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Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of a workplace intervention to reduce and break up sitting. Methods: Office workers were randomized in clusters to intervention (n = 22) or control (n = 22). The intervention included a height-adjustable workstation, education, computer prompt software, and line manager support. Outcomes included device-measured workplace sitting and ecological momentary assessed workplace productivity. Recruitment, retention, and data completion rates were assessed. Results: Recruitment (N = 44), retention (91%), and workplace sitting measurement rates demonstrated study feasibility. At 8 weeks, workplace sitting was 11% lower (95% CI: -20.71, -1.30) in the intervention group compared with control participants. Intervention participants were also more engaged, motivated, and productive while sitting (P ≥ 0.016). Conclusions: It was feasible to implement and evaluate this office workplace intervention, with potential benefits on workplace sitting and ecological momentary assessed productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embracing the Bayesian approach, we aimed to synthesise evidence regarding barriers and enablers to physical activity in adults with heart failure (HF) to inform behaviour change intervention. This approach helps estimate and quantify the uncertainty in the evidence and facilitates the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies. Qualitative evidence was annotated using the Theoretical Domains Framework and represented as a prior distribution using an expert elicitation task. The maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) for the probability distribution for the log OR was used to estimate the relationship between physical activity and each determinant according to qualitative, quantitative, and qualitative and quantitative evidence combined. The probability distribution dispersion (SD) was used to evaluate uncertainty in the evidence. Three qualitative and 16 quantitative studies were included (N = 2739). High pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (MAP = −1.16; 95%CrI: [−1.21; −1.11]) and self-reported symptoms (MAP = − 0.48; 95%CrI: [ −0.40; −0.55]) were suggested as barriers to physical activity with low uncertainty (SD = 0.18 and 0.19, respectively). Modifiable barriers were symptom distress (MAP = −0.46; 95%CrI: [−0.68; −0.24], SD = 0.36), and negative attitude (MAP = −0.40; 95%CrI: [−0.49; −0.31], SD = 0.26). Modifiable enablers were social support (MAP = 0.56; 95%CrI: [0.48; 0.63], SD = 0.26), self-efficacy (MAP = 0.43; 95%CrI: [0.32; 0.54], SD = 0.37), positive physical activity attitude (MAP = 0.92; 95%CrI: [0.77; 1.06], SD = 0.36). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background NHS Direct, introduced in 1998, has provided 24/7 telephone-based healthcare advice and information to the public in England and Wales. National studies have suggested variation in the uptake of this service amongst the UK's diverse population. This study provides the first exploration of the barriers and facilitators that impact upon the uptake of this service from the perspectives of both 'users' and 'non- users'. Methods Focus groups were held with NHS Direct 'users' (N = 2) from Bedfordshire alongside 'non-users' from Manchester (N = 3) and Mendip, Somerset (N = 4). Each focus group had between five to eight participants. A total of eighty one people aged between 21 and 94 years old (M: 58.90, SD: 22.70) took part in this research. Each focus group discussion lasted approximately 90 minutes and was audiotape-recorded with participants' permission. The recordings were transcribed verbatim. A framework approach was used to analyse the transcripts. Results The findings from this research uncovered a range of barriers and facilitators that impact upon the uptake of NHS Direct. 'Non-users' were unaware of the range of services that NHS Direct provided. Furthermore, 'non-users' highlighted a preference for face-to face communication, identifying a lack of confidence in discussing healthcare over the telephone. This was particularly evident among older people with cognitive difficulties. The cost to telephone a '0845' number from a mobile was also viewed to be a barrier to access NHS Direct, expressed more often by 'non-users' from deprived communities. NHS Direct 'users' identified that awareness, ease of use and convenience were facilitators which influenced their decision to use the service. Conclusions An understanding of the barriers and facilitators which impact on the access and uptake of telephone-based healthcare is essential to move patients towards the self-care model. This research has highlighted the need for telephone-based healthcare services to increase public awareness; through the delivery of more targeted advertising to promote the service provision available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active workstations have been recommended for reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace. It is important to understand if the use of these workstations has an impact on worker productivity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of active workstations on workplace productivity and performance. A total of 3303 articles were initially identified by a systematic search and seven articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion. A quality appraisal was conducted to assess risk of bias, confounding, internal and external validity, and reporting. Most of the studies reported cognitive performance as opposed to productivity. Five studies assessed cognitive performance during use of an active workstation, usually in a single session. Sit-stand desks had no detrimental effect on performance, however, some studies with treadmill and cycling workstations identified potential decreases in performance. Many of the studies lacked the power required to achieve statistical significance. Three studies assessed workplace productivity after prolonged use of an active workstation for between 12 and 52 weeks. These studies reported no significant effect on productivity. Active workstations do not appear to decrease workplace performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.