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Less Sitting Improved Job Performance and Mood
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Office workers who were encouraged to stand while they worked significantly decreased their sitting time and reported better psychological health and job performance, according to a study published in BMJ.
The 146 office-based hospital employees in England were randomly assigned to a Stand More AT (SMArT) Work intervention or to a control group. The SMArT participants received a height-adjustable workstation and a vibrating cushion that prompted them to avoid prolonged sitting. They received feedback on sitting and standing times and brief coaching every 3 months. Sitting time was measured with an accelerometer worn on the thigh.
At baseline, participants spent an average of 6 hours, or 72.6%, of their workday sitting. At 12 months, the intervention group sat 72 minutes less per workday on average than the control group. The intervention group also spent less time sitting for prolonged periods. There was no difference between groups in job satisfaction, cognitive function, or sick days.