Association of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior patterns with cognitive functions in sedentary office workers: Insights from SMART-STEP study

BACKGROUND: High levels of sedentary behavior in workplaces are currently recognized as an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and poor mental health. However, sedentary patterns vary between workdays and non-workdays, which may influence cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to quantify and compare work and nonwork device-measured sedentary time (ST) and its association with cognitive function in Indian office workers. METHODS: In an ongoing randomized controlled trial (SMART-STEP), the baseline data of 136 full-time office workers, including accelerometer-measured sedentary patterns and cognitive functions, were analyzed. The ST was measured using a hip-worn accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for seven days, and executive functions were measured using computer-based tests. Linear regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between ST and executive function measures. RESULTS: The median daily ST of Indian office workers was 11.41 hours. The ST was greater on both workdays (11.43 hrs.) and non-workdays (11.14 hrs.) though different (F = 6.76, p = 0.001, ηp² = 0.032). Office workers accumulate more prolonged sitting bouts (+21.36 min) during work days than non-workdays. No associations between device-measured ST and executive functions were observed. CONCLUSION: Indian office workers exhibited high ST patterns, especially on workdays. Although lower than workdays, Indian office workers exhibited more ST patterns during non-workdays than did their Western counterparts. Culturally adaptable workplace and leisure time physical activity interventions are needed to address the high ST of Indian office workers.