Why Do People (Not) Take Breaks? An Investigation of Individuals' Reasons for Taking and for Not Taking Breaks at Work

Although breaks can help employees stay energized and maintain high levels of performance throughout the day, employees sometimes refrain from taking a break despite wanting to do so. Unfortunately, few studies have investigated individuals' reasons for taking and for not taking a break at work. To address this gap, we developed a model for predicting employees' break-taking behaviors. We developed hypotheses by integrating theories of work stress, self-regulation, and the results of a qualitative survey conducted as part of the current research (Study 1). Specifically, we predicted that high workloads would be positively related to the desire to detach from work, but that at the same time, high workloads would also deter employees from actually taking breaks. Furthermore, we predicted that employees would be less likely to act upon their desire to take a break within an environment where breaks are frowned upon by supervisors and coworkers, relative to an environment where breaks are allowed and encouraged. The results of a daily diary study of full-time employees (Study 2) provided general support for these predictions. Altogether, this research provides insights into the manner in which employees' psychological experiences and characteristics of the work environment combine to predict break-taking.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10869-022-09866-4.

Workplace sitting is associated with self-reported general health and back/neck pain: a cross-sectional analysis in 44,978 employees

Background

Total sitting time is associated with a higher risk for cardio metabolic disease and mortality, while breaks in prolonged sitting attenuate these effects. However, less is known about associations of different specific domains and breaks of sitting on general health, back/neck pain and if physical activity could influence these associations. The aim was to investigate how workplace sitting and frequency of breaking up workplace sitting is associated with self-reported general health and self-reported back/neck pain.

Methods

44,978 participants (42% women) from the Swedish working population, who participated in a nationwide occupational health service screening 2014–2019, were included in this cross-sectional study. Self-reported sitting duration and frequency of breaks from sitting at work, general health, back/neck pain, exercise, leisure time sitting, diet, smoking, stress and body mass index were assessed. Occupation was classified as requiring higher education qualifications or not. Logistic regression modelling was used to assess the association between workplace sitting/frequency of breaks in workplace sitting and poor general health and back/neck pain, respectively.

Results

Compared to sitting all the time at work, sitting ≤75% of the time showed significantly lower risks for poor general health (OR range 0.50–0.65), and sitting between 25 and 75% of the time showed significantly lower risks (OR 0.82–0.87) for often reported back/neck pain. For participants reporting sitting half of their working time or more, breaking up workplace sitting occasionally or more often showed significantly lower OR than seldom breaking up workplace sitting; OR ranged 0.40–0.50 for poor health and 0.74–0.81 for back/neck pain.

Conclusions

Sitting almost all the time at work and not taking breaks is associated with an increased risk for self-reported poor general health and back/neck pain. People sitting almost all their time at work are recommended to take breaks from prolonged sitting, exercise regularly and decrease their leisure time sitting to reduce the risk for poor health.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10893-8.

Higher number of steps and breaks during sedentary behaviour are associated with better lipid profiles

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is known to be associated with lipid profiles and the risk of both cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of objectively measured PA, sedentary behaviour (SB), amount of breaks during SB and number of daily steps with serum lipids in a healthy, Finnish, middle-aged, female population.

METHODS

The participants (571) were recruited at mammography screening, target group was women aged 50-60 years. A measurement of PA was done with accelerometer, blood lipid profile was assessed, and questionnaires of participants characteristics were sent to participants.

RESULTS

The participants with the highest number of daily breaks during SB (≥ 41) had the highest mean concentration of HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-c) (1.9 mmol/l, standard deviation (SD) 0.4) and the lowest mean concentration of triglycerides (1.0 mmol/l, SD 0.5). HDL-c level was 0.16 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) in the group with 28-40.9 breaks/day and 0.25 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among participants with ≥41 breaks/day than in the group with the fewest breaks during SB (< 28). Those with the most daily steps (≥ 9100) had the highest mean HDL-c level (1.9 mmol/l). HDL-c level was 0.16 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among the participants with 5600-9099 steps/day and 0.26 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among participants with ≥9100 steps/day than those with the fewest steps (< 5600). The number of daily steps was inversely associated with the triglyceride concentration. From wake-time, participants spent 60% in SB, 18% standing, 14% in light PA, and 9% in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). PA was associated with serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-c and triglyceride levels. The mean HDL-c level was the highest in the lowest quartile of SB and in the highest quartile of MVPA.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study showing a high number of objectively measured breaks during SB is associated with a favourable effect on the level of serum lipids, which may later translate into cardiovascular health among middle-aged women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered and approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of Tampere University Hospital in Finland (approval code R15137 ).

