Project R-15333

The Short-Term effectiveness of Sedentary Behaviour interruptions using different physical activitiy patterns on the physical fitness, mental health, and productivity of office workers at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. (Research)

Physical activity is important for improvement of physical and mental health. Even though people meet physical activity requirements, there are still long hours spent in sedentary time, especially among office workers. It is important to find methods to break sedentary time, as it can benefit the health of office workers and the general population. This PhD study wants to see if getting people to move around more during their workday can make them healthier. This research will be testing office workers at a university to see if short breaks from sitting can improve their physical fitness, mental health, and how productive they are. For intervention, the workers will be divided into three groups: one group will get specific instructions on how to move more during their day, another group will get different instructions, and the last group will keep doing what they usually do. Before and after intervention, and after a few months, things like body fat, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness will be measured. Also, test to see if the workers became more productive and feel better mentally. The goal is to find out if these short breaks from sitting can help people feel better and work better, which could be good news for everyone who spends a lot of time at a desk.

21 November 2024 - 30 November 2028