Office workers' perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a qualitative study

A profile approach to physical activity levels: what's intensity got to do with reasons and motives for exercise?

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity (PA), non-communicable disease and premature mortality rates among adults continue to rise. The relationship between adults' goals and exercise-specific motivation on the type of PA intensity one engages remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify physical activity (PA) profiles based on frequency and intensity (i.e., levels of PA) in an adult sample. A secondary purpose was to examine how the PA profiles differ on the reasons people have for exercising and behavioral regulation.

METHODS

A Cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,169 (46.8 ± 16.7 years) participants solicited from a hospital-affiliated wellness center, social media promotions, and a research volunteer registry. The International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine frequency, intensity, and time spent engaging in PA. Additionally, the Reasons to Exercise (REX-2) scale, the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 (BREQ-3), and demographics were assessed. K-cluster analyses were performed to identify profiles based on PA levels using the IPAQ guidelines. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to assess profile differences.

RESULTS

Five distinct PA clusters were derived, and defined as: a Low, Walking, Moderate Intensity, High Intensity, and Sitting cluster (p < .001). These clusters differed significantly (p < .001) from each other with respect to motivation, the reasons adults have for exercise, and PA levels.

CONCLUSION

The results from this study support the important role of psychological factors such as motivation and reasons for exercise on behavioral outcomes (i.e., physical activity). For future research investigating adults PA- related behaviors, whether it be on adults starting a new exercise program or for PA maintenance, it may be beneficial to develop programs that encourage participants to reflect on the reasons they identify as important for exercising, and how such reasons contribute to their overall PA engagement behaviors.

Effect of two dynamic seat cushions on postural shift, trunk muscle activation and spinal discomfort in office workers

We investigated the effect of two dynamic seat cushions on postural shift, trunk muscle activation and spinal discomfort. In this repeated-measures study, 30 healthy office workers were randomly assigned to a sequence of three conditions: sitting on a dynamic seat cushion-A, cushion-B and control (no seat cushion). The two dynamic seat cushions had different inflation levels. Participants typed a standard text for an hour and were monitored for postural shift by using a seat pressure mat, transversus abdominis/internal oblique and lumbar multifidus muscles activity by using surface EMG, spinal discomfort by using Borg's CR-10 scale. Two-way repeated ANOVAs showed no statistically significant interaction effects between condition and time on postural shift and muscle activation. Post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that postural shifts and lumbar multifidus activation during sitting on cushion-A were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in the control and cushion-B conditions. Both cushions reduced spinal discomfort, compared to the control condition (p < 0.05).

A year-long case study of multicomponent interventions to promote physical activity in office workers: A randomized control trial

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.

"Balancing work and movement": barriers and enablers for being physically active at Indian workplaces - findings from SMART STEP trial

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases are rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Reducing sedentary behavior (SB) and increasing physical activity (PA) offer numerous health benefits. Workplaces provide an ideal setting for promoting SB/PA interventions; however, understanding the barriers and enablers is crucial for optimizing these interventions in workplace environments.

METHODS

Nested within a cluster randomised controlled trial (the SMART-STEP trial), the present study employed in-depth interviews with 16 office workers who have completed 24 weeks of two distinct (technology assisted and traditional) workplace SB/PA interventions. Using a deductive analysis, semi-structured interviews were administered to explore the barriers and enablers to the SB/PA interventions at individual, interpersonal and organisational level using the socio-ecological model.

RESULTS

Several individual (poor goal setting, perceived health benefits & workload, attitude, intervention engagement), interpersonal (lack of peer support) and organisational (task prioritisation, lack of organisational norm and material or social reward) barriers were identified. Indian women engaged in desk-based office jobs often find themselves burdened with intense home and childcare responsibilities, often without sufficient support from their spouses. A primary concern among Indian office workers is the poor awareness and absence of cultural norms regarding the health risks associated with SB.

CONCLUSIONS

Raising awareness among workplace stakeholders-including office workers, peers, and the organization-is crucial before designing and implementing SB/PA interventions in Indian workspaces. Personalized interventions for Indian female office workers engaged in desk-bound work are warranted.