Associations of volumes and patterns of physical activity with metabolic health in children: A multivariate pattern analysis approach

Physical activity (PA) favorably affects metabolic health in children, but it is unclear how total volumes versus patterns (bouts and breaks) of PA relate to health. By means of multivariate pattern analysis that can handle collinear variables, we determined the associations of PA volumes and patterns with children's metabolic health using different epoch settings. A sample of 841 Norwegian children (age 10.2 ± 0.3 years) provided in 2014 data on accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X+), using epoch settings of 1, 10, and 60 s and several indices of metabolic health used to create a composite metabolic health score. We created 355 PA indices covering the whole intensity and bout duration spectrum, and used multivariate pattern analysis to analyze the data. Findings showed that bouts of PA added information about childhood health beyond total volumes of PA for all epoch settings. Yet, associations of PA patterns with metabolic health were completely dependent on the epoch settings used. Vigorous PA was strongly associated with metabolic health, while associations of light and moderate PA were weak to moderate, and associations of sedentary time with metabolic health was non-existing. Short intermittent bursts of PA were favorably associated with children's metabolic health, whereas associations of prolonged bouts were weak. This study is the first to determine the multivariate physical activity association pattern related to metabolic health in children across the whole PA intensity and bout duration spectrum. The findings challenge our understanding of PA patterns, and are of major importance for the analysis of accelerometry data.

Effects of physical activity and breaks on mathematics engagement in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical activity has a positive relationship with school engagement regardless of the presence or absence of a recess or lunch break before the classroom lesson.

DESIGN

Data were collected over three ten-week periods: January-April 2014 (Time 1), October-December 2014 (Time 2), and April-June 2015 (Time 3).

METHODS

A cohort of 2194 adolescents (mean age=13.40years, SD=.73) wore an accelerometer during the hour before a mathematics lesson and completed a questionnaire following the mathematics lesson to assess school engagement in that lesson.

RESULTS

Linear mixed models indicated that moderate-intensity activity before a mathematics lesson had a positive linear relationship with cognitive engagement (β=.40, p<.05). Recess breaks before a mathematics lesson had a negative relationship with overall, behavioural, emotional, and cognitive engagement (β=-.18, p<.01, β=-.19, p<.01, β=-.13, p=.03, and β=-.13, p=.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting moderate-intensity activity prior to mathematics lessons could improve students' cognitive engagement. Educators should be aware that students tend to demonstrate the lowest levels of school engagement after recess breaks.

Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) - Terminology Consensus Project process and outcome

BACKGROUND

The prominence of sedentary behavior research in health science has grown rapidly. With this growth there is increasing urgency for clear, common and accepted terminology and definitions. Such standardization is difficult to achieve, especially across multi-disciplinary researchers, practitioners, and industries. The Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) undertook a Terminology Consensus Project to address this need.

METHOD

First, a literature review was completed to identify key terms in sedentary behavior research. These key terms were then reviewed and modified by a Steering Committee formed by SBRN. Next, SBRN members were invited to contribute to this project and interested participants reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed list of terms and draft definitions through an online survey. Finally, a conceptual model and consensus definitions (including caveats and examples for all age groups and functional abilities) were finalized based on the feedback received from the 87 SBRN member participants who responded to the original invitation and survey.

RESULTS

Consensus definitions for the terms physical inactivity, stationary behavior, sedentary behavior, standing, screen time, non-screen-based sedentary time, sitting, reclining, lying, sedentary behavior pattern, as well as how the terms bouts, breaks, and interruptions should be used in this context are provided.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that the definitions resulting from this comprehensive, transparent, and broad-based participatory process will result in standardized terminology that is widely supported and adopted, thereby advancing future research, interventions, policies, and practices related to sedentary behaviors.

Sedentary patterns, physical activity and health-related physical fitness in youth: a cross-sectional study

Background

Strong evidence indicates that moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is positively associated with fitness in youth, independent of total sedentary-time. Sedentary-time appears negatively associated with fitness only when it replaces MVPA. However, whether different sedentary-patterns affect health-related fitness is unknown.

Methods

The associations between MVPA and sedentary-patterns with physical fitness were examined in 2698 youths (1262 boys) aged 13.4 ± 2.28 years. Sedentary-time (counts · minute⁻¹ < 100) and PA were objectively measured by accelerometry. Each break (≥100 counts · min⁻¹ < 2295) in sedentary-time and the frequency of daily bouts in non-prolonged (<30 min) and prolonged (≥30 min) sedentary-time were determined. The FITNESSGRAM® test battery was used to assess fitness. A standardized fitness composite-score (z-score) was calculated by summing the individual z-scores of the five tests adjusted to age and sex.

