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. 2022 Feb;70(2):97-119.
doi: 10.1177/21650799211039439. Epub 2022 Jan 11.

Systematic Review of the Influence of Physical Work Environment on Office Workers' Physical Activity Behavior

Victoria F Michalchuk  1 , Soo-Jeong Lee  1 , Catherine M Waters  1 , Oi Saeng Hong  1 , Yoshimi Fukuoka  1
Affiliations

Systematic Review of the Influence of Physical Work Environment on Office Workers' Physical Activity Behavior

Victoria F Michalchuk et al. Workplace Health Saf. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Many American workers spend over 7 hours a day at work in primarily sedentary office work. Physical activity is a key aspect of optimizing health and preventing disease; yet, 80% of American adults do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. In this systematic review, the relationship between physical work environment and physical activity among office workers was explored.

Methods: Of the 321 studies screened, 26 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included for evaluation in this systematic review.

Results: Of the 26 studies, four were cross-sectional studies, 14 were quasi-experimental studies, and eight were randomized control trials. Physical activity during the workday was measured using self-report surveys and electromechanical devices such as accelerometers. Physical work environments examined by the studies included different types of desks (n = 16), office arrangements (n = 5), and building design (n = 5). In nine studies, office environments and building work environments designed to promote activity using active design principles such as stairs and flexible workspaces were associated with increased physical activity. Sit-stand desks reduced overall sitting time, but had a minimal effect on physical activity.

Conclusion/application to practice: Offices and buildings designed for activity had the largest impact on physical activity among office workers. To increase physical activity in office workers, focus should be placed on opportunities to increase incidental movement that can increase physical activity throughout the workday. Occupational health nurses should advocate workspace designs that can increase physical activity in workers.

Keywords: leisure-time physical activity; office environment; office workers; work environment; workplace physical activity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Study selection by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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