Effect of a 6-month sedentary behavior reduction intervention on well-being and workplace health in desk workers with low back pain.

Background: Research suggests reducing sedentary behavior improves low back pain; however, the impact on presenteeism, health, productivity, and sleep in desk workers with chronic low back pain is not known.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of a sedentary behavior intervention on multiple dimensions of workplace health.

Methods: 24 participants with chronic low back pain and desk jobs were randomized to either a sedentary behavior reduction intervention group or control. Outcomes included a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Health and Work Questionnaire (HWQ), SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Six-month changes in outcomes were compared across intervention groups using ANCOVA regression, adjusting for baseline values. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated for outcomes to explain the magnitude of group differences.

Results: The intervention group reported 1.5 hours/day less sitting time (p < 0.001) compared to controls at 6 months. SF-36 subscales of energy/fatigue, social functioning, and pain improved, and sleep disturbance was reduced among intervention participants. Productivity, concentration, and presenteeism were unchanged.

Conclusions: A sedentary behavior reduction intervention may improve well-being and workplace health without impacting productivity and concentration in desk workers with chronic low back pain.