Results

Positive associations between MVPA and fitness were observed in both boys (β = 0.013, 95% CI: 0.005; 0.021) and girls (β = 0.014, 95% CI: 0.006; 0.022), independent of sedentary-patterns. Modest associations were found for the breaks in sedentary-time with fitness (β = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.009; 0.042), independent of total sedentary-time and MVPA in boys. In girls, non-prolonged sedentary bouts were positively associated with fitness (β = 0.014, 95% CI: 0.003; 0.024), independent of total sedentary-time and MVPA.

Conclusions

These results reinforce that, independent of the time and patterns of sedentary behavior, MVPA is consistently associated with fitness in youth. Modest and inconsistent associations were found for sedentary behaviors. Breaking-up sedentary-time in boys and non-prolonged sedentary bouts in girls were positively associated with fitness, independent of total sedentary-time and MVPA. In order to enhance youth’s fitness, public health recommendations should primarily target MVPA, still, suggestion to reduce and break-up sedentary-time may also be considered.

Intervention time series analysis of crime rates: The case of sentence reform in Virginia

We review the basic concepts of intervention analysis in the context of structural time series models and we apply this methodology to investigate the possible reduction in monthly crime rates reported from January 1984 up to and including December 2010 after Virginia abolished parole and reformed sentencing in January 1995. We find that the change in legislation has significantly reduced the burglary rates and to a lesser extent the murder rates in Virginia. The robustness of our results is investigated with an automatic detection of breaks procedure as well as with analyses of quarterly rather than monthly data.

Validation of thigh-based accelerometer estimates of postural allocation in 5-12 year-olds

OBJECTIVES

To validate activPAL3™ (AP3) for classifying postural allocation, estimating time spent in postures and examining the number of breaks in sedentary behaviour (SB) in 5-12 year-olds.

DESIGN

Laboratory-based validation study.

METHODS

Fifty-seven children completed 15 sedentary, light- and moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities. Direct observation (DO) was used as the criterion measure. The accuracy of AP3 was examined using a confusion matrix, equivalence testing, Bland-Altman procedures and a paired t-test for 5-8y and 9-12y.

RESULTS

Sensitivity of AP3 was 86.8%, 82.5% and 85.3% for sitting/lying, standing, and stepping, respectively, in 5-8y and 95.3%, 81.5% and 85.1%, respectively, in 9-12y. Time estimates of AP3 were equivalent to DO for sitting/lying in 9-12y and stepping in all ages, but not for sitting/lying in 5-12y and standing in all ages. Underestimation of sitting/lying time was smaller in 9-12y (1.4%, limits of agreement [LoA]: -13.8 to 11.1%) compared to 5-8y (12.6%, LoA: -39.8 to 14.7%). Underestimation for stepping time was small (5-8y: 6.5%, LoA: -18.3 to 5.3%; 9-12y: 7.6%, LoA: -16.8 to 1.6%). Considerable overestimation was found for standing (5-8y: 36.8%, LoA: -16.3 to 89.8%; 9-12y: 19.3%, LoA: -1.6 to 36.9%). SB breaks were significantly overestimated (5-8y: 53.2%, 9-12y: 28.3%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AP3 showed acceptable accuracy for classifying postures, however estimates of time spent standing were consistently overestimated and individual error was considerable. Estimates of sitting/lying were more accurate for 9-12y. Stepping time was accurately estimated for all ages. SB breaks were significantly overestimated, although the absolute difference was larger in 5-8y. Surveillance applications of AP3 would be acceptable, however, individual level applications might be less accurate.

[Flexible ureteroscope damages. Evaluation of university hospital service equipment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate predictors of flexible ureterorenoscopes breakage and damage of their optical beam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective survey, single center on 393 interventions with 4 flexible ureterorenoscopes between January 2009 and March 2013. We analyzed factors linked to patient, pathology and surgical technique.

RESULTS

We identified 21 major accidents, a breakage rate of 5.34% and 76 pixels losses in the maintenance of endoscopes and 10 during the procedure. The only statistically significant predictor of loss was the cumulative duration of operating time since the last repair (P=0.04, OR=1.001 [1-1001]). For lesions of the optical beam between the procedures, parameters appearing as significant were the ureterorenoscope model (P=0.01, OR=2.558, 95% CI [1229-5326]), the use of instruments by the working channel: the laser (P=0.02, OR=2.06, 95% CI [1109-3827]), or the use of endoluminal graspers (P=0.007, OR=0.467, 95% CI [0269-0809]). Intraoperatively, the number of open or laparoscopic surgery (P=0.007, OR=3.105, 95% CI [1364-7068]), duration of intervention (P=0.01, OR=1.023, 95% CI [1.006-1041]) and the cumulative duration of intervention (P=0.003, OR=1.001, 95% CI [1-1002]) appeared to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The only predictor of loss of equipment under repair was the cumulative duration of operation time. It has not been demonstrated any difference between ureterorenoscopes. It was during the endoscopes disinfection that the majority of optical beam lesions take place.