Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2019 Nov 17;2019(11):CD012487.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012487.pub2.

Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers

Sharon P Parry  1 , Pieter Coenen  1   2 , Nipun Shrestha  3 , Peter B O'Sullivan  1 , Christopher G Maher  4 , Leon M Straker  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers

Sharon P Parry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among sedentary workers is high. Interventions that promote occupational standing or walking have been found to reduce occupational sedentary time, but it is unclear whether these interventions ameliorate musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers.

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of workplace interventions to increase standing or walking for decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers.

Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, OSH UPDATE, PEDro, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal up to January 2019. We also screened reference lists of primary studies and contacted experts to identify additional studies.

Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-randomised controlled trials (cluster-RCTs), quasi RCTs, and controlled before-and-after (CBA) studies of interventions to reduce or break up workplace sitting by encouraging standing or walking in the workplace among workers with musculoskeletal symptoms. The primary outcome was self-reported intensity or presence of musculoskeletal symptoms by body region and the impact of musculoskeletal symptoms such as pain-related disability. We considered work performance and productivity, sickness absenteeism, and adverse events such as venous disorders or perinatal complications as secondary outcomes.

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for study eligibility. These review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We contacted study authors to request additional data when required. We used GRADE considerations to assess the quality of evidence provided by studies that contributed to the meta-analyses.

Main results: We found ten studies including three RCTs, five cluster RCTs, and two CBA studies with a total of 955 participants, all from high-income countries. Interventions targeted changes to the physical work environment such as provision of sit-stand or treadmill workstations (four studies), an activity tracker (two studies) for use in individual approaches, and multi-component interventions (five studies). We did not find any studies that specifically targeted only the organisational level components. Two studies assessed pain-related disability. Physical work environment There was no significant difference in the intensity of low back symptoms (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.80 to 0.10; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence) nor in the intensity of upper back symptoms (SMD -0.48, 95% CI -.096 to 0.00; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence) in the short term (less than six months) for interventions using sit-stand workstations compared to no intervention. No studies examined discomfort outcomes at medium (six to less than 12 months) or long term (12 months and more). No significant reduction in pain-related disability was noted when a sit-stand workstation was used compared to when no intervention was provided in the medium term (mean difference (MD) -0.4, 95% CI -2.70 to 1.90; 1 RCT; low-quality evidence). Individual approach There was no significant difference in the intensity or presence of low back symptoms (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.87 to 0.77; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence), upper back symptoms (SMD -0.04, 95% CI -0.92 to 0.84; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence), neck symptoms (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.68 to 0.78; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence), shoulder symptoms (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.63 to 0.90; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence), or elbow/wrist and hand symptoms (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.63 to 0.90; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence) for interventions involving an activity tracker compared to an alternative intervention or no intervention in the short term. No studies provided outcomes at medium term, and only one study examined outcomes at long term. Organisational level No studies evaluated the effects of interventions solely targeted at the organisational level. Multi-component approach There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants reporting low back symptoms (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.27; 3 RCTs; low-quality evidence), neck symptoms (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.32; 3 RCTs; low-quality evidence), shoulder symptoms (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.12 to 5.80; 2 RCTs; very low-quality evidence), and upper back symptoms (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.32; 3 RCTs; low-quality evidence) for interventions using a multi-component approach compared to no intervention in the short term. Only one RCT examined outcomes at medium term and found no significant difference in low back symptoms (MD -0.40, 95% CI -1.95 to 1.15; 1 RCT; low-quality evidence), upper back symptoms (MD -0.70, 95% CI -2.12 to 0.72; low-quality evidence), and leg symptoms (MD -0.80, 95% CI -2.49 to 0.89; low-quality evidence). There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants reporting low back symptoms (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.40; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence), neck symptoms (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.08; two RCTs; low-quality evidence), and upper back symptoms (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.08 to 3.29; 2 RCTs; low-quality evidence) for interventions using a multi-component approach compared to no intervention in the long term. There was a statistically significant reduction in pain-related disability following a multi-component intervention compared to no intervention in the medium term (MD -8.80, 95% CI -17.46 to -0.14; 1 RCT; low-quality evidence).

Authors' conclusions: Currently available limited evidence does not show that interventions to increase standing or walking in the workplace reduced musculoskeletal symptoms among sedentary workers at short-, medium-, or long-term follow up. The quality of evidence is low or very low, largely due to study design and small sample sizes. Although the results of this review are not statistically significant, some interventions targeting the physical work environment are suggestive of an intervention effect. Therefore, in the future, larger cluster-RCTs recruiting participants with baseline musculoskeletal symptoms and long-term outcomes are needed to determine whether interventions to increase standing or walking can reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among sedentary workers and can be sustained over time.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Sharon Parry: none known.

Pieter Coenen: none known..

Peter O'Sullivan: none known.

Chris Maher: member of Editorial Board of the Cochrane Back and Neck Group.

Leon Straker: none known.

Nipun Shrestha: none known.

Figures

1
1
PRISMA study flow diagram.
2
2
Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
3
3
Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
4
4
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Sit‐stand desk versus no intervention, outcome: 1.1 Mean difference in low back pain follow‐up short‐term.
5
5
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Sit‐stand desk versus no intervention, outcome: 1.2 Mean difference in upper back pain follow‐up short‐term.
6
6
Forest plot of comparison: 4 Multi‐component intervention versus no intervention, outcome: 4.1 Proportion of participants with low back pain/discomfort follow‐up short‐term.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

