Background: Digital interventions are potential tools for reducing and limiting occupational sedentary behaviour (SB) in sedentary desk-based jobs. Given the harmful effects of sitting too much and sitting for too long while working, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of workplace interventions, that incorporated digital elements, to reduce the time spent in SB in office workers. Methods: Randomised control trials that evaluated the implementation of workplace interventions that incorporated digital elements for breaking and limiting SB among desk-based jobs were identified by literature searches in six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PEDro) published up to 2023. Studies were included if total and/or occupational SB were assessed. Only studies that reported pre- and postintervention mean differences and standard deviations or standard errors for both intervention arms were used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields QUALSYST tool. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review. The most employed digital elements were information delivery and mediated organisational support and social influences. Multicomponent, information, and counselling interventions measuring total and/or occupational/nonoccupational SB time by self-report or via device-based measures were reported. Multicomponent interventions were the most represented. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which presented a reduction of 29.9 (95% CI: -45.2, -14.5) min/8 h workday in SB (overall effect: Z = 3.81). Conclusions: Multicomponent interventions, using a wide range of digital features, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing time spent in SB at the workplace among desk-based employees. However, due to hybrid work (i.e., work in the office and home) being a customary mode of work for many employees, it is important for future studies to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions in the evolving work landscape. Trial registration: The review protocol was registered in the Prospero database (CRD42022377366).

Efficacy of classical manual material handling (MMH) training interventions on back pain prevention at the workplace has been called into question. The way that observation (self-observation or hetero-observation) is used in other areas to create feedback addressed to modify motor activities can justify innovative components for these interventions. However, their implementation and evaluation cannot be done without tackling the methodological challenge of developing a reliable observational instrument to measure manual handling practice during the training process. The aims of this study were: (1) justify and develop an hetero-observation (H-O) instrument to assess changes in the worker behavioral patterns with a level of analysis convenient to derive a parallel version for the systematic self-observation (S-O) during training on MMH; (2) provide evidence on the inter-rater reliability of the H-O instrument; (3) provide evidence on the usability of the S-O instrument and its perceived usefulness; and (4) provide evidence on the benefits that can be derived with the use of the H-O instrument to create feedback based on T-pattern and polar coordinate analysis. A mixed method approach mainly grounded on systematic observation was used. A convenience sample composed by blue-collar workers participated in the study. Based on literature review and expert opinion, the H-O instrument proposed was composed by six dimensions (feet, knee joints, back, elbow joints, load position, and interaction between back tilt and displacement) plus a structural dimension which defined MMH phases. The inter-rater reliability of this instrument was almost perfect for all dimensions using a tolerance level of 2 s (the range of time-unit kappa was from 0.93 to 0.97 and the range of event-based kappa was from 0.82 to 0.9). The usability and usefulness of the S-O instrument was highly valued by workers. Regarding the way to use hetero-observations to create feedback, the paper shows the great potential of T-pattern and polar coordinate analysis. The observational instruments developed combined with these techniques make it possible to characterize the body positions adopted during manual handling performance, and this is crucial to create feedback on performance instead of only feedback on results.

This study aimed to assess the effect of systematic self-observation, hetero-observational feedback, and feedforward and intrinsic feedback (SsObserWork components) on workers’ knowledge and behaviour of a manual material handling (MMH) technique in the industrial sector. Blue-collar workers recruited from a food processing company in Catalonia (Spain) were randomized into SsObserWork (N = 31) and control (N = 30) groups. SsObserWork group members participated individually in two sessions and a three-week follow-up between sessions where they received the SsObserWork components. The control group participated individually in two sessions where they received a standard MMH training. An ad hoc instrumentcalled the MMH-SsObserWork instrument was used to assess the MMH behaviour, and an adaption of the instrument was done to assess the workers’ knowledge. Significant differences were found between groups for the identification of recommended back positions in the first session and also on comparing both sessions. However, no differences were found for the rest of the criteria. There also were significant differences between groups in the score changes of the back, knee joints, elbow joints, and interaction criterion, indicating that the SsObserWork group improved the MMH performance in these criteria (behaviour). SsObserWork intervention showed a positive effect on improving the knowledge and behaviour of the MMH technique, specifically on back posture.

