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Trial findings are out for BeUpstanding! (hint – it works!)

BeUpstanding Stories

The main findings of the BeUpstanding trial have now been published! You can read the scientific paper here, see a summary of the findings in the video, or read more about it below. Evaluating BeUpstanding in a world-first implementation trial The evidence-based BeUpstanding program has been iteratively developed and tested across multiple phases in collaboration with end users and key policy and practice stakeholder. A key phase of this process was the national implementation trial of the program. From June 2019 to September 2021, we recruited desk-based teams from across Australia into trial, which was funded through the NMMRC Partnership Project grant scheme, and supported by our partners: Safe Work Australia, Comcare, Queensland Office of Industrial Relations, The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), and Healthier Workplace Western Australia. For teams, the main feature of taking part in the trial (as distinct from using the program independently) was committing to the evaluation steps and receipt of expert health coaching support to deliver the program via email and phone calls. Trial teams were also followed up at 1-year after running the program. In the trial, we were interested in questions such as: What is the uptake of the program among workplaces and staff?…

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What Strategies do Desk-Based Workers Choose to Reduce Their Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Their Lower Backs? 

BeUpstanding Stories

Are you a desk-worker struggling to alleviate your lower back pain? If yes, you are part of a growing movement of workers looking for ways to relieve musculoskeletal discomfort. In this article, we will explore evidence from the BeUpstanding program, highlighting the strategies that desk-based workers use to prevent or manage their discomfort in their lower backs. The risks of prolonged sitting in the workplace Sitting for long, unbroken periods has been shown to be detrimental to overall health, including an increased risk of premature mortality and chronic health problems. For Australians, this is especially concerning, as approximately 60% of their total daily sitting time is accumulated in the workplace. Office workers, in particular, spend anywhere from 180 to 300 minutes seated at their desks each day, often with very little postural variation. These extended periods of sitting, without regular movement or postural changes, can be linked with musculoskeletal discomfort. Since the average Australian spends roughly 45 years in the workforce, the impact of desk-based work on musculoskeletal health is a growing concern—especially when it comes to the lower back. 4 out of 5 Australians will experience lower back pain sometime in their life. Lower back problems are incredibly common…

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Reinforcing the Benefits of Moving More: The Journey of BeUpstanding

BeUpstanding Stories

We did it! We made a stand for our health. After two months of standing, moving, and embracing new habits, we’ve reached a significant milestone in the BeUpstanding program. But this is just the beginning of a journey toward happier and healthier lives. In weeks 6 and 8 of the program, the focus shifts to reinforcing the benefits of sitting less, celebrating our collective achievements, and setting the stage for lasting change. But what makes this part of the program so effective? Let’s explore how BeUpstanding, with its foundation in behaviour change theory, uses strategic messaging in weeks 6 and 8 to keep momentum strong and ensure sustained success. As discussed in our previous blog, BeUpstanding is grounded in robust behavioural change frameworks like the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), composed of the COM-B model, and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). These models help guide the design of the program, ensuring it addresses not just individual behaviours but the broader social and environmental contexts that influence those behaviours. Here’s how BeUpstanding uses theory to keep workers engaged towards the end of the program and in the future: Capability As we near the end of the program, it’s crucial to reflect on the progress…

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Push through the slump: how BeUpstanding’s evidence-based strategies keep you mooving

BeUpstanding Stories

Hit a Hump? Don’t Let It Slow You Down! We’ve reached the halfway point of the BeUpstanding program, a time when motivation often dips, and you may start to feel the natural slowdown in momentum. It’s completely normal to feel like you’re losing steam, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop! Weeks 4 and 7 are designed to keep things fresh and help you push through the mid-program hump by introducing new moves and strategies. But what makes these messages effective? It’s all down to the behavioural change theories that shape them, ensuring that the program is based on evidence and proven strategies to combat these hurdles. Let’s break down how this messaging works, using two key frameworks: the Capacity, Opportunity. Motivation (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). These theories explain why we behave the way we do and how to change that behaviour.   Capability As we hit the mid-program stage, it’s crucial to focus on the ability to maintain momentum and avoid slipping back into old habits. One of the biggest challenges at this point is being aware of how often you’re sitting and standing. Messages like “Identify your danger zones” encourage workers to actively self-monitor their…

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Educate to Elevate: The Theory Behind BeUpstanding Weeks 2 and 5

BeUpstanding Stories

Feeling foggy? You’re not alone. When we sit for too long, our blood flow and metabolism slow down. This means less oxygen is supplied to our brain and we can feel fatigued and sluggish. So why not jump up and start feeling more focused and less tired? That’s exactly what the BeUpstanding intervention is all about, especially during weeks 2 and 5, where the focus is on education and empowerment. These crucial weeks centre around the risks of prolonged sitting and the benefits of standing and moving more. But this isn’t just about throwing facts at you—it’s about strategically targeting the barriers and facilitators of behaviour change, as recommended by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Let’s break down how this messaging works through the lens of the Capacity, Opportunity. Motivation (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). These frameworks have been explored in more detail on our previous blog post. Capability Understanding the risks associated with sitting too much and the benefits of being more active is one of the biggest barriers for people to sit less and stand more. Weeks 2 and 5 of the BeUpstanding intervention address this by enhancing psychological capability, with a focus on the…

