Penn State Hershey Sitting and Health Study

Desk-Compatible Elliptical Device: Feasibility Evaluation

The purpose of this study is to: (a) evaluate if a desk-based elliptical device can help employees to increase their daily physical activity without compromising work productivity; and (b) evaluate the effects of different types of incentives for pedaling the desk-based elliptical device on employees' pedaling quantity over a one-month intervention period. The study will involve placing a compact elliptical device (provided at no cost by the research team) under employees' desk at Penn State Hershey Medical Center/College of Medicine. Data evaluating the effects of the elliptical device on work productivity will be obtained from both employees and the employees' supervisors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Full time employee, employed at least 35 hours per week at Penn State Hershey
• Able to provide documented approval from supervisor to participate
• Age 18-70 years
• Overweight or obese (BMI between 25-55)
• Sit at desk at least 5 hours per day
• Have regular working hours between 6 am and 6 pm on weekdays
• Ability to understand written and spoken English
• Own a smartphone (Android or iPhone) with Internet access
• Willing to download cycling app on smartphone during one month study period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not present in Penn State Hershey office during study period due to personal circumstances such as travel/extended vacation or leave, relocation, or health-related circumstances
• Advised to only do physical activity recommended by a physician
• Chest pain during physical activity or during prior month
• Currently has a desk-based pedaling device or treadmill workstation already installed at desk