Exploring the perspectives of older adults who are pre-frail and frail to identify interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve mobility: a thematic content analysis

Older adults who are frail are one of the most sedentary and the least physically active age groups. Prolonged sedentary time is associated with increased risk of negative health outcomes. To help design effective and sustainable content and optimize the uptake of sedentary behaviour interventions, an in-depth understanding of older adults' perceptions of sedentary behaviour is needed; however, most qualitative studies have been conducted in healthy older adults. The aim of this study was to explore perspectives of sedentary behaviour within the context of older adults who are pre-frail and frail after the winter and spring. We included participants if they: (1) spoke English or attended with a translator or caregiver, (2) were ≥ 60 years, and (3) were frail on the Morley Frail Scale. We utilized a qualitative description methodology including a semi-structured in-depth interview and thematic content analysis. Concepts from the COM-B (Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour) model were used to guide the semi-structured interviews and analysis. To ensure credibility of the data, we used an audit trail and analyst triangulation. We recruited 21 older adults (72 ± 7.3 years, 13 females, 13 frail) from southwestern Ontario, Canada. Two individuals were lost to follow-up due to medical mistrust and worse health. We transcribed 39 audio recordings. We identified three salient themes: (1) older adults rationalize their sedentary behaviours through cognitive dissonance (reflective motivation), (2) urban cities in southwestern Ontario may not be "age-friendly" (physical opportunity), and (3) exercise is something people "have to do", but hobbies are for enjoyment despite medical conditions (psychological capability). Perspectives of sedentary behaviour were different in the winter versus spring, with participants perceiving themselves to be less active in winter. Incorporating dissonance-based interventions as part of an educational program could be used to target the reflective motivation and psychological capability components. Future research should consider interdisciplinary collaborations with environmental gerontology to develop age-friendly communities that promote meaningful mobility to target physical opportunity.

PEAK Mood, Mind, and Marks: a pilot study of an intervention to support university students' mental and cognitive health through physical exercise

Introduction

Regular exercise has the potential to enhance university students' mental and cognitive health. The PEAK Mood, Mind and Marks program (i.e., PEAK) is a neuroscience-informed intervention developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel to support students to exercise three or more times per week to benefit their mental and cognitive health. This pilot study assessed the impact of PEAK on exercise, mental and cognitive health, and implementation outcomes.

Methods

PEAK was delivered to 115 undergraduate university students throughout a 12-week university semester. The primary outcome was weekly exercise frequency. Secondary outcomes were: time spent engaged in moderate-vigorous exercise, sedentary behaviour and perceived mental health and cognitive health. All were measured via online self-report questionnaires. Qualitative interviews with 15 students investigated influences on engagement, the acceptability and appropriateness of PEAK, and its mechanisms of behaviour change. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests and template analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results

On average, 48.4% of students engaged in the recommended frequency of three or more exercise sessions per week. This proportion decreased towards the end of PEAK. Sedentary behaviour significantly decreased from baseline to end-point, and moderate-vigorous exercise significantly increased among students' who were non-exercisers. Mental wellbeing, stress, loneliness, and sense of belonging to the university significantly improved. There were no significant changes in psychological distress. Concentration, memory, and productivity significantly improved. Sixty-eight percent of students remained engaged in one or more components of PEAK at end-point. Qualitative data indicated students found PEAK to be acceptable and appropriate, and that it improved aspects of their capability, opportunity, and motivation to exercise.

Conclusions

Students are receptive to an exercise-based program to support their mental and cognitive health. Students exercise frequency decreased; however, these figures are likely a conservative estimate of students exercise engagement. Students valued the neuroscience-informed approach to motivational and educational content and that the program's goals aligned with their academic goals. Students identified numerous areas PEAK's content and implementation can be optimised, including use of a single digital delivery platform, more opportunities to connect with peers and to expand the content's cultural inclusivity.

