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Activity behaviors of university staff in the workplace: a pilot study

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 05:17 authored by Marie-Louise BirdMarie-Louise Bird, Shing, C, Casey MainsbridgeCasey Mainsbridge, Paul Cooley, Scott PedersenScott Pedersen
Sedentary behavior is related to metabolic syndrome and might have implications for the long term health of workers in a low activity environment. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine activity levels of adults working at a University during work hours. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between actual and perceived activity levels. Activity levels of university staff (n = 15, male = 7, age = 53 ± 7 years, BMI = 26.5 ± 2.5 kg·m2) were monitored over five consecutive workdays using Sensewear accelerometers, then participants completed a questionnaire of their perception of workplace sedentary time. Each participant spent 71.5 ± 13.1% (358 ± 78 min) of their workday being sedentary (< 1.5 METS), 15.6 ± 9.0% involved in light activity (1.5 to 3 METs), 11.7 ± 10.0% in moderate activity (3-5 METs), and 1.1 ± 1.3% in vigorous activity (> 5 METS) (p < 0.0001). The mean difference between actual (Sensewear < 1.5 METs) and perceived sitting time was -2 ± 32%, however, perceived sedentary time was reported with a range of under to over estimation of -75% to 51%. This pilot study identifies long periods of low metabolic activity during the workday and poor perception of individual sedentary time. Interventions to reduce sedentary time in the workplace may be necessary to ensure that the work environment does not adversely affect long-term health.

History

Publication title

Journal of Physical Activity & Health

Volume

12

Issue

8

Pagination

1128-1132

ISSN

1543-3080

Department/School

School of Health Sciences

Publisher

Human Kinetics, Inc.

Place of publication

United States

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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