What Do Workers Do to Reduce Their Sitting Time? The Relationships of Strategy Use and Workplace Support With Desk-Based Workers' Behavior Changes in a Workplace-Delivered Sitting-Reduction and Activity-Promoting Intervention

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore workers' sitting-reduction and activity-promoting strategy use following an intervention targeting these changes, and whether strategy use and perceived workplace support impacted on 3-month sitting and activity outcomes. METHODS: This secondary analysis in desk-based workers (n?=?83) utilized data collected on questionnaire-derived strategy use and workplace support, and activPAL3-derived sitting (total; prolonged, =30?minutes) and activity (standing; stepping) at work. RESULTS: Fourteen strategies were commonly used during the intervention. Increased usage of some strategies were significantly (P?<?0.05) associated with beneficial changes in prolonged sitting or stepping only. Workplace support was significantly beneficially associated with changes in sitting, prolonged sitting, and stepping; these associations were largely independent of strategy use changes. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies were highly used, with increased use associated with some behavioral improvements. Workplace support appears essential for improving sitting and activity in the workplace.