Using mixed-method feasibility studies to examine the impact of a mobile standing desk on undergraduates’ sedentary time

Abstract

Objectives

To understand experiences with and measure the effect of mobile standing desks (MSD) on undergraduates’ sedentary time (ST).

Participants

Two samples of full-time undergraduates in Fall 2018.

Methods

Study 1 (n = 21): baseline average daily ST was measured via activPAL4^TM inclinometers and the NIGHTLY-WEEK-U questionnaire for 7 days. Participants received a MSD for one week then intervention ST was calculated. Study 2 (n = 28): baseline ST was measured with an online NIGHTLY-WEEK-U questionnaire, participants received a MSD for one month, then intervention ST was calculated. Paired-sample t-tests assessed differences. Interviews/online questions explored experiences.

Results

Study 1: objectively measured (p = .0045, d = .71) and self-report (p = .0005, d = .92) ST reduced significantly post-intervention. Study 2: ST reduced significantly post-intervention (p = < .0001, d = .98). Facilitators and barriers to desk usage were described.

Conclusions

MSD were effective for reducing undergraduates’ ST across one-week and one-month.

Keywords:

• Sedentary
• standing desk
• student
• university

Acknowledgments

A very dedicated team of research assistants helped this project succeed. Thank you to Varsha Vasudevan, Francesco Colosimo, Monica Khoshaien, Ryann Lang, Zoe Levi, Zain Raza, and Skye McLean.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from Western University's Office of Research Ethics.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.