Point-of-Choice Prompts to Reduce Prolonged Sitting Time at Work

Point-of-Choice Prompts to Reduce Prolonged Sitting Time at Work: A Randomised Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an on-screen prompt put on the work computer every 30 minutes is effective in getting office workers to reduce prolonged periods of sitting at work.

Prolonged bouts of uninterrupted time spent sitting is associated with indicators of poor health, independent of how physically active a person is. Many occupations are now sedentary, and are characterised by long periods spent sitting at a desk. Brief education on the benefits of standing regularly and breaking up prolonged sitting will be provided to participants, working at a Scottish University. One intervention group will additionally have software installed on their work computer which placed a prompt window in the centre of their screen for 1 minute every 30 minutes. The prompt will remind participants to stand-up and take a break, and the window cannot be removed or minimised.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Employee of Glasgow Caledonian University
• Aged between 18 and 65 years
• Self-reported desk-based occupation
• Informed written consent provided
• Ability to stand unassisted

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any musculoskeletal condition which limits ability to stand regularly