The implementation of a mobile application to decrease occupational sitting through goal setting and social comparison
- Authors: Tsaoane, Moipone Lipalesa
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Sedentary behavior , Sitting position , Feedback , Mobile apps , Behavior modification , Agile software development
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365544 , vital:65758
- Description: Background: Feedback proves to be a valuable tool in behaviour change as it is said to increase compliance and improve the effectiveness of interventions. Interventions that focus on decreasing sedentary behaviour as an independent factor from physical activity are necessary, especially for office workers who spend most of their day seated. There is insufficient knowledge regarding the effectiveness of feedback as a tool to decrease sedentary behaviour. This project implemented a tool that can be used to determine this. To take advantage of the cost-effectiveness and scalability of digital technologies, a mobile application was selected as the mode of delivery. Method: The application was designed as an intervention, using the Theoretical Domains Framework. It was then implemented into a fully functioning application through an agile development process, using Xam- arin.Forms framework. Due to challenges with this framework, a second application was developed using the React Native framework. Pilot studies were used for testing, with the final one consisting of Rhodes University employees. Results: The Xamarin.Forms application proved to be unfeasible; some users experienced fatal errors and crashes. The React Native application worked as desired and produced accurate and consistent step count readings, proving feasible from a functionality standpoint. The agile methodology enabled the developer to focus on implementing and testing one component at a time, which made the development process more manageable. Conclusion: Future work must conduct empirical studies to determine if feedback is an effective tool compared to a control group and which type of feedback (between goal-setting and social comparison) is most effective. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The physical activity status and the impact of lifestyle behaviours on workplace productivity and absenteeism of Transnet employees
- Authors: Zimmermann, Sharnae Vanessa
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) Employees , Absenteeism (Labor) South Africa Durban , Labor productivity South Africa Durban , Exercise , Sedentary behavior , Lifestyles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190077 , vital:44961
- Description: Increased sitting time, insufficient physical activity and sub-optimal body composition are all contributing to the global disease burden. This is made evident by increases in obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (i.e. hypertension and strokes), cancer and other non-communicable diseases resulting in absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace. The global rise in sitting time and physical inactivity is caused, in part, by changes in transport convenience, work roles and technological advancements. Employees working in office environments or driving trains sit for prolonged periods; something which is evident in the industry that Transnet operates in. Sitting time and physical inactivity are independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases with poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and psychological wellbeing, being separate constructs. The purpose of the study is to determine the levels of sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, obesity, nutrition, alcohol consumption, smoking, non-communicable disease risk, mental wellbeing and their association with productivity and absenteeism in office workers and train drivers at Transnet Freight Rail, Durban. A cross-sectional study was done with 40 participants, 20 office workers and 20 train drivers. Stature (175.80 ± 9.43 ±cm) and body mass (83.85 ± 20.31 kg) were measured; and body mass index calculated (26.98 ± 5.37 kg.m2). Physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, body mass index and other lifestyle factors were explored using an amended version of The Health and Wellbeing survey, a self-report measure. The results revealed that there was a high prevalence of sedentary behaviour (train drivers = 7.85 ± 2.21 and office workers = 8.3 ± 1.03), particularly among office workers. Most of the participants had a relatively high body mass index, placing in the overweight and obese category, particularly among train drivers. The prevalence of physical inactivity was marginally higher for office workers compared to train drivers. There were significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of physical activity within train drivers with a moderate effect size. There were limited associations found between lifestyle factors and sickness absenteeism and worker productivity. Obesity had the most prominent relationship with noncommunicable diseases, followed by high levels of sedentary behaviour, not meeting physical activity guidelines, obesity, overweight, and prolonged sitting time at work. A significant and moderate correlation was found between obesity and absenteeism (train drivers: r = 0.32 and office workers: r= 0.46), however, no associations were found between sedentary behaviour, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake and absenteeism. Lastly, the association between physical activity and productivity among the train drivers was low negative (r=-0.15) which was not significant (p>0.05). The associations between physical activity and productivity among office workers, however, was both significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive (r=0.39). The vegetable intake among the office workers showed a significant (p<0.05) moderate positive association with productivity (r=0.49). The association between vegetable intake and productivity among the train drivers was not significant (p>0.05) and low positive (r=0.16). There was a significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive association between fruit intake and productivity among both train drivers (r=0.43) and office workers (r=0.47). No significant associations between sedentary behaviour and obesity and productivity were found. The current study provided new insight into the risks associated with lifestyle factors of office workers and train drivers in the transportation sector. The poor lifestyle factors, together with the high prevalence of sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity, provide ideal opportunities for future interventions to focus on workers productivity and overall wellbeing. The job design of train drivers and office workers does not place significant importance on employee health and wellness. Essentially they are not “healthy” but they work productively, giving reason as to why employee wellness is not a priority for employers. The current findings of the study suggest that adopting regular physical activity, healthy dietary patterns and reduced sitting time should be promoted as key components of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in office workers and train drivers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10