Alternatives for Measuring Sitting Accumulation in Workplace Surveys

J Occup Environ Med. 2021 Dec 1;63(12):e853-e860. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002387.

Abstract

Objectives: To develop and assess the measurement properties of self-report measures of accumulation of sitting time.

Methods: Seven candidate measures were collected in 51 workers from three office environments (79% women) via online questionnaire administered immediately before and after 7-day monitoring periods (activPAL3 24-hour protocol with diary recorded work hours).

Results: Three measures had some validity (P < 0.05 vs activPAL): % of sitting in long bouts more than or equal to 30 minutes, sitting strategy frequency (0 to 100), and interruption rate (n/h sitting). Agreement was limited. Some reliability (intraclass correlation or kappa P < 0.05) was seen for these measures, strategy variety (0 to 100), typical day (five categories), and making a conscious effort to sit less (yes/no).

Conclusions: Two brief and one longer option may suit workplace studies requiring self-report measures of sitting accumulation. Validity was weaker for sitting accumulation than sitting time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workplace*