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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Study protocol

Reducing office workers’ sitting time: rationale and study design for the Stand Up Victoria cluster randomized trial

Authors: David W Dunstan, Glen Wiesner, Elizabeth G Eakin, Maike Neuhaus, Neville Owen, Anthony D LaMontagne, Marj Moodie, Elisabeth AH Winkler, Brianna S Fjeldsoe, Sheleigh Lawler, Genevieve N Healy

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Excessive time spent in sedentary behaviours (sitting or lying with low energy expenditure) is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Desk-based office workers typically accumulate high amounts of daily sitting time, often in prolonged unbroken bouts. The Stand Up Victoria study aims to determine whether a 3-month multi-component intervention in the office setting reduces workplace sitting, particularly prolonged, unbroken sitting time, and results in improvements in cardio-metabolic biomarkers and work-related outcomes, compared to usual practice.

Methods/Design

A two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT), with worksites as the unit of randomization, will be conducted in 16 worksites located in Victoria, Australia. Work units from one organisation (Department of Human Services, Australian Government) will be allocated to either the multi-component intervention (organisational, environmental [height-adjustable workstations], and individual behavioural strategies) or to a usual practice control group. The recruitment target is 160 participants (office-based workers aged 18–65 years and working at least 0.6 full time equivalent) per arm. At each assessment (0- [baseline], 3- [post intervention], and 12-months [follow-up]), objective measurement via the activPAL3 activity monitor will be used to assess workplace: sitting time (primary outcome); prolonged sitting time (sitting time accrued in bouts of ≥30 minutes); standing time; sit-to-stand transitions; and, moving time. Additional outcomes assessed will include: non-workplace activity; cardio-metabolic biomarkers and health indicators (including fasting glucose, lipids and insulin; anthropometric measures; blood pressure; and, musculoskeletal symptoms); and, work-related outcomes (presenteeism, absenteeism, productivity, work performance). Incremental cost-effectiveness and identification of both workplace and individual-level mediators and moderators of change will also be evaluated.

Discussion

Stand Up Victoria will be the first cluster-RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention aimed at reducing prolonged workplace sitting in office workers. Strengths include the objective measurement of activity and assessment of the intervention on markers of cardio-metabolic health. Health- and work-related benefits, as well as the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, will help to inform future occupational practice.

Trial registration

ACTRN12110007429​76
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Reducing office workers’ sitting time: rationale and study design for the Stand Up Victoria cluster randomized trial
Authors
David W Dunstan
Glen Wiesner
Elizabeth G Eakin
Maike Neuhaus
Neville Owen
Anthony D LaMontagne
Marj Moodie
Elisabeth AH Winkler
Brianna S Fjeldsoe
Sheleigh Lawler
Genevieve N Healy
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1057

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