Sedentary behaviour in the workplace: prevalence, health implications and interventions

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This paper reviews the prevalence and health risks of excess sedentary behaviour in office workers, and the effectiveness of sedentary workplace interventions in a manner accessible to practitioners. Sources of data A narrative review of empirical studies obtained from PubMed and Web of Science. Areas of agreement Office workers are highly sedentary, increasing their risk of health problems. Interventions using individual, organisational and environmental level strategies can be effective for reducing workplace sitting. Areas of controversy The effects of sedentary workplace interventions on health are inconsistent. This may be due to a lack of randomized controlled trials powered to detect changes in health outcomes. Growing points Multicomponent interventions that use a combination of the strategies above may be the most effective for reducing sitting. Areas timely for developing research Determining the long-term health and cost-effectiveness of sedentary workplace interventions is a priority to encourage employer buy-in for their implementation.