Sit-Stand Desks in the Workplace

There is a growing body of literature that suggests that sit-stand desks may help reduce sedentary behaviour at work. However, there has been limited research on the impact of psychological factors on their sustained use. This three year programme of research will explore the psychological and cultural factors that may influence the use of sit-stand desks.

Background
High levels of sedentary behaviour are known to be associated with a range of poor health-related outcomes (e.g. type 2-diabetes, cardiovascular disease and early mortality), independent of physical activity. Previous research has found that for those who are economically active, employees can spend up to 80% of their time sitting (Clemes et al., 2012).

There have been a number of intervention studies that have compared the impact of sit-stand desks in the workplace (e.g. Shrestha et al., 2016). However, there is limited research into how other factors, i.e. individual and organisational changes, can encourage the maintenance of behaviour change in sitting times.

Currently, many workplace interventions often focus on one factor, e.g. change in sedentary minutes; however, the use of sit-stand desks within a work environment is likely to have a multitude of influencing factors. The aim of this project is to:
1. Develop an understanding of the impact of psychological factors on the use of sit-stand desks in different office configurations.
2. Explore any impact of workplace culture on the use of sit-stand desks in different office configurations.
3. Utilise the findings from the initial exploratory work to develop and evaluate a pilot behaviour-change intervention aimed at improving and sustaining use of sit-stand desks.

Health Sciences Research at the University of Salford
The Centre for Health Sciences Research at the University of Salford comprises a multidisciplinary team of staff and research students drawn from the health professions and related disciplines. The research centre has world class research facilities including three biomechanics laboratories, a clinical imaging suite, a psychology lab and a rehabilitation flat. The School currently boasts over £5 million pounds of research funding and has extensive national and international links, with both academic and clinical partners. There is also a vibrant community of approximately 100 students studying either at Ph.D. level or Master’s by research.

For this studentship, you will work within the linked to the Equity, Health and Wellbeing, and the Physical Behaviour Measurement research groups research group, see: http://www.salford.ac.uk/research/health-sciences/research-groups for further details. To find out more the research undertaken in Health Sciences at Salford see: http://www.salford.ac.uk/research/health-sciences and to learn more about studying for a Ph.D. in health sciences at Salford, see: http://www.salford.ac.uk/research/health-sciences/postgraduate-research.

Eligibility
Candidates should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an area relevant to the subject. Candidates should have an interest in public health, workplace health and behaviour change. In all cases a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification or other evidence of research skills and experience is preferred but not essential.