Alkhajah 2012 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Alkhajah T, Reeves M, Eakin E, Winkler E, Owen N, Healy G. Sit‐stand workstations: a pilot intervention to reduce office sitting time. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2012;43:298‐303. - PubMed
Brakenridge 2016 {published data only}
    1. ACTRN12614000252617. Comparison of organisational support vs. organisational plus technology support for reducing prolonged sitting in office workers. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=365886 (accessed 7 August 2018).
    1. Brakenridge CL, Fjeldsoe BS, Young DC, Winkler EA, Dunstan DW, Straker LM. Organizational level strategies with or without an activity tracker to reduce office workers’ sitting time: rationale and study design of a pilot cluster randomized trial. JMIR Research Protocols 2016 2016;5(2):e73. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Brakenridge CL, Fjeldsoe BS, Young DC, Winkler EAH, Dunstan DW, Straker LM, et al. Evaluating the effectiveness of organisational‐level strategies with or without an activity tracker to reduce office workers' sitting time: a cluster‐randomised trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity 2016;13:1‐15. [DOI: 10.1186/s12966-016-0441-3] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Brakenridge Cl, Chong YY, Winkler EA, Hadgraft NT Fjeldsoe BS, Johnston V, et al. Evaluating short‐term musculoskeletal pain changes in desk‐based workers receiving a workplace sitting‐reduction intervention. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018;15:1975. - PMC - PubMed
Danquah 2017 {published data only}
    1. Danquah IH, Kloster S, Holtermann A, Aadahl M, Tolstrup JS. Effects on musculoskeletal pain from "Take a Stand!" ‐ a cluster‐randomized controlled trial reducing sitting time among office workers. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health 2017;43(4):350‐7. [DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3639] - DOI - PubMed
    1. NCT01996176. Take a Stand! ‐ an intervention to reduce occupational sitting time. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01996176 (accessed 7 August 2018).
Edwardson 2018 {published data only}
    1. Edwardson C, Yates T, Biddle S, Davies M, Dunstan D, Esliger D, et al. Effectiveness of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work intervention: cluster randomised controlled trial. British Medical Journal 2018;363:k3870. - PMC - PubMed
    1. ISRCTN10967042. SMArT Work: Stand More AT Work. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10967042 (accessed 19 February 2019).
Gibbs 2018 {published data only}
    1. Gibbs B, Hergenroeder AL, Perdomo SJ, Kowalsky R, Delitto A, Jakicic JM. Reducing sedentary behavior to decrease chronic low back pain: the Stand Back randomized trial. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2018;75(5):321‐7. - PMC - PubMed
    1. NCT02624687. Reducing sedentary behavior to decrease low back pain: Stand Back study (StandBack). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02624687 (accessed 7 August 2018).
Graves 2015 {published data only}
    1. Graves LEF, Murphy RC, Shepherd SO, Cabot J, Hopkins ND. Evaluation of sit‐stand workstations in an office setting: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2015;15(1):1145. [DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2469-8] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. NCT02496507. A mixed‐methods evaluation of sit‐stand workstations in an office setting. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02496507 (accessed 7 August 2018).
Healy 2013 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Healy GN, Eakin EG, Lamontagne AD, Owen N, Winkler EA, Wiesner G, et al. Reducing sitting time in office workers: short‐term efficacy of a multi component intervention. Preventive Medicine 2013;57:43‐8. - PubMed
Healy 2016 {published and unpublished data}
    1. ACTRN12611000742976. Stand Up Victoria: a trial to determine whether environmental modification and behavioural counselling can lead to reductions in workplace sitting time in office workers. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=1261... (accessed 19 February 2019).
    1. Dunstan DW, Wiesner G, Eakin EG, Neuhaus M, Owen N, LaMontagne AD, et al. Reducing office workers’ sitting time: rationale and study design for the Stand Up Victoria cluster randomised trial. BMC Public Health 2013;13:105. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Healy G, Eakin E, Owen N, Lamontagne A, Moodie M, Winkler E, et al. A cluster randomized controlled trial to reduce office workers' sitting time: effect on activity outcomes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2016;48(9):1787‐97. - PubMed
Ognibene 2016 {published data only}
    1. NCT02146482. Access to a sit‐stand computer workstation and back pain. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02146482 (accessed 7 August 2018).
    1. Ognibene GT, Torres W, Eyben R, Horst KC. Impact of a sit‐stand workstation on chronic low back pain: results of a randomized trial. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2016;58(3):287‐93. - PubMed
Parry 2015 {published data only}
    1. ACTRN12612000743864. Can a participatory workplace intervention improve sedentary behaviour and physical activity in office workers?. http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12612000743864.aspx (accessed 7 August 2018).
    1. Parry S, Straker L, Gilson N, Smith A. Can participatory workplace interventions that aim to reduce sedentary time modify musculoskeletal symptoms of office workers?. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) 2015;101:eS1178‐9.
    1. Parry S, Straker L, Gilson ND, Smith AJ. Participatory workplace interventions can reduce sedentary time for office workers ‐ a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2013;8(11):e78957. - PMC - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Aghilinejad 2014 {published data only}
    1. Aghilinejad M, Bahrami‐Ahmadi A, Kabir‐Mokamelkhah E, Sarebanha S, Hosseini HR, Sadeghi Z. The effect of three ergonomics training programs on the prevalence of low‐back pain among workers of an Iranian automobile factory: a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2014;5(2):65‐71. - PMC - PubMed