Effectiveness of mHealth interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours on work-related productivity and performance: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Technologies such as health and fitness applications (apps) and wearable activity trackers have recently gained popularity and may play a key role in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviours. Although several systematic reviews have investigated their efficacy in physical activity and sedentary behaviours, few studies have focused on their impact on work-related outcomes among workers. Here, to explore the effects of mHealth interventions designed to encourage physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviours on work-related outcomes, including absenteeism, presenteeism, productivity, work performance and workability among workers, we will conduct a systematic review based on recent articles and an extensive literature search.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The literature search will be performed using PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society from inception to 23 September 2023. We will select studies that (1) investigated the impact of mHealth interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours on work-related outcomes such as absenteeism, presenteeism, productivity, work performance and workability; (2) were designed as a randomised controlled trial (RCT) or non-randomised study of interventions (NRSI); (3) were conducted among workers and (4) were published as full-text original articles in Japanese or English. We will assess the review quality with the AMSTAR 2 tool. The risk of bias will be assessed with the RoB tool 2.0 and ROBINS-I.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is unnecessary as the study will rely solely on previously published articles. The research results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The study protocol has been registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (ID=UMIN000052290).

Young women's leisure time physical activity determinants: a mixed methods approach

Introduction

The aim of the study was to analyze the habits, motives and barriers related to Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) among young women of Gipuzkoa, from a mixed approach.

Methods

A total of 526 women aged 18-29 (24.60 ± 3.30 years) responded to the Gipuzkoa Women's Physical Activity Questionnaire (GWPAQ), seven of which were later interviewed.

Results

The main motives for LTPA were intrapersonal - related to health and enjoyment - and to interpersonal networks. However, the main barriers facing LTPA were mostly intrapersonal, such as lack of time, tiredness, and laziness. Contextual factors such as the availability of safe spaces, previous negative experiences, or negative self-perception of motor competence also emerged as conditioning factors in young women's LTPA habits.

Discussion

This study may help to promote policies aimed at incentivizing LTPA for young women based on their needs and interests, by addressing the diversity of factors.

Assessing physical activity promotion in different settings and how its associated with public participation during COVID-19 epidemic: evidence from national policy evaluation

BACKGROUND

Various interventions, programs and policies have been implemented to improve physical activity (PA) levels worldwide. However, countries continue to face barriers and challenges in achieving their targets. To date, there is a lack of study on the evaluation of physical activity (PA) promotion and how it's associated with public participation.

METHODS

This study assessed PA promotion in eight different settings in terms of policy availability, policy implementation, and public participation in PA programs. Policy availability was assessed by reviewing 384 policy and strategy documents, rules, regulations, legislation, and guidelines on PA. We scored the documents by using the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity (CAPPA) framework. Data to assess policy implementation and public participation were taken from the Thailand Report Card Survey 2021 (TRC2021), and the Thailand Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2021. Both surveys comprised over 5,000 nationally-representative samples from on-screen, face-to-face interviews, and an online self-administered survey. We scored the policy implementation and public participation based on respondents' response towards policy implementation and participation indicators. A grading scheme was applied to indicate how successful an investment has been made.

RESULTS

Public education and mass media received the highest average score in policy availability, implementation and public participation in PA program (67.9%, grade B), followed by active urban design (66.1%, grade B-) and active transport (63.7%, grade B-). Workplace, whole-of-school, and community-wide initiatives were the investments with the lowest scores, implying low availability, limited implementation, and less accessibility to public. Females were less likely to participate in active transport, active urban design, sports/recreation for all, workplace activity, and community-wide initiatives. Age and educational attainment were consistent predictors of utilization in all investments.

CONCLUSIONS

With varying degrees of policy availability and accessibility, public participation in PA investments is likely to be constrained by biological and socioeconomic inequality. Future investments should aim at providing generalized or tailored interventions to ensure equal access and participation for all segments of the population.

Awareness of a disconnect between the value assigned to health and the effort devoted to health increases the intention to become more physically active

Background

Intrinsic values and priorities influence decision-making and are, therefore, important to consider explicitly in intervention development. Although health is generally considered an important value, individuals often make unhealthy choices, indicating a values disconnect.

Study aim

To investigate how becoming aware of a disconnect between the value assigned to health and the effort devoted to health is related to intentions and commitment for behavioural change and physical activity among inactive adults.

Methods

We performed a secondary exploratory analysis on previously collected data. The intervention included a values exercise based on the Disconnected Values Model (DVM) that made disconnected values explicit to participants in two study arms. We compared participants with a disconnect (n = 138) with participants without a disconnect (n = 101) regarding intentions and commitment for behavioural change and physical activity and sitting time 2-4 weeks follow-up. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to analyse the data.