Background: Hybrid work is the new modus operandi for many office workers, leading to more sedentary behavior than office-only working. Given the potential of digital interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and the current lack of studies evaluating these interventions for home office settings, it is crucial to develop digital interventions for such contexts involving all stakeholders. Objective: This study aimed to reach expert consensus on the most feasible work strategies and the most usable digital elements as a delivery method to reduce sedentary behavior in the home office context. Methods: A modified Delphi study including 3 survey rounds and focus groups was conducted to achieve consensus. The first Delphi round consisted of two 9-point Likert scales for assessing the feasibility of work strategies and the potential usefulness of digital elements to deliver the strategies. The work strategies were identified and selected from a scoping review, a systematic review, and 2 qualitative studies involving managers and employees. The median and mean absolute deviation from the median for each item are reported. The second round involved 2 ranking lists with the highly feasible strategies and highly useful digital elements based on round 1 responses to order the list according to experts’ preferences. The weighted average ranking for each item was calculated to determine the most highly ranked work strategies and digital elements. The third round encompassed work strategies with a weight above the median from round 2 to be matched with the most useful digital elements to implement each strategy. In total, 4 focus groups were additionally conducted to gain a greater understanding of the findings from the Delphi phase. Focus groups were analyzed using the principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Results: A total of 27 international experts in the field of occupational health participated in the first round, with response rates of 86% (25/29) and 66% (19/29) in rounds 2 and 3, respectively, and 52% (15/29) in the focus groups. Consensus was achieved on 18 work strategies and 16 digital elements. Feedback on activity progress and goal achievement; creating an action plan; and standing while reading, answering phone calls, or conducting videoconferences were the most feasible work strategies, whereas wrist-based activity trackers, a combination of media, and app interfaces in smartphones were the most useful digital elements. Moreover, experts highlighted the requirement of combining multiple levels of strategies, such as social support, physical environment, and individual strategies, to enhance their implementation and effectiveness in reducing sedentary behavior when working from home. Conclusions: This expert consensus provided a foundation for developing digital interventions for sedentary behavior in home office workers. Ongoing interventions should enable the evaluation of feasible strategies delivered via useful digital elements in home office or hybrid contexts.

BACKGROUND Hybrid work is the new modus operandi for many office workers, leading to more sedentary behavior than office-only working. Given the potential of digital interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and the current lack of studies evaluating these interventions for home office settings, it is crucial to develop digital interventions for such contexts involving all stakeholders. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to reach expert consensus on the most feasible work strategies and the most usable digital elements as a delivery method to reduce sedentary behavior in the home office context. METHODS A modified Delphi study including 3 survey rounds and focus groups was conducted to achieve consensus. The first Delphi round consisted of two 9-point Likert scales for assessing the feasibility of work strategies and the potential usefulness of digital elements to deliver the strategies. The work strategies were identified and selected from a scoping review, a systematic review, and 2 qualitative studies involving managers and employees. The median and mean absolute deviation from the median for each item are reported. The second round involved 2 ranking lists with the highly feasible strategies and highly useful digital elements based on round 1 responses to order the list according to experts’ preferences. The weighted average ranking for each item was calculated to determine the most highly ranked work strategies and digital elements. The third round encompassed work strategies with a weight above the median from round 2 to be matched with the most useful digital elements to implement each strategy. In total, 4 focus groups were additionally conducted to gain a greater understanding of the findings from the Delphi phase. Focus groups were analyzed using the principles of reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 27 international experts in the field of occupational health participated in the first round, with response rates of 86% (25/29) and 66% (19/29) in rounds 2 and 3, respectively, and 52% (15/29) in the focus groups. Consensus was achieved on 18 work strategies and 16 digital elements. Feedback on activity progress and goal achievement; creating an action plan; and standing while reading, answering phone calls, or conducting videoconferences were the most feasible work strategies, whereas wrist-based activity trackers, a combination of media, and app interfaces in smartphones were the most useful digital elements. Moreover, experts highlighted the requirement of combining multiple levels of strategies, such as social support, physical environment, and individual strategies, to enhance their implementation and effectiveness in reducing sedentary behavior when working from home. CONCLUSIONS This expert consensus provided a foundation for developing digital interventions for sedentary behavior in home office workers. Ongoing interventions should enable the evaluation of feasible strategies delivered via useful digital elements in home office or hybrid contexts.

Introduction: In recent decades, physical activity during childhood has declined, leading to an increase in sedentary behaviour and the risk of obesity. In Spain, 62.3% of children do not meet the minimum recommended levels of daily physical activity. Schools are crucial environments for promoting movement during the school day. Aim: The initial phase of the MovIn-Lessons project aimed to analyse the knowledge and perceptions of primary teachers and Physical Education teachers regarding movement integration as a teaching strategy in primary education. Methods: The study, which followed a qualitative approach and a descriptive-interpretative design, used focus groups as the main data collection technique. Thirty-six active teachers from Catalonia participated, with experience in teaching Mathematics, English Language, Natural Sciences, and Physical Education. They were organised into five focus groups comprising 5 and 9 participants. A semi-structured interview was developed based on the socio-ecological model, exploring knowledge, prior experiences, barriers, facilitators, and the role of the Physical Education teacher in movement integration. Results: In Catalonia, teachers are unfamiliar with this methodology and perceive external barriers such as limited space, curriculum constraints, and a lack of family support. However, they identify facilitators, including training, the leadership of the Physical Education teacher, and the teacher’s positive attitude. Conclusions: The study concludes that teacher awareness of physical activity and school leader-ship team are key to successfully implementing movement integration. All participants agreed that Physical Education teachers should act as advisors and trainers within the educational centre, as they are regarded as experts in physical activity.