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Exploring New Work Options for Emergency Dispatchers

Cage, Kailyn
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1386081992

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Introduction: Sedentary work behavior, primarily in the form of prolonged periods of sitting, has become prevalent over the last thirty years. This behavior is common to office-based jobs that utilize computers as the primary means of accomplishing work requirements. Numerous chronic health problems have been associated with sedentary behavior. Risks involving morbidity and cardiovascular diseases have been linked to prolonged sedentary behavior. These risks are independent of external or additional physical activity. Musculoskeletal discomfort has also been associated with extended hours of computer work. Emergency dispatchers work long hours, using computers and other communication-based technology. In addition to the aforementioned problems associated with sedentary behavior, the very nature of the work (emergency call-taking and police officer dispatching) is stressful, and emergency dispatch workers often experience a limited autonomy work environment. Sit-stand workstations and ergonomic chairs are common interventions employed to provide a more comfortable work environment for dispatchers. However, interventions that encourage movement while working, in order to reduce dispatchers’ exposure to the risks associated with prolonged sedentary work have not been reported in the literature. As such, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of two specific interventions, a mini-exercise cycle and a standing mat with footrest, in reducing prolonged sitting behavior in a sample of dispatchers. Methods: The study consisted of a baseline and intervention period (one week each). Both periods consisted of 5 days of data collection for the week. All activity data were collected with a three-axis accelerometer, activPAL. Eighteen experienced emergency dispatchers participated in the full study (baseline and intervention periods). In the baseline week, subjects performed their work responsibilities as normal. In the intervention week, a mini exercise bike, standing mat, and footrest were provided to subjects for use. A recommendation of 2 minutes of cycling activity for every 20 minutes of sitting was provided to subjects, and the suggestion to work in a standing position for 15-30 minutes at least once per shift. Results: There was a significant decrease (p=0.0116) in the percentage of time spent sitting between the baseline and intervention week. A significant decrease in the number of uninterrupted 20-minute intervals spent sitting between the baseline and intervention week was also observed (p = 0.0061). The proportion of time spent standing during the intervention week was greater than the proportion of time cycling (p=0.0196), though the increase in the proportion of time standing from week 1 to week 2 was comparable to the proportion of time cycling during week 2 (p=0.2402). Conclusion: The interventions implemented had a significant impