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.36) and non-working days (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.20). Brazilian workers spent significantly more time in SED relative to being active, less time in short relative to long bouts in SED, and more time in LPA relative to MVPA, both during workdays and non-workdays. Sensitivity analyses only on data from days when participants worked from home showed similar results.
Conclusions
During the COVID-19 pandemic Brazilian office workers were more sedentary and less active than Swedish workers, both during working and non-working days. Whether this relates to the perception or interpretation of restrictions being different or to differences present even before the pandemic is not clear, and we encourage further research to resolve this important issue.
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Messing K, Chadoin M, Blanchette-Luong V. Should data on gender and ethnicity inform ergonomics interventions? Lessons from four case studies. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1567-1577. [PMID: 35531647 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2074098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ergonomists intervene to improve work for all workers and adapt jobs to a range of worker characteristics. But their mandate rarely includes explicit attention to the distribution of worker demographics, to divisions among workers, or to discrimination on the basis of sex/gender or racialisation. A decades-long collaboration between ergonomists and the women's committees of three union confederations in Québec, Canada led to several instances where ergonomists had to confront situations involving sexism or racism, not foreseen during their training. This article will explore four problematic situations and suggest solutions, including paying more attention to teamwork, considering gender during ergonomics training, and developing a code of practice for ergonomics interventions.Practitioner summary: Workplace inequities related to sex/gender, racialisation and other sources of social inequity can affect job performance and workers' health. As such, do ergonomists need to consider them during an intervention? How? We analyse four situations encountered during interventions and suggest more attention to understanding workplace dynamics and promoting team function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Messing
- Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- CINBIOSE Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Martin Chadoin
- CINBIOSE Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- School of Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Vanessa Blanchette-Luong
- CINBIOSE Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Scheres LJJ, Hylckama Vlieg A, Cannegieter SC. Sex‐specific aspects of venous thromboembolism: What is new and what is next? Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2022; 6:e12722. [PMID: 35619638 PMCID: PMC9127145 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Men seem to have a higher intrinsic risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than women, regardless of age. To date, this difference has not been explained. By integrating state‐of‐the‐art research presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress of 2021 with the available literature, we address potential explanations for this intriguing risk difference between men and women. We discuss the role of exogenous and endogenous sex hormones as the most important known sex‐specific determinants of VTE risk. In addition, we highlight clues on the role of sex hormones and VTE risk from clinical scenarios such as pregnancy and the polycystic ovary syndrome. Furthermore, we address new potential sex‐specific risk factors and unanswered research questions, which could provide more insight in the intrinsic risk difference between men and women, such as body height and differences in body fat distribution, leading to dysregulation of metabolism and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk J. J. Scheres
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine & Radboud Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hylckama Vlieg
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne C. Cannegieter
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine Section of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
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12
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Calatayud J, Morera Á, Casaña J, Del Pozo Cruz B, Andersen LL, López-Bueno R. Occupational physical activity trends from 1987 to 2017: A nationally representative sample of 160,509 Spanish adults. Eur J Sport Sci 2022; 23:851-858. [PMID: 35332838 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2058418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate temporal and updated trends of OPA among Spanish adult population during the period between 1987 and 2017. METHODS We used all available rounds of the Spanish National Health Survey (160,509 adults, mean age 44.6 years [SD 16.6], 50.3% women) and multivariate regressions to determine temporal trends of high OPA from 1987 to 2017 in the general working population of Spain. RESULTS The highest OPA prevalence was observed for participants aged 31-49 years in the 2003 survey. The prevalence of high OPA was generally low, but increased slightly over time in the 18-30, 50-64, and 65-75 years old (p<0.001 for trend). In contrast, a general reduction in OPA was observed in the 16-17 years old (p<0.001 for trend). Men consistently showed higher OPA prevalence than women. CONCLUSIONS This study reports an increase in OPA prevalence in Spain from 1987 to 2017, which is low and significant in most socio-demographic groups, but small in absolute terms. The youngest group had a marked decreased in OPA prevalence over the course of the study. Men consistently showed higher OPA prevalence than women, but differences have become smaller in recent years. Our results may assist in the establishment of interventional strategies and future policies among specific subgroups.Highlights: There is an increase in OPA prevalence in Spain from 1987 to 2017.The youngest group had a marked decreased in OPA prevalence over the course of the study.Men consistently showed higher OPA prevalence than women, but differences have become smaller in recent years.Frequent national surveillance of OPA to monitor long-term development of the working environment should be mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Calatayud
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Álvaro Morera
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Casaña
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Borja Del Pozo Cruz
- Centre for Active and Healthy Ageing, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Rubén López-Bueno
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Physical Medicine and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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13
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Brusaca LA, Barbieri DF, Mathiassen SE, Holtermann A, Oliveira AB. Physical Behaviours in Brazilian Office Workers Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Compared to before the Pandemic: A Compositional Data Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126278. [PMID: 34200624 PMCID: PMC8296050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Work from home has increased greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and concerns have been raised that this would change physical behaviours. In the present study, 11 Brazilian office workers (five women, six men; mean [SD] age 39.3 [9.6] years) wore two triaxial accelerometers fixed on the upper back and right thigh continuously for five days, including a weekend, before COVID-19 (September 2019), and again while working at home during COVID-19 (July 2020). We determined time used in five behaviours: sedentary, standing, light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA), and time-in-bed. Data on these behaviours were processed using Compositional Data Analysis, and behaviours observed pre-COVID19 and during-COVID19 were compared using repeated-measures MANOVA. On workdays during-COVID19, participants spent 667 min sedentary, 176 standing, 74 LPA, 51 MVPA and 472 time-in-bed; corresponding numbers pre-COVID were 689, 180, 81, 72 and 418 min. Tests confirmed that less time was spent in bed pre-COVID19 (log-ratio −0.12 [95% CI −0.19; −0.08]) and more time in MVPA (log-ratio 0.35, [95% CI 0.08; 0.70]). Behaviours during the weekend changed only marginally. While small, this study is the first to report objectively measured physical behaviours during workdays as well as weekends in the same subjects before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Augusto Brusaca
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luiz Road, km 235, SP310, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil; (L.A.B.); (D.F.B.)
| | - Dechristian França Barbieri
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luiz Road, km 235, SP310, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil; (L.A.B.); (D.F.B.)
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden;
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Ana Beatriz Oliveira
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Washington Luiz Road, km 235, SP310, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil; (L.A.B.); (D.F.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-33066700
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14
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Effects of Two Randomized and Controlled Multi-Component Interventions Focusing On 24-Hour Movement Behavior among Office Workers: A Compositional Data Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084191. [PMID: 33920971 PMCID: PMC8071247 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Intervention studies aiming at changing movement behavior have usually not accounted for the compositional nature of time-use data. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) has been suggested as a useful strategy for analyzing such data. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two multi-component interventions on 24-h movement behavior (using CoDA) and on cardiorespiratory fitness among office workers; one focusing on reducing sedentariness and the other on increasing physical activity. Office workers (n = 263) were cluster randomized into one of two 6-month intervention groups, or a control group. Time spent in sedentary behavior, light-intensity, moderate and vigorous physical activity, and time in bed were assessed using accelerometers and diaries, both for 24 h in total, and for work and leisure time separately. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated using a sub-maximal cycle ergometer test. Intervention effects were analyzed using linear mixed models. No intervention effects were found, either for 24-h behaviors in total, or for work and leisure time behaviors separately. Cardiorespiratory fitness did not change significantly. Despite a thorough analysis of 24-h behaviors using CoDA, no intervention effects were found, neither for behaviors in total, nor for work and leisure time behaviors separately. Cardiorespiratory fitness did not change significantly. Although the design of the multi-component interventions was based on theoretical frameworks, and included cognitive behavioral therapy counselling, which has been proven effective in other populations, issues related to implementation of and compliance with some intervention components may have led to the observed lack of intervention effect.
