Multicomponent Intervention for Mitigating Sedentary Behavior and Enhancing Psychophysiological Well-Being Among Middle-Aged Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Efficacy and Psychophysiological Mechanism

Introduction: Office workers’ excessive sitting is a risk factor for both physical and mental health. It is essential to interrupt prolonged sitting and enhance their overall wellness.

Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a mind-body-based intervention in reducing sedentary behavior and improving psychophysiological well-being among office workers. It also explores the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying sedentary behavior change.

Methods: Sixty-three middle-aged office workers (≥45 years) with daily sitting time >5.5 hours were recruited in Hong Kong and randomized into an intervention group (n=31) or a waitlist control group (n=32). The intervention included three workshops on mind-body work, stress management, and environmental modification over two weeks, followed by two weeks of assisted self-practice, along with regular reminders and weekly feedback on individual SB. Sitting time at work was measured using ActiGraph device at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 4-week follow-up (T3). Perceived tress, salivary cortisol, sleep quality, and interleukin-6 (IL-6 )were assessed via DASS, PSQI, and salivary ELISA. ANOVA tested group differences, and bootstrapping examined stress (perceived stress and daily cortisol) as a mediator.

Results: Significant time*group interaction effects were found for total sitting time (F=4.97, p=0.009) and perceived stress (F=3.299, p=0.043). Marginal improvements in IL-6 levels and sleep quality in the intervention group compared to controls, between-group differences remained statistically non-significant. Mediation analysis showed that total sitting time change was partially meditated by daily cortisol change but not perceived stress.

Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of a mind-body-based intervention in reducing sedentary behavior and improving psychophysiological well-being. Further clinical research and potentially shaping policy could incorporate TCM-based strategies into workplace wellness programs.