Impact of sit-stand desks on subjective sitting time and psychological outcomes in office workers: findings from the SUFHA randomized controlled trial.

Oliveira, Jorge; Santos, Isabel F; Espin, Ander; Monteiro, Patrícia; Teno, Sabrina C; Silva, Hélio; Júdice, Pedro B · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

rct · Level II

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Abstract

Prolonged sitting is a major risk factor for adverse health outcomes, even among physically active individuals. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a six-month sit-stand desk intervention in reducing sitting time and improving psychological outcomes in office workers. A clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted with 38 office workers, allocated to either a sit-stand desk intervention or a traditional desk control group. Outcomes were assessed using validated self-report questionnaires. A significant group-by-time interaction favouring the intervention group was observed for weekday sitting time, which decreased from 8.00 to 5.22 h/day (p=0.03), but not during weekends. No significant between-group differences were found for psychological outcomes, though exploratory analyses highlighted potential predictors explaining the reductions in sitting time. Sit-stand desks reduced occupational sitting time, suggesting potential value for workplace health interventions.