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Get Up and Get Moving: The Power of Good Theory in BeUpstanding Weeks 1 and 3

Key resources

We’re leaping into action! We’ve committed to BeUpstanding, and now it’s time to get moving! That’s the focus of weeks 1 and 3 in the BeUpstanding program—bringing the team together and taking action to make sitting less and standing more the new norm. Starting a new behaviour can be daunting—where do you begin? How do you overcome the discomfort of changing workplace habits? It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain about trying something new. That’s why the first week of the BeUpstanding program emphasises togetherness and reinforces the group’s commitment. This focus continues into week 3, which highlights the importance of normalising the new behaviour to sustain long-term change. As previously explored, the BeUpstanding program was developed with the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) in mind. The program starts strong by addressing some of the most common barriers and facilitators of behaviour change, guided by the Capacity, Opportunity. Motivation (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) layers of the BCW. Capability Understanding the guidelines for standing time in the workplace is crucial at the start of the program. It’s a key facilitator of behaviour change, as many people are unaware of how long they should be standing, which poses a significant…

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The Science Behind Getting Up: How Theory Shapes the BeUpstanding Program

Key resources

BeUpstanding encourages workers to “stand up, sit less, and move more.” This 8-week program uses a “train-the-champion” approach, equipping workplace leaders with resources like posters, videos, and email templates to promote a culture of movement, resulting in better health, higher productivity, and reduced stress. But what ensures the program’s effectiveness? The answer lies in the behavioural change theories that underpin it. In this blog, we’ll explore how theory guides intervention development and how BeUpstanding uses evidence-based frameworks. The Importance of Theory in Behaviour Change Theory is the backbone of behaviour change interventions. It helps designers understand not just the behaviour they aim to change but the context in which it occurs. For BeUpstanding, understanding why people sit at work and what motivates them to move more was crucial. Further, theories identify triggers and drivers of behaviour, guiding the selection of techniques most likely to succeed in a given context. Without theory, interventions may fail to address the root causes of the behaviour. Selecting the Right Theory Choosing the wrong theory or applying it poorly can undermine an intervention. Many interventions fail because they: Choose an unsuitable theory, Use the theory incorrectly, Reference the theory superficially, or Address too few behaviour…

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How Does BeUpstanding Help Workers with their Lower Back Pain?

BeUpstanding Stories

Do you often find your back aching after a long day at work? If so, you’re not alone. Desk workers spend hours sitting every day at work, which makes back pain a common and often overlooked issue. What may start out as mild discomfort in the lower back can quickly worsen if not addressed, potentially impacting your work performance and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how the BeUpstanding program can help prevent and alleviate discomfort in the lower back, whilst simultaneously providing a range of more general benefits, allowing you to stay healthier and feel more comfortable at work. The Costs of Back Pain Back pain is a common and costly problem for Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), approximately 4 million (16%), or 1 in 6 Australians live with chronic back problems. Back pain alone costs the Australian healthcare system $4.8 billion annually and is the number 1 reason for lost work productivity and early retirement in the workforce. Back pain not only poses a great economic burden, but a major health burden as well. For example, it can lead to the need for health treatments such as physiotherapy. It can also…

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The Health Risks of Prolonged Occupational Sitting and the Benefits of Physical Activity

Latest evidence

The 2020 World Health Organisation guidelines on physical activity highlighted the importance of reducing sedentary behaviour due to its negative health effects. However, the specific impact of prolonged sitting at work, particularly in the context of varying levels of physical activity, has not been fully explored. A recent prospective cohort study in Taiwan, published earlier this year in JAMA Network Open sheds light on this issue, focusing on the health outcomes associated with occupational sitting among apparently healthy individuals. The study followed 481,688 participants over an average period of 12.85 years, collecting data on their occupational sitting habits, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), lifestyle choices, and metabolic health. The findings revealed that individuals who predominantly sat at work had a 16% higher risk of all-cause mortality, and a 34% higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to those who predominantly did not sit at work. These increased risks persisted even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, education, smoking, drinking, and body mass index. To counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting, the study suggests that individuals who sit most of the day at work should aim to add 15 to 30 minutes of physical activity per day. This additional…

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What is the goldilocks for sitting and standing time?

Latest evidence

A recent article from the Conversation showcased research from team members reporting on findings that explored one of the common questions asked in BeUpstanding – namely – what is the right balance between sitting and standing? The article was written by lead author Dr Christian Brakenridge and the original Conversation article was published on May 2nd, 2024. How much time should you spend sitting versus standing? New research reveals the perfect mix for optimal health The Conversation, Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock Christian Brakenridge, Swinburne University of Technology People have a pretty intuitive sense of what is healthy – standing is better than sitting, exercise is great for overall health and getting good sleep is imperative. However, if exercise in the evening may disrupt our sleep, or make us feel the need to be more sedentary to recover, a key question emerges – what is the best way to balance our 24 hours to optimise our health? Our research attempted to answer this for risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. We found the optimal amount of sleep was 8.3 hours, while for light activity and moderate to vigorous activity, it was best to get 2.2 hours each. Finding the right balance Current health…

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