The Effect of Working From Home on Device-Measured Physical Activity Among Japanese White-Collar Workers: A Within-Individual Comparison Study.

Abstract

This study quantified differences in physical activity between work-from-home (WFH) and work-at-office (WAO) days among Japanese white-collar workers using a within-individual design. A total of 177 employees from four Tokyo-based companies wore accelerometers for 8 consecutive days. Paired t tests compared step counts and activity levels by work location, and multivariable regression identified demographic factors related to physical activity reductions during WFH. WFH days showed a 59.2% reduction in step counts (4792 steps/day) and increased sedentary behavior compared to WAO days. Younger employees experienced the largest reductions. Light- and moderate-intensity physical activity decreased by 3.4%, mostly replaced by sedentary time. WFH resulted in significantly lower step counts compared to WAO in this population of workers in Tokyo. Interventions promoting physical activity during WFH, particularly among younger workers, may mitigate the health risk of inadequate physical activity.