Results

Between-group differences were found for the intention to devote more effort to health (OR = 3.75; 95%CI: 2.05; 6.86) and for the intention to become more physically active (OR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.10; 4.46), indicating that significantly more participants with a disconnect were motivated to change, compared to participants without a disconnect. No between-group differences were found for commitment, intention strength, follow-up physical activity and sitting time.

Conclusion

Making explicit a disconnect regarding health in an active choice intervention was associated with intentions to become more physically active. Still, it did not translate in significant behaviour change at 2-4 weeks follow-up.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04973813. Retrospectively registered.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04973813..

Prolonged Sitting in University Students: An Intra-Individual Study Exploring Physical Activity Value as a Deterrent

University students are a subpopulation of young adults highly susceptible to prolonged bouts of sitting. The purpose of this study was to investigate university students' intra-individual patterns of prolonged daily sitting, exploring gender and physical activity value beliefs as covariates. A total of 71 students reported the number of days each week they spent in bouts of prolonged sitting (2 + continuous hours) over a five-week timeframe. The findings revealed that at the beginning of the study, the students spent about four days per week in prolonged bouts of sitting although there was substantial variability in the sample. Intra-individual changes over the five weeks occurred in a non-linear fashion with a variability in these trajectories. Men reported approximately one less day of prolonged sitting per week although gender did not predict changes over time. Physical activity value beliefs were negatively related to prolonged bouts of sitting when averaged across time. The results illustrate the variable nature of prolonged sitting in university student populations, highlighting the need for implementing individualized intervention strategies targeting sedentary behavior.

Promoting an active choice among physically inactive adults: a randomised web-based four-arm experiment

BACKGROUND

Promoting active (i.e., conscious, autonomous, informed, and value-congruent) choices may improve the effectiveness of physical activity interventions. This web-based four-arm experimental study investigated the effect of promoting an active versus passive choice regarding physical activity on behavioural and psychological outcomes (e.g., physical activity intentions and behaviours, autonomy, commitment) among physically inactive adults.

METHODS

Dutch inactive adults were randomized into four groups: physical activity guideline only (control group G), guideline & information (GI), guideline & active choice (GA), or guideline & active choice & action planning (GA +). GA and GA + participants were stimulated to make an active choice by weighing advantages and disadvantages of physical activity, considering personal values, and identifying barriers. GA + participants additionally completed action/coping planning exercises. Passive choice groups G and GI did not receive exercises. Self-reported behavioural outcomes were assessed by a questionnaire pre-intervention (T0, n = 564) and at 2-4 weeks follow-up (T2, n = 493). Psychological outcomes were assessed post-intervention (T1, n = 564) and at follow-up. Regression analyses compared the outcomes of groups GI, GA and GA + with group G. We also conducted sensitivity analyses and a process evaluation.

RESULTS

Although promoting an active choice process (i.e., interventions GA and GA +) did not improve intention (T1) or physical activity (T2 versus T0), GA + participants reported higher commitment at T1 (β = 0.44;95%CI:0.04;0.84) and more frequently perceived an increase in physical activity between T0 and T2 (β = 2.61;95%CI:1.44;7.72). GA participants also made a more active choice at T1 (β = 0.16;95%CI:0.04;0.27). The GA and GA + intervention did not significantly increase the remaining outcomes. GI participants reported higher intention strength (β = 0.64;95%CI:0.15;1.12), autonomy (β = 0.50;95%CI:0.05;0.95), and commitment (β = 0.39;95%CI:0.04;0.74), and made a more active choice at T1 (β = 0.13;95%CI:0.02;0.24). Interestingly, gender and health condition modified the effect on several outcomes. The GA + intervention was somewhat more effective in women. The process evaluation showed that participants varied in how they perceived the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no convincing evidence of a beneficial effect of an active versus passive choice intervention on physical activity intentions and behaviours among inactive adults. Further research should determine whether and how active choice interventions that are gender-sensitized and consider health conditions can effectively increase physical activity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04973813 . Retrospectively registered.