Assessing the Effects Of Treadmill On LPA, Sitting Time, and Cardiovascular Risk

Assessing the Effects Of Treadmill On Light Physical Activity, Sitting Time, And Cardiovascular Risk

The purpose of this study is to:

1. Evaluate the relative efficacy of a treadmill desk intervention on light physical activity and sitting behaviors at work over four weeks;
2. Evaluate the relative efficacy of a treadmill desk intervention on the cardiovascular risk profiles (blood pressure, body weight, body fat percentage) over a four-week period.

American workers spend 70-80% of their time at work sitting at a desk, working on a computer, talking on a telephone, and sitting in meetings. Traditional approaches to increase MVPA in the workplace may not be sustainable as they require deliberate and dedicated time away from work, and may be perceived as harmful to productivity. Sedentary behavior interventions, in contrast, do not interfere with daily tasks and productivity and require small but cumulative changes in posture and LPA throughout the workday.

Sedentary behavior interventions in the worksite, including those conducted by our team, have shown promising effects. Studies that have used multi-level approaches targeting individual, social, and environmental factors have been most effective. The most robust environmental support has been the use of sit-stand workstations, providing distinct opportunities for workers to reduce sitting while maintaining productivity. However, treadmill desks may provide an even greater opportunity to both reduce sitting and increase LPA during the workday. Thus, a pilot study is required to test the efficacy of this approach to reduce sitting and increase LPA in the workplace.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the 11 week study period.
• Able to read and write in English.
• No current use of a sit/stand or treadmill desk.
• Work that is done in a predominately stationary position.
• Working at UMN West Bank Office Building at least 30 hours per week.
• Not currently meeting physical activity guidelines.
• No balance issues (i.e. healthy vestibular system)
• No contraindications to standing or walking
• Weight stable for the past 12 months.
• Taking no more than 3 prescription drugs, with stable dosage, over the past 12 months
• Answer of no to all Physical Activity Readiness-Questionnaire (PAR-Q) questions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant during the 14 week study period.
• Unable to read and write in English.
• Working less than 30 hours per week.
• Currently meeting physical activity guidelines.
• Non-sedentary job.
• Current use of treadmill desk
• Any reported balance problems
• Anyone with contraindications to standing or walking
• Weight fluctuations of more than +/- 10% of their body weight in the past year
• Individuals taking more than 4 prescription drugs and/or unstable dosage of medications over the past 12 months if taking 3 or less.
• Answer of yes to any PAR-Q questions