Exploration of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications to address sedentary behaviors and perceived health and well-being among office workers

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Office workers spend significant time in sedentary behaviors. Exploration of interventions to address this concern is warranted.

OBJECTIVE:

This study explored the impact of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications on sedentary behaviors and perceived health and well-being among office workers.

METHODS:

A six-week, one-group, pre- and post-test design was utilized to assess sedentary behaviors and perceptions of health and well-being among office workers using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), actigraphy, and a workstation assessment.

RESULTS:

Statistically significant improvements were noted from pre- to post-test on the RAND SF-36 for energy/fatigue (p = 0.000) and emotional well-being (p = 0.049) and subjective sleep quality using the PSQI (p = 0.005). Participants (n = 17) could set up to two goals related to health and well-being. A majority of the 31 established goals were met: increase physical activity (n = 11/16), reduce sedentary behavior (n = 8/11), and improve personal health (n = 3/4).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications is effective for addressing perceived health and well-being among office workers. However, limited statistical significance was found regarding the impact of these interventions on sedentary behaviors or activity levels.