Journal of Health and Physical Literacy

Reducing Sitting among College Students by Promoting Standing Work Stations in Hallways: A Pilot Feasibility Study

2024-02-24T03:30:05-08:00

Purpose: Strategies to reduce extended sitting include the use of standing (or adjustable height) workstations, yet little research has explored their feasibility in college settings. The purpose of this study was to describe student use and perceptions of hallway standing work stations. Methods: Standing work stations (with laptop and cell phone charging capability) were installed in a hallway near classrooms. Emails providing information about the workstations and encouraging their use were sent to students enrolled in classes near the stations. Data on use of the stations was collected for 8 weeks via a QR-directed login. Students who logged use of the stations were sent a follow-up survey. Results: Logged use of stations averaged 14.75 instances per week, primarily between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Slightly over 12% of students enrolled in nearby classes logged use of stations at least once. Survey responses indicated typical station use length was 15-45 minutes, and 95% of users liked the stations and desired more across campus. Conclusion: Creating standing work stations in hallways and promoting them with email and visual prompts was an inexpensive strategy to change the university environment to create opportunities to reduce sitting. Many students chose to stand between classes.

A descriptive study of health behaviors and attitude towards change among children with disabilities

2023-12-09T04:13:55-08:00

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe health behaviors such as physical activity (PA), healthy eating, and body composition along with perceptions of eating healthy and attitude towards change among children with disabilities following a Camp for Health & Motor skill Promotion (CHAMP). Methods: Sixteen children with autism and other disabilities (n = 16), aged 5 to 12 years, participated in the current study. Children completed a healthy behaviors survey at the beginning of CHAMP with the help of a councilor. After CHAMP, children completed an attitude towards change survey. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated with height and weight measurements. Descriptive data were analyzed through case-wise comparisons and describing the children who participated in the study. Results: 11 children had more unhealthy eating behaviors compared to healthy eating behaviors and 4 children ate more healthy foods. None of the children engaged in the recommended level of PA (everyday) and half were considered overweight/obese. Most of the children learned about health behaviors and indicated a desire to change their habits. Conclusion: The study data supports the need for an increase in PA opportunities and healthy eating behaviors among children with disabilities.