Brief standing desk intervention to reduce sedentary behavior at a physical activity conference in 2016

Journal article (2018)

Authors

Wilson Queen's University Belfast
Adlakha Queen's University Belfast
Cunningham Queen's University Belfast
Best Queen's University Belfast
Cardwell Queen's University Belfast
Cardwell Queen's University Belfast
Stephenson Ulster University
Murphy Ulster University
Tully Queen's University Belfast
Affiliation
External organisation
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

Objectives. To examine the impact of environmental restructuring on attendees at a physical activity conference when provided with standing tables and given point-of-decision prompts (PODPs; e.g., health messages).

Methods. This randomized controlled trial took place at the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Europe 2016 conference in Belfast, United Kingdom, September 2016. We randomly allocated 14 oral sessions to either the intervention group (standing tables + PODPs; n = 7) or the control group (PODPs only; n = 7). Conference volunteers discreetly recorded the number of attendees standing and sitting and estimated the number of women and attendees aged 40 years or older.

Results. There was a significant difference (P = .04) in the proportion of attendees standing during the intervention (mean = 16.8%; SD = 9.5%) than during control sessions (mean = 6.0%; SD = 5.8%). There was no differential response between gender and age groups in the proportion standing during intervention sessions (P > .05).

Conclusions. Providing standing tables may be a feasible and effective strategy to reduce sitting at physical activity conferences.