The health effects of high intensity intermittent exercise breaks in the workplace - Project ID SAS0035

Declining levels of physical activity and increasing prevalence of obesity and their adverse health sequelae, has resulted in a worldwide sedentary epidemic. Over the past five decades, occupations have seen a gradual shift from labour intensive employment to sedentary working conditions. Modern everyday life now offers little opportunity for physical activity, and the resultant sedentary lifestyles of the general population have serious consequences for public health.

Sedentary behaviour is particularly prevalent in occupations requiring desk-based work with office workers spending up to 81% of the workday sitting. Occupational sitting has been linked with increased mortality, diabetes mellitus, and obesity therefore modern working conditions appear to have a significant negative impact on the health status of employees. Evidence suggests that reducing occupational sedentary behaviour with short bouts of physical activity or exercise can improve health outcomes such as glucose and lipid profiles, fatigue, and metabolic risk. However many of the exercise protocols that have been researched to date are not easily incorporated into a typical office environment or the working day.

This project aims to explore the physiological and cognitive health benefits of a workplace exercise intervention involving breaking up sedentary behaviour with high intensity intermittent exercise breaks throughout the day. The project will involve 3 key stages: (1) validation of a personalised high intensity intermittent exercise prescription for adults; (2) assessment of the acute physiological and cognitive responses to a personally prescribed high intensity intermittent exercise break intervention; (3) pilot and feasibility testing of the intervention in a workplace environment.

Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in physical activity, exercise and health or related subject with a good fundamental knowledge of exercise science and physical activity behaviour change.

English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental exercise science laboratory skills
• Competent in exercise testing and data analysis
• Knowledge of the health effects of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:
Knowledge of behaviour change theory.

When applying for this position please quote project code SAS0035