Preliminary assessment of the effects of workplace-based interventions on sedentary behaviour and motivation among Latvian office workers

Objective This study presents preliminary results from the first phase of a 16-month workplace intervention project aiming to reduce sedentariness and increase physical activity among Latvian office workers. The interventions targeted motivation and behaviour through workplace-based psychological and/or physical activity strategies.

Material and Methods Thirty-three sedentary office workers (mean age 42.58±10.71) participated in one of three intervention groups: sessions with sports specialists, psychologists, or both. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the 3-week intervention and a 3-month support period, focusing on workplace sitting and standing time, self-reported physical activity, commuting, and motivational readiness based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). This study is part of the project ‘Multidisciplinary approach for the development of sustainable habit of regular physical activity among sedentary workers’ (RSU/LSPA-PA-2024/1-0013) which was funded by the framework of the Plan of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility and the State budget (Nr.5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005).

Results No statistically significant changes were observed in workplace sitting (Wilcoxon W = 12.0, p = 0.777) or self-reported physical activity (W = 99.0, p = 0.884). A trend toward higher motivational readiness was noted: although median TTM stage remained at preparation, the Wilcoxon test approached significance (W = 92.0, p = 0.086) with a moderate effect size (rank-biserial correlation = -0.387). Changes in commuting were not significant: walking (χ²(2) = 1.68, p = 0.432), cycling (χ²(2) = 1.54, p = 0.462), car (χ²(2) = 1.34, p = 0.511). Motivation gains differed by age (χ²(3) = 8.88, p = 0.031, ε² = 0.278), with under-30s improving more than those 51+ (p = 0.046). There were no significant differences by education level (p = 0.802) or intervention type (p = 0.592).

Conclusion Although no major behavioural changes were observed, moderate motivational gains, especially among younger participants, suggest future potential. These findings support age-specific approaches and the need for longer-term follow-up.