Thesis
Acute and chronic physiological and perceptual responses to stair snacks in office workers
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2026
- Thesis identifier
- T18155
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202467177
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Aim: To investigate the feasibility and health impacts of stair-snacking as a strategy to interrupt sedentary behaviour in workplace settings, focusing on physiological, metabolic, psychological, and occupational outcomes. Methods: Two studies were conducted. Study 1 was an acute, controlled laboratory crossover study comparing hourly 60-second stair climbing bouts with prolonged sitting over 6 hours. Measures included heart rate (%HRmax), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), continuous glucose monitoring, and affective responses. Study 2 was a 4-week real-world case study with two desk-based participants performing regular stair snacks. Outcomes included VO₂max, resting heart rate, blood pressure, continuous glucose monitoring, heart rate via Fitbit, work engagement (UWES), and qualitative interviews on feasibility and acceptability. Results: In Study 1, stair-snacks elicited vigorous-intensity exercise (mean peak HR 79 ± 8% HRmax, RPE 7 ± 2), with HR increasing across bouts (75.1 ± 8.8% to 80.8 ± 7.8% HRmax) and more positive affect than sitting. No significant differences in overall glucose mean were observed. In Study 2, VO₂max increased by 3.53 and 0.52 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, resting heart rate and blood pressure decreased, and HR during stair snacks remained in moderate-to-vigorous to vigorous ranges. UWES scores increased, particularly in vigour and absorption. Interviews indicated stair-snacking was enjoyable and energising, but barriers included workplace environment, clothing, and scheduling. Conclusion: Stair-snacking is a feasible, time-efficient strategy to break up sedentary behaviour, eliciting vigorous-intensity exercise and improving cardiovascular health, mood, and work engagement. Metabolic effects were limited, likely due to short duration and low total exercise volume. Future research should involve larger, more diverse samples and longer interventions to optimise health benefits and workplace implementation.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Kirk, Alison
- Weston, Katy
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Embargo Note
Relations
Items
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Visibility | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
File | 2026-10-05 | University of Strathclyde |