RecruitingACTRN12612000072819

The Stand@Work Pilot Study. A randomised controlled trial to see if using sit-stand workstations reduces sitting time in office workers

In office workers, does using a sit-stand workstation lead to reductions in sitting time?

Sponsor

Cluster for Physical Activity and Health, Prevention Research Collaboration

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Sep 1, 2011

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Prolonged sitting during work and outside of work

Summary

Sitting is recognised as a new risk factor for developing chronic illnesses that is independent of physical activity. Current knowledge is limited regarding effective strategies for reducing sitting in the workplace. This study will evaluate whether using sit-stand workstations in the office changes office workers’ sitting time at work and outside of work. Sit-stand workstations allow office staff to switch between sitting and standing while they are working at their desks. Participants (n=50) will trial the sit-stand workstations for 4 weeks and complete questionnaires about their sitting time before and during the trial. They will also wear activity monitors which will objectively measure their sitting time at each measurement time point. After the trial, participants will have a debrief session where they will give feedback about the sit-stand workstations.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This pilot study tests whether sit-stand workstations — desks that allow office workers to switch between sitting and standing — can reduce the total amount of time people spend sitting during the workday. Sitting for long periods is now recognised as an independent health risk, separate from whether you exercise. Office workers at the Heart Foundation in Sydney and Newcastle will trial these desks for 4 weeks and wear activity monitors to objectively measure how much they sit. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older - You work at the Heart Foundation's Sydney or Newcastle office - You work at least 3 days per week - You have sufficient English language skills to participate You may NOT be eligible if: - You work fewer than 3 days per week Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

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Interventions

The intervention involves giving office workers a sit-stand workstation to use for 4 weeks for all workdays each week (3 to 5 workdays per week depending on full-time or part-time employment status).

The intervention involves giving office workers a sit-stand workstation to use for 4 weeks for all workdays each week (3 to 5 workdays per week depending on full-time or part-time employment status). The sit-stand workstation allows office workers to vary their posture throughout the workday between sitting and standing. Prior to receiving the sit-stand workstation, participants will receive brief training on how to use the sit-stand workstations, including how to adjust workstation height and the correct ergonomic set ups while sitting or standing. Participants will complete a workday sitting and total sitting questionnaire at 4 weeks pre-intervention (baseline), 2 weeks pre-intervention (pre-intervention), and 2 weeks mid-intervention (intervention). At each measurement timepoint, participants will wear activity monitors for that week (7 days). After the intervention, each participant will attend one focus group faciliated by two members of the research team. Each focus group will involve 5 to 6 participants and will run for approximately 45 minutes. Participants will provide their views on a range of issues relate to their time using the sit-stand workstation (e.g., effects on productivity, physical discomfort, ease of use, enjoyable, feasibility in the office)

Locations(1)

Australia

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ACTRN12612000072819