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15
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Working from home during the COVID-19 outbreak in Sweden: effects on 24-h time-use in office workers. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:528. [PMID: 33731066 PMCID: PMC7968563 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered national recommendations encouraging people to work from home (WFH), but the possible impact of WFH on physical behaviors is unknown. This study aimed to determine the extent to which the 24-h allocation of time to different physical behaviors changes between days working at the office (WAO) and days WFH in office workers during the pandemic. Methods Data were collected on 27 office workers with full-time employment at a Swedish municipal division during the COVID-19 outbreak in May–July 2020. A thigh-worn accelerometer (Axivity) was used to assess physical behavior (sedentary, stand, move) during seven consecutive days. A diary was used to identify periods of work, leisure and sleep. 24-h compositions of sedentary, standing and moving behaviors during work and non-work time were examined using Compositional data analysis (CoDA), and differences between days WAO and days WFH were determined using repeated measures ANOVA. Results Days WFH were associated with more time spent sleeping relative to awake, and the effect size was large (F = 7.4; p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.22). The increase (34 min) in sleep time during WFH occurred at the expense of a reduction in work and leisure time by 26 min and 7 min, respectively. Sedentary, standing and moving behaviors did not change markedly during days WFH compared to days WAO. Conclusion Days working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden were associated with longer duration of sleep than days working at the office. This behavioral change may be beneficial to health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10582-6.
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Aguilar-Farias N, Martino-Fuentealba P, Chandia-Poblete D. Cultural adaptation, translation and validation of the Spanish version of Past-day Adults' Sedentary Time. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:182. [PMID: 33478463 PMCID: PMC7818730 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To better understand sedentary behaviour and favour international comparisons, more evidence from different countries are needed. However, there are a few tools available in Spanish to measure sedentary behaviour. This study aimed to culturally adapt, translate and validate the Past-day Adults’ Sedentary Time (PAST) questionnaire in Chilean adults compared with the ActivPAL. Method One hundred one workers wore an ActivPAL for 1 week and were asked to respond to the Spanish version of the PAST twice on different visits at a 7-day interval. The PAST assesses sedentary behaviour in several domains, including working time, during the previous day. Reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlations and Bland-Altman methods were used to determine accuracy properties of the PAST compared with the ActivPAL. Results Seventy-seven participants provided valid data (51.0% male; age = 39.0 ± 12.39 years). The PAST showed moderate reliability (ICC = 0.63). For the total time in sedentary behavior per day, the PAST showed no correlation (r = 0.21, p = 0.07) and a mean bias of 54.9 min/day (LoA 95%: − 484.3, 594.2 min/day) with the ActivPAL. For the total time in SB at work, the PAST showed moderate reliability (ICC = 0.40), weak correlation (r = 0.37, p < 0.002), and mean bias was 33.8 min/day (LoA 95%: − 285.7, 353.3 min/day). Conclusions The PAST performed better when estimating sedentary behaviour during working hours compared with the whole day. In this setting, accuracy properties were comparable with other self-report tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation. Universidad de La Frontera, Av Francisco Salazar 01145, 4780000, Temuco, Chile. .,UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
| | - Pía Martino-Fuentealba
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation. Universidad de La Frontera, Av Francisco Salazar 01145, 4780000, Temuco, Chile.,UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Damian Chandia-Poblete
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation. Universidad de La Frontera, Av Francisco Salazar 01145, 4780000, Temuco, Chile.,UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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17
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Wahlström V, Olsson D, Öhberg F, Olsson T, Slunga Järvholm L. Underlying Factors Explaining Physical Behaviors among Office Workers-An Exploratory Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249158. [PMID: 33302452 PMCID: PMC7763999 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies using technical measurements of physical behavior show wide interindividual variations. This study aimed to explore underlying factors related to sitting, standing and walking among office workers. Cross-sectional data for background characteristics, work-related variables, and device-based measures for sitting, standing and walking were collected among office workers in either a cell office or a flex office with activity-based work. Data were analyzed by Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) and multiple robust linear regression. The FAMD resulted in the combination of underlying factors describing six character types. The (1) harmonic and healthy, (2) disabled with poor health, (3) manager that spend a lot of time in meetings and has very high workload, (4) engaged with high workload, (5) employee with creative and computer intense work, with high workload and, (6) employee with high BMI with creative and collaborative work. Regression analysis showed that the character type that was "engaged with high workload" sat more and stood less, while the character type with "high BMI and with creative and collaborative work" sat less. The results suggest that physical behavior among office workers is influenced by a complex combination of factors, which should be taken into account in the evaluation of future studies of larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Wahlström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (D.O.); (T.O.); (L.S.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - David Olsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (D.O.); (T.O.); (L.S.J.)
| | - Fredrik Öhberg
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Tommy Olsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (D.O.); (T.O.); (L.S.J.)
| | - Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (D.O.); (T.O.); (L.S.J.)
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