Andersen 2010 {published data only}
    1. Andersen LL, Christensen KB, Holtermann A, Poulsen OM, Sjogaard G, Pedersen MT, et al. Effect of physical exercise interventions on musculoskeletal pain in all body regions among office workers: a one‐year randomized controlled trial. Manual Therapy 2010;15(1):100‐4. - PubMed
Baker 2013 {published data only}
    1. Baker NA, Moehling K. The relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms, postures and the fit between workers' anthropometrics and their computer workstation configuration. Work (Reading, Mass.) 2013;46(1):3‐10. - PubMed
Bergman 2018 {published data only}
    1. Bergman F, Wahlstrom V, Stomby A, Otten J, Lanthen E, Renklint R, et al. Treadmill workstations in office workers who are overweight or obese: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Public Health 2018;3(11):e523‐35. - PubMed
Bernaards 2006 {published data only}
    1. Bernaards CM, Ariens GA, Hildebrandt VH. The (cost‐)effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in addition to a work style intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2006;7:80. - PMC - PubMed
Bernaards 2008 {published data only}
    1. Bernaards CM, Ariens GA, Simons M, Knol DL, Hildebrandt VH. Improving work style behavior in computer workers with neck and upper limb symptoms. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2008;18(1):87‐101. - PubMed
Bernaards 2011 {published data only}
    1. Bernaards CM, Bosmans JE, Hildebrandt VH, Tulder MW, Heymans MW. The cost‐effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in addition to a work style intervention on recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms and pain reduction in computer workers [with consumer summary]. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;68(4):265‐72. - PubMed
Blangsted 2008 {published data only}
    1. Blangsted AK, Søgaard K, Hansen EA, Hannerz H, Sjøgaard G. One‐year randomized controlled trial with different physical‐activity programs to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck and shoulders among office workers. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2008;34(1):55‐65. - PubMed
Blasche 2013 {published data only}
    1. Blasche G, Pfeffer M, Thaler H, Gollner E. Work‐site health promotion of frequent computer users: comparing selected interventions. Work (Reading, Mass.) 2013;46(3):233‐41. - PubMed
Brendbekken 2016 {published data only}
    1. Brendbekken R, Harris A, Ursin H, Eriksen H, Tangen T. Multidisciplinary intervention in patients with musculoskeletal pain: a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2016;23(1):1‐11. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-015-9486-y] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Carr 2013 {published data only}
    1. Carr LJ, Dunsiger SI, Lewis B, Ciccolo JT, Hartman S, Bock B, et al. Randomized controlled trial testing an internet physical activity intervention for sedentary adults. Health Psychology 2013;32(3):328‐36. - PMC - PubMed
Carr 2016 {published data only}
    1. Carr LJ, Leonhard C, Tucker S, Fethke N, Benzo R, Gerr F. Total worker health intervention increases activity of sedentary workers. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2016;50(1):9‐17. - PubMed
Castagnoli 2015 {published data only}
    1. Castagnoli C, Cecchi F, Canto A, Paperini A, Boni R, Pasquini G, et al. Effects in short and long term of global postural reeducation (GPR) on chronic low back pain: a controlled study with one‐year follow‐up. Scientific World Journal 2015;2015 (no pagination)(271436):na. - PMC - PubMed
Chung 2009 {published data only}
    1. Chung M, Melnyk P, Blue D, Renaud D, Breton M. Worksite health promotion: the value of the Tune Up Your Heart program. Population Health Management 2009;12(6):297‐304. [DOI: 10.1089/pop.2008.0044] - DOI - PubMed
Cristancho 2012 {published data only}
    1. Cristancho MY. Participatory ergonomics among female cashiers from a department store. Work 2012;41(Suppl 1):2499‐505. - PubMed
Curwin 2013 {published data only}
    1. Curwin S, Allt J, Szpilfogel C, Makrides L. The Healthy LifeWorks project: the effect of a comprehensive workplace wellness program on the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders in a Canadian government department. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2013;55(6):628‐33. - PubMed
Dahl 2001 {published data only}
    1. Dahl JC, Nilsson A. Evaluation of a randomized preventive behavioural medicine work site intervention for public health workers at risk for developing chronic pain. European Journal of Pain 2001;5(4):421‐32. - PubMed
delPozo Cruz 2012 {published data only}
    1. Pozo‐Cruz B, Parraca JA, Pozo‐Cruz J, Adsuar JC, Hill JC, Gusi N. An occupational, internet‐based intervention to prevent chronicity in subacute lower back pain: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2012;44(7):581‐7. - PubMed
delPozo Cruz 2013 {published data only}
    1. Pozo‐Cruz B, Gusi N, Pozo‐Cruz J, Adsuar JC, Hernandez‐Mocholi M, Parraca JA. Clinical effects of a nine‐month web‐based intervention in subacute non‐specific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation 2013;27(1):28‐39. - PubMed
Denis 2012 {published data only}
    1. Denis A, Zelmar A, Pogam MA, Chaleat‐Valayer E, Bergeret A, Colin C. The PRESLO study: evaluation of a global secondary low back pain prevention program for health care personnel in a hospital setting. Multicenter, randomized intervention trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2012;13(234):na. - PMC - PubMed
Doda 2015 {published data only}
    1. Doda D, Rothmore P, Pisaniello D, Briggs N, Stewart S, Mahmood M, et al. Relative benefit of a Stage of Change approach for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort: a cluster randomised trial. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2015;72(11):784‐91. - PubMed
Driessen 2011 {published data only}
    1. Driessen MT, Proper KI, Anema JR, Knol DL, Bongers PM, Beek AJ. Participatory ergonomics to reduce exposure to psychosocial and physical risk factors for low back pain and neck pain: results of a cluster randomised controlled trial. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;68(9):674‐81. - PubMed
Dugan 2006 {published data only}
    1. Dugan SA. The role of exercise in the prevention and management of acute low back pain. Clinics in Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;5(3):615‐32. - PubMed
Ebara 2008 {published data only}
    1. Ebara T, Kubo T, Inoue T, Murasaki GI, Takeyama H, Sato T, et al. Effects of adjustable sit‐stand VDT workstations on workers' musculoskeletal discomfort, alertness and performance. Industrial Health 2008;46(5):497‐505. - PubMed
Engelen 2014 {published data only}
    1. Engelen L, Chau J, Dhillon H, Hespe D, Bauman A. Does moving to a new health promoting building change behaviour and workplace perceptions? A pilot study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2014;18:e124.
Esmaeilzadeh 2014 {published data only}
    1. Esmaeilzadeh S, Ozcan E, Capan N. Effects of ergonomic intervention on work‐related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among computer workers: a randomized controlled trial. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 2014;87(1):73‐83. - PubMed
Estabrooks 2011 {published data only}
    1. Estabrooks PA, Smith‐Ray RL, Almeida FA, Hill J, Gonzales M, Schreiner P, et al. Move More: translating an efficacious group dynamics physical activity intervention into effective clinical practice. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 2011;9(1):4‐18.
Fazioli 2004 {published data only}
    1. Fazioli R, Galli L, Antoniazzi E, Cirla AM. Value of ergomotricity in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in sedentary workers. [Italian]. Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia 2004;26(4 Suppl):225‐6.
Fewster 2017 {published data only}
    1. Fewster KM, Gallagher KM, Callaghan JP. The effect of standing interventions on acute low‐back postures and muscle activation patterns. Applied Ergonomics 2017;58:281‐6. - PubMed
Gao 2016 {published data only}
    1. Gao Y, Nevala N, Cronin NJ, Finni T. Effects of environmental intervention on sedentary time, musculoskeletal comfort and work ability in office workers. European Journal of Sport Science 2016;16(6):747‐54. - PubMed
Gerr 2005 {published data only}
    1. Gerr F, Marcus M, Monteilh C, Hannan L, Ortiz D, Kleinbaum D. A randomised controlled trial of postural interventions for prevention of musculoskeletal symptoms among computer users. Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2005;62(7):478‐87. - PMC - PubMed
Grunseit 2012 {published data only}
    1. Grunseit A, Chau J, Ploeg H, Bauman A. Thinking on your feet: a qualitative evaluation of an installation of sit‐stand desks in a medium‐sized workplace. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2012;15:S195‐6.
Hillsdon 2002 {published data only}
    1. Hillsdon M, Thorogood M, White I, Foster C. Advising people to take more exercise is ineffective: a randomized controlled trial of physical activity promotion in primary care [with consumer summary]. International Journal of Epidemiology 2002;31(4):808‐15. - PubMed
Husemann 2009 {published data only}
    1. Husemann B, Mach CY, Borsotto D, Zepf KI, Scharnbacher J. Comparisons of musculoskeletal complaints and data entry between a sitting and a sit‐stand workstation paradigm. Human Factors 2009;51(3):310‐20. - PubMed
Irmak 2012 {published data only}
    1. Irmak A, Bumin G, Irmak R. The effects of exercise reminder software program on office workers' perceived pain level, work performance and quality of life. Work 2012;41:5692‐5. - PubMed
Jay 2014 {published data only}
    1. Jay K, Brandt M, Sundstrup E, Schraefel M, Jakobsen MD, Sjogaard G, et al. Effect of individually tailored biopsychosocial workplace interventions on chronic musculoskeletal pain, stress and work ability among laboratory technicians: randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2014;15:444. - PMC - PubMed
Jay 2015 {published data only}
    1. Jay K, Brandt M, Hansen K, Sundstrup E, Jakobsen MD, Schraefel MC, et al. Effect of individually tailored biopsychosocial workplace interventions on chronic musculoskeletal pain and stress among laboratory technicians: randomized controlled trial. Pain Physician 2015;18(5):459‐71. - PubMed
Jay 2016 {published data only}
    1. Jay K, Brandt M, Jakobsen MD, Sundstrup E, Berthelsen KG, Schraefel M, et al. Ten weeks of physical‐cognitive‐mindfulness training reduces fear‐avoidance beliefs about work‐related activity: randomized controlled trial. Medicine 2016;95(34):na. - PMC - PubMed
Kilpikoski 2009 {published data only}
    1. Kilpikoski S, Alen M, Paatelma M, Simonen R, Heinonen A, Videman T. Outcome comparison among working adults with centralizing low back pain: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial with 1‐year follow‐up. Advances in Physiotherapy 2009;11(4):210‐7.
Kline 2017 {published data only}
    1. Kline CE, Perdomo SJ, Hergenroeder AL, Barone Gibbs B. The effect of reducing sedentary behavior on sleep quality among adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled pilot study. Sleep 2017;40:A387‐8.
Levanon 2012 {published data only}
    1. Levanon Y, Gefen A, Lerman Y, Givon U, Ratzon NZ. Multi dimensional system for evaluating preventive program for upper extremity disorders among computer operators. Work 2012;41(Suppl 1):669‐75. - PubMed
Levanon 2012a {published data only}
    1. Levanon Y, Gefen A, Lerman Y, Givon U, Ratzon NZ. Reducing musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators: comparison between ergonomics interventions at the workplace. Ergonomics 2012;55(12):1571‐85. - PubMed
Loisel 1997 {published data only}
    1. Loisel P, Abenhaim L, Durand P, Esdaile JM, Suissa S, Gosselin L, et al. A population‐based, randomized clinical trial on back pain management. Spine 1997;22(24):2911‐8. - PubMed
Mackey 2011 {published data only}
    1. Mackey M, Bohle P, Taylor P, Biase T, McLoughlin C, Purnell K. 'Walking to wellness' in an ageing sedentary university community ‐ a randomised controlled feasibility study. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) 2011;97:eS733‐4.
McDonough 2011 {published data only}
    1. McDonough S, Tully MA, O'Connor S, Boyd A, Kerr D, O'Neill S, et al. A pedometer‐based walking programme for people with chronic low back pain: experience from the BACK 2 activity trial. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) 2011;97:eS782.
Mills 2011 {published data only}
    1. Mills R, Tully MA, Daly L, Mechelen W, Boreham C, McDonough S, et al. Adherence with an eight week individualised walking programme for people with chronic low back pain: report from the Swift trial. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) 2011;97:eS812.
Pedersen 2009 {published data only}
    1. Pedersen MT, Blangsted AK, Andersen LL, Jorgensen MB, Hansen EA, Sjogaard G. The effect of worksite physical activity intervention on physical capacity, health, and productivity: a 1‐year randomized controlled trial. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2009;51(7):759‐70. - PubMed
Phattharasupharerk 2018 {published data only}
    1. Phattharasupharerk S, Purepong N, Eksakulkla S, Siriphorn A. Effects of Qigong practice in office workers with chronic non‐specific low back pain: a randomized control trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2018;23(2):375‐381. - PubMed
Pozo Cruz 2012 {published data only}
    1. Pozo‐Cruz BD, Adsuar JC, Parraca J, Pozo‐Cruz JD, Moreno A, Gusi N. A web‐based intervention to improve and prevent low back pain among office workers: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 2012;42(10):831‐41. - PubMed
Robertson 2008 {published data only}
    1. Robertson MM, Huang YH, O'Neill MJ, Schleifer LM. Flexible workspace design and ergonomics training: impacts on the psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, and work effectiveness among knowledge workers. Applied Ergonomics 2008;39(4):482‐94. - PubMed
Robertson 2013 {published data only}
    1. Robertson MM, Ciriello VM, Garabet AM. Office ergonomics training and a sit‐stand workstation: effects on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and performance of office workers. Applied Ergonomics 2013;44(1):73‐85. - PubMed
Robertson 2017 {published data only}
    1. Robertson MM, Huang YH, Lee J. Improvements in musculoskeletal health and computing behaviors: effects of a macroergonomics office workplace and training intervention. Applied Ergonomics 2017;62:182‐96. - PubMed
Roemmich 2014 {published data only}
    1. Roemmich J. Effect of height adjustable desks on standing time, discomfort, and productivity of office workers with sedentary occupations. FASEB Journal. Conference: Experimental Biology 2014;28(1):na.
Shnayderman 2013 {published data only}
    1. Shnayderman I, Katz‐Leurer M. An aerobic walking programme versus muscle strengthening programme for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation 2013;27(3):207‐14. [DOI: 10.1177/0269215512453353] - DOI - PubMed
Sihawong 2014 {published data only}
    1. Sihawong R, Janwantanakul P, Jiamjarasrangsi W. A prospective, cluster‐randomized controlled trial of exercise program to prevent low back pain in office workers. European Spine Journal 2014;23(4):786‐93. - PMC - PubMed
Sjogaard 2012 {published data only}
    1. Sjogaard G. Evidence of worksite physical exercise training to promote health in jobs ranging from low to high occupational physical demands. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2012;15:S194‐5.
Spekle 2010 {published data only}
    1. Spekle EM, Hoozemans MJ, Blatter BM, Heinrich J, Beek AJ, Knol DL, et al. Effectiveness of a questionnaire based intervention programme on the prevalence of arm, shoulder and neck symptoms, risk factors and sick leave in computer workers: a cluster randomised controlled trial in an occupational setting. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2010;11:99. - PMC - PubMed
Suni 2017 {published data only}
    1. Suni JH, Rinne M, Tokola K, Manttari A, Vasankari T. Effectiveness of a standardised exercise programme for recurrent neck and low back pain: a multicentre, randomised, two‐arm, parallel group trial across 34 fitness clubs in Finland [with consumer summary]. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2017;3(1):e000233. - PMC - PubMed
Szeto 2015 {published data only}
    1. Szeto G, Hung LK, So B, Tsang S. Integrating ergonomics intervention and motor control training: an innovative approach in managing work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom) 2015;101:eS1465‐6.
Thorp 2014 {published data only}
    1. Thorp AA, Kingwell BA, Owen N, Dunstan DW. Breaking up workplace sitting time with intermittent standing bouts improves fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in overweight/obese office workers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2014;71(11):765‐71. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102348] - DOI - PubMed
Tronarp 2018 {published data only}
    1. Tronarp R, Nyberg A, Hedlund M, Häger CK, McDonough S, Björklund M. Office‐cycling: a promising way to raise pain thresholds and increase metabolism with minimal compromising of work performance. BioMed Research International 2018;2018:1‐12. [DOI: 10.1155/2018/5427201] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
vanSluijs 2005 {published data only}
    1. Sluijs EMF, Poppel MNM, Twisk JWR, Brug J, Mechelen W. The positive effect on determinants of physical activity of a tailored, general practice‐based physical activity intervention. Health Education Research 2005;20(3):345‐56. - PubMed
Wang 2014 {published data only}
    1. Wang S, Jiang C, Chern J. Promoting healthy computer use: timing‐informed computer health animations for prolonged sitting computer users. Behaviour & Information Technology 2014;33(3):294‐300. [DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2012.695394] - DOI
Wollesen 2017 {published data only}
    1. Wollesen B, Menzel J, Drogemuller R, Hartwig C, Mattes K. The effects of a workplace health promotion program in small and middle‐sized companies: a pre‐post analysis. Journal of Public Health (Germany) 2017;25(1):37‐47.

References to studies awaiting assessment

Neuhaus 2014 {published data only}
    1. ACTRN12612001246875. Reducing sitting time in office workers: comparison of a multifaceted workplace approach vs. installation of height‐adjustable desks only using a three‐armed controlled trial. http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12612001246875.aspx (accessed 7 August 2014) 2012.
    1. Neuhaus M, Healy GN, Dunstan DW, Owen N, Eakin EG. Workplace sitting and height‐adjustable workstations:a randomised controlled trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2014;46(1):30‐40. - PubMed

References to ongoing studies

NCT02376504 {published data only}
    1. NCT02376504. Modifying the workplace to decrease sedentary behavior and improve health. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02376504 (accessed 7 August 2018).
NCT03556670 {published data only}
    1. NCT03556670. Active Workplace Study. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03556670 (accessed 7 August 2018).

Additional references

Agarwal, 2018
    1. Agarwal, S, Steinmaus, C, Harris‐Adamson, C. Sit‐stand workstations and impact on low back discomfort: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Ergonomics 2018;61(4):538‐52. - PubMed
Al‐Eisa 2006
    1. Al‐Eisa E, Egan D, Deluzio K, Wassersug R. Effects of pelvic asymmetry and low back pain on trunk kinematics during sitting: a comparison with standing. Spine 2006;31:135‐43. - PubMed
Andersen 2007
    1. Andersen JH, Haahr JP, Frost P. Risk factors for more severe regional musculoskeletal symptoms: a two‐year prospective study of a general working population. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2007;56:1355‐64. - PubMed
Bakker 2009
    1. Bakker EW, Verhagen AP, Trijffel E, Lucas C, Koes BW. Spinal mechanical load as a risk factor for low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies. Spine 2009;34:E281‐93. - PubMed
Balasubramanian 2009
    1. Balasubramanian V, Adalarasu K, Regulapati R. Comparing dynamic and stationary standing postures in an assembly task. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 2009;39:649‐54.
Bevan 2015
    1. Bevan S. Economic impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on work in Europe. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology 2015;29(3):356‐73. - PubMed
Bond 1966
    1. Bond MR, Pilowsky I. Subjective assessment of pain and its relationship to the administration of analgesics in patients with advanced cancer. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 1966;10(2):203‐8. - PubMed
Borodulin 2007
    1. Borodulin K, Laatikainen T, Juolevi A, Jousilahti P. Thirty‐year trends of physical activity in relation to age, calendar time and birth cohort in Finnish adults. European Journal of Public Health 2007;18:339‐44. - PubMed
Brownson 2005
    1. Brownson RC, Boehmer TK, Luke DA. Declining rates of physical activity in the United States. Annual Review of Public Health 2005;26:421‐43. - PubMed
Buchbinder 2013
    1. Buchbinder R, Blyth F, March L, Brooks P, Woolf A, Hoy D. Placing the global burden of low back pain in context. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology 2013;27:575‐89. - PubMed
Campbell 2001
    1. Campbell MK, Mollison J, Grimshaw JM. Cluster trials in implementation research: estimation of intracluster correlation coefficients and sample size. Statistics in Medicine 2001;20(3):391‐9. - PubMed
Carson 2014
    1. Carson V, Wong SL, Winkler E, Healy GN, Colley RC, Tremblay MS. Patterns of sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk among Canadian adults. Preventive Medicine 2014;65C:23‐7. - PubMed
CDC 2013
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) Interventions. www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health‐strategies/musculoskeletal‐d... (accessed 16 September 2016).
Chau 2014
    1. Chau J, Grunseit A, Midthjell K, Holmen J, Holmen T, Bauman AE, et al. Cross‐sectional associations of total sitting and leisure screen time with cardiometabolic risk in adults. Results from the HUNT Study, Norway. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2014;17(1):78‐84. - PubMed
Chen 2009
    1. Chen SM, Liu MF, Cook J, Bass S, Lo SK. Sedentary lifestyle as a risk factor for low back pain: a systematic review. International Archives of Occupational & Environmental Health 2009;82:797‐806. - PubMed
Chester 2002
    1. Chester MR, Rys MJ, Konz SA. Leg swelling, comfort and fatigue when sitting, standing, and sit/standing. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 2002;29:289‐96.
Chiu 2002
    1. Chiu T, Ku W, Lee M, Sum W, Wan M, Wong C, et al. A study on the prevalence of and risk factors for neck pain among University academic staff in Hong Kong. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2002;12:77‐91. - PubMed
Cho 2012
    1. Cho C, Hwang Y, Cherng R. Musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among office workers with high workload computer use. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2012;35:534‐40. - PubMed
Church 2011
    1. Church T, Thomas D, Tudor‐Locke C, Katzmarzyk PT, Earnest CP, Rodarte R, et al. Trends over 5 decades in U.S. occupation‐related physical activity and their associations with obesity. PLoS ONE 2011;6(5):e19657. - PMC - PubMed
Coenen 2017
    1. Coenen P, Parry S, Willenberg L, Shi JW, Romero L, Blackwood DM, et al. Associations of prolonged standing with musculoskeletal symptoms ‐ a systematic review of laboratory studies. Gait and Posture 2017;58:310‐8. - PubMed
Coenen 2018
    1. Coenen P, Healy G, Winkler E, Dunstan D, Owen N, Moodie M, et al. Associations of office workers’ objectively assessed occupational sitting, standing and stepping time with musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomics 2018;61(9):1187‐95. - PubMed
Coenen 2019
    1. Coenen P, Molen HF, Burdorf A, Huysmans MA, Straker L, Frings‐Dresen MH, et al. Associations of screen work with neck and upper extremity symptoms: a systematic review with meta‐analysis. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2019;76(7):502‐509. - PubMed
Commissaris 2016
    1. Commissaris DA, Huysmans MA, Mathiassen SE, Srinivasan D, Koppes LLJ, Hendriksen IJ. Interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity during productive work: a systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2016;42(3):181‐91. - PubMed
Curran 2015
    1. Curran M, O'Sullivan L, O'Sullivan P, Dankaerts W, O'Sullivan K. Does using a chair backrest or reducing seated hip flexion influence trunk muscle activity and discomfort? A systematic review. Human Factors 2015;57:1115‐48. - PubMed
da Costa 2010
    1. Costa BR, Vieira ER. Risk factors for work‐related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of recent longitudinal studies. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2010;53:285‐323. - PubMed
de Zwart 2002
    1. Zwart BCH, Frings‐Dresen MHW, Duivenbooden JC. Test–retest reliability of the Work Ability Index questionnaire. Occupational Medicine 2002;52(4):177‐81. - PubMed
Downs 1998
    1. Downs S, Black N. The feasibility of creating a checklist for the assessment of the methodological quality both of randomised and non‐randomised studies of health care interventions. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 1998;52:377‐84. - PMC - PubMed
Dunstan 2012
    1. Dunstan D, Howard B, Healy GN, Owen N. Too much sitting ‐ a health hazard. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 2012;97(3):368‐76. - PubMed
Engels 1996
    1. Engels JA, Gulden JW, Senden TF, Van't Hof B. Work related risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints in the nursing profession: results of a questionnaire survey. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;53:636‐41. - PMC - PubMed
Freak‐Poli 2013
    1. Freak‐Poli RLA, Cumpston M, Peeters A, Clemes SA. Workplace pedometer interventions for increasing physical activity. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009209.pub2] - DOI - PubMed
GBDSC 2015
    1. Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet 2015;386:743‐800. - PMC - PubMed
Gregory 2008
    1. Gregory DE, Callaghan JP. Prolonged standing as a precursor for the development of low back discomfort: an investigation of possible mechanisms. Gait & Posture 2008;28:86‐92. - PubMed
Hannan 2005
    1. Hannan L, Monteilh C, Gerr F, Kleinbaum D, Marcus M. Job strain and risk of musculoskeletal symptoms among a prospective cohort of occupational computer users. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2005;31:375‐86. - PubMed
Harcombe 2009
    1. Harcombe H, McBride D. Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 2009;33:437‐41. - PubMed
Harland 2015
    1. Harland NJ, Dawkin MJ, Martin D. Relative utility of a visual analogue scale vs. a six‐point Likert scale in the measurement of global subject outcome in patients with low back pain receiving physiotherapy. Physiotherapy 2015;101(1):50‐4. - PubMed
Healy 2012
    1. Healy GN, Lawler S, Thorp A, Neuhaus M, Robson E, Owen N, et al. Reducing Prolonged Sitting in the Workplace (An Evidence Review: Full Report). Melbourne, Australia: VIctorian Health Promotion Foundation, 2012.
Healy 2017
    1. Healy G, Winkler E, Eakin E, Owen N, Lamontagne A, Mooie M, et al. A cluster RCT to reduce workers' sitting time: impact on cardiometabolic biomarkers. Medice and Science in Sports and Exercise 2017;49(10):2032‐9. - PubMed
Higgins 2011
    1. Higgins JP, Green S, editor(s). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from handbook.cochrane.org.
Hooftman 2004
    1. Hooftman WE, Poppel MNM, Beek AJ, Bongers PM, Mechelen W. Gender differences in the relations between work‐related physical and psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2004;30(4):261‐78. - PubMed
Hoy 2012
    1. Hoy D, Bain C, Williams G, March L, Brooks P, Blyth F, et al. A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2012;64(6):2028‐37. - PubMed
Hush 2009
    1. Hush J, Michaleff Z, Maher C, Refshauge K. Individual, physical and psychological risk factors for neck pain in Australian office workers: a 1‐year longitudinal study. European Spine Journal 2009;18:1535‐40. - PMC - PubMed
Huysmans 2012
    1. Huysmans M, Ijmker S, Blatter BM, Knol DL, Mechelen W, Bongers PM, et al. The relative contribution of work exposure, leisure time exposure, and individual characteristics in the onset of arm‐wrist‐hand and neck‐shoulder symptoms among office workers. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 2012;85(6):651‐66. - PubMed
Ijaz 2014
    1. Ijaz S, Verbeek JH, Mischke C, Ruotsalainen J. Inclusion of nonrandomized studies in Cochrane systematic reviews was found to be in need of improvement. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2014;67(6):645‐53. - PubMed
Janwantanakul 2008
    1. Janwantanakul P, Pensri P, Jiamjarasrangsri V, Sinsongsook T. Prevalence of self‐reported musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers. Occupational Medicine 2008;58:436‐8. - PubMed
Jensen 2003
    1. Jensen C. Development of neck and hand‐wrist symptoms in relation to duration of computer use at work. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 2003;29:197‐205. - PubMed
Juneau 2010
    1. Juneau C, Potvin L. Trends in leisure‐, transport‐, and work‐related physical activity in Canada 1994‐2005. Preventive Medicine 2010;51:384‐6. - PubMed
Karakolis 2014
    1. Karakolis T, Callaghan JP. The impact of sit‐stand office workstations on worker discomfort and productivity: a review. Applied Ergonomics 2014;45:799‐806. - PubMed
Karol 2015
    1. Karol, S, Robertson, M. Implications of sit‐stand and active workstations to counteract the adverse effects of sedentary work: a comprehensive review. Work 2015;52:255‐67. - PubMed
Kiss 2012
    1. Kiss P, Meester M, Kruse A, Chavee B, Braeckman L. Neck and shoulder complaints in computer workers and associated easy to assess occupational factors ‐ a large‐scale cross‐sectional multivariate study. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 2012;85:197‐206. - PubMed
Kohl 2012
    1. Kohl HW 3rd, Craig CL, Lambert EV, Inoue S, Alkandari JR, Leetongin G, et al. The pandemic of physical inactivity: global action for public health. Lancet 2012;380(9838):294‐305. - PubMed
Kovacs 2005
    1. Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Zamora J, Fernandez C. The transition from acute to subacute and chronic low back pain: a study based on determinants of quality of life and prediction of chronic disability. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2005;30(15):1786‐92. - PubMed
Kuorinka 1987
    1. Kuorinka I, Jonsson B, Kilbom A, Vinterberg H, Biering‐Sorensen F, Andersson G, et al. Standardised Nordic Questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Applied Ergonomics 1987;18(3):233‐7. - PubMed
Lambeek 2011
    1. Lambeek LC, Tulder MW, Swinkels IC, Koppes LL, Anema JR, Mechelen W. The trend in total cost of back pain in The Netherlands in the period 2002 to 2007. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2011;36(13):1050‐8. - PubMed
Lin 2011
    1. Lin C, McAuley J, Macedo L, Barnett D, Smeets R, Verbunt J. Relationship between physical activity and disability in low back pain: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Pain 2011;152:607‐13. - PubMed
Melzack 1975
    1. Melzack R. The McGill Pain Questionnaire: major properties and scoring methods. Pain 1975;1(3):277‐99. - PubMed
Messing 2008
    1. Messing K, Tissot F, Stock S. Distal lower‐extremity pain and work postures in the Quebec population. American Journal of Public Health 2008;98:705‐13. - PMC - PubMed
Moore 2013
    1. Moore RA, Straube S, Aldington D. Pain measures and cut‐offs – no worse than mild pain as a simple, universal outcome. Anaesthesia 2013;68(4):400‐12. - PubMed
Moreira‐Silva 2013
    1. Moreira‐Silva I, Santos R, Abreu S, Mota J. Associations between BMI and musculoskeletal pain and related symptoms in different body regions among workers. SAGE Open 2013;3(2):1‐6.
Neilsen 2017
    1. Neilsen MC, Gupta N, Knudsen LE, Holtermann A. Association of objectively measured occupational walking and standing still with low back pain: a cross‐sectional study. Ergonomics 2017;60(1):118‐26. - PubMed
Nelson‐Wong 2010
    1. Nelson‐Wong E, Callaghan JP. Is muscle co‐activation a predisposing factor for low back pain development during standing? A multifactorial approach for early identification of at‐risk individuals. Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology 2010;20:256‐63. - PubMed
Neuhaus 2014 a
    1. Neuhaus M, Eakin E, Straker L, Owen N, Dunstan D, Reid N, et al. Reducing occupational sedentary time: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of evidence on activity‐permissive workstations. Obesity Reviews 2014;15:822‐38. - PubMed
Neuhaus 2014b
    1. Neuhaus M, Healy G, Fjeldsoe B, Lawler S, Owen N, Dunstan D, et al. Iterative development of Stand Up Australia: a multi‐component intervention to reduce workplace sitting. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2014;11:21. - PMC - PubMed
O'Sullivan 2011
    1. O'Sullivan PB, Smith AJ, Beales DJ, Straker LM. Association of biopsychosocial factors with degree of slump in sitting posture and self‐report of back pain in adolescents: a cross‐sectional study. Physical Therapy 2011;91:470‐83. - PubMed
Oha 2014
    1. Oha K, Animagi L, Paasuke M, Coggon D, Merisalu E. Individual and work‐related risk factors for musculoskeletal pain: a cross‐sectional study among Estonian computer users. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2014;15:151. - PMC - PubMed
Parry 2013
    1. Parry S, Straker L. Office work contributes significantly to sedentary behaviour associated risk. BMC Public Health 2013;13:296. - PMC - PubMed
Parry 2017a
    1. Parry SP, Coenen P, O'Sullivan PB, Maher CG, Straker LM. Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue na. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012486] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Peddie 2013
    1. Peddie MC, Bone JL, Rehrer NJ, Skeaff CM, Gray AR, Perry TL. Breaking prolonged sitting reduces postprandial glycemia in healthy, normal‐weight adults: a randomized crossover trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2013;98:358‐66. - PubMed
Pope 2002
    1. Pope MH, Goh KL, Magnusson ML. Spine ergonomics. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering 2002;4:49‐68. - PubMed
Reid 2010
    1. Reid CR, Bush PM, Karwowski W, Durrani SK. Occupational postural activity and lower extremity discomfort: a review. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 2010;40:247‐56.
RevMan 2014 [Computer program]
    1. Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager (RevMan). Version 5.3. Copenhagen: Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014.
Roelofs 2002
    1. Roelofs A, Straker L. The experience of musculoskeletal discomfort amongst bank tellers who just sit, just stand or sit and stand at work. Ergonomics Journal of South Africa 2002;14(2):11‐29.
Roffey 2010
    1. Roffey D, Wai E, Bishop P, Kwon B, Dagenais S. Causal assessment of occupational sitting and low back pain: results of a systematic review. Spine Journal 2010;10(3):252‐61. - PubMed
Roland 2000
    1. Roland M, Fairbank J. The Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Spine 2000;25(24):3115‐24. - PubMed
Shrestha 2018
    1. Shrestha N, Kukkonen‐Harjula KT, Verbeek JH, Ijaz S, Hermans V, Pedisic Z. Workplace interventions for reducing sitting at work. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 6. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010912.pub4] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Smith 2017
    1. Smith A, Beales D, O'Sullivan P, Bear N, Straker L. Low back pain with impact at 17 years of age is predicted by early adolescent risk factors from multiple domains: analysis of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 2017;47(10):752‐62. - PubMed
Srinivasan 2012
    1. Srinivasan D, Mathiassen SE. Motor variability in occupational health and performance. Clinical Biomechanics 2012;27:979‐93. - PubMed
Straker 2014
    1. Straker L, Healy G, Dunstan D, Atherton R. Excessive occupational sitting is not a 'safe system of work'. Medical Journal of Australia 2014;201:138‐40. - PubMed
Tan 2011
    1. Tan DA. Changing disease trends in the Asia‐Pacific. Climacteric 2011;14(5):529‐34. - PubMed
Thorp 2012
    1. Thorp A, Healy GN, Winkler E, Clark B, Gardiner P, Owen N, et al. Prolonged sedentary time and physical activity in workplace and non‐work contexts: a cross‐sectional study of office, customer service and call centre employees. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2012;9:128. - PMC - PubMed
Thorp 2014a
    1. Thorp A, Kingwell B, Owen N, Dunstan D. Breaking up workplace sitting time with intermittent standing bouts improves fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in overweight/obese office workers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2014;71:765‐71. - PubMed
Thorp 2014b
    1. Thorp A, Kingwell B, Sethi P, Hammond L, Owen N, Dunstan D. Alternating bouts of sitting and standing attenuates postprandial glucose responses. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2014;46:2053‐61. - PubMed
Tikkanen 2013
    1. Tikkanen O, Haakana P, Pesola AJ, Hakkinen K, Rantalainen T, Havu M, et al. Muscle activity and inactivity periods during normal daily life. PLoS One 2013;8:e52228. - PMC - PubMed
Tissot 2009
    1. Tissot F, Messing K, Stock S. Studying the relationship between low back pain and working postures among those who stand and those who sit most of the working day. Ergonomics 2009;52:1402‐18. - PubMed
Vallance 2011
    1. Vallance J, Winkler EAH, Gardiner P, Healy GN, Lynch B, Owen N. Associations of objectively‐assessed physical activity and sedentary time with depression: NHANES (2005 ‐ 2006). Preventive Medicine 2011;53(4):284‐8. - PubMed
van den Berg 2008
    1. Berg T, Elders L, Zwart B, Burdorf A. The effects of work‐related and individual factors on the work ability index: a systematic review. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;66:211‐20. - PubMed
van Deursen 2005
    1. Deursen LL, Deursen DL, Snijders CJ, Wilke HJ. Relationship between everyday activities and spinal shrinkage. Clinical Biomechanics 2005;20:547‐50. - PubMed
Vernon 2008
    1. Vernon H. The Neck Disability Index: state‐of‐the‐art, 1991‐2008. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics 2008;31(7):491‐502. - PubMed
Viester 2013
    1. Viester L, Verhagen EALM, Hengel KMO, Koppes LLJ, Beek AJ, Bongers PM. The relation between body mass index and musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2013;14(1):1‐9. - PMC - PubMed
Waersted 2010
    1. Waersted M, Hanvold TN, Veiersted KB. Computer work and musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2010;11:79. - PMC - PubMed
Waongenngarm 2015
    1. Waongenngarm P, Rajaratnam BS, Janwantanakul P. Perceived body discomfort and trunk muscle activity in three prolonged sitting postures. Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2015;27:2183‐7. - PMC - PubMed
Waongenngarm 2018
    1. Waongenngarm P, Areerak K, Janwantanakul P. The effects of breaks on low back pain, discomfort, and work productivity in office workers: a systematic review of randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials. Applied Ergonomics 2018;68:230‐9. - PubMed
Widanarko 2011
    1. Widanarko B, Legg S, Stevenson M, Devereux J, Eng A, Mannetje A, et al. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to gender, age, and occupational/industrial group. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 2011;41:561‐72.

References to other published versions of this review

Parry 2017b
    1. Parry, SP, Coenen, P, O'Sullivan, P, Maher, CG, Straker, LM. Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue na. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012487] - DOI - PMC - PubMed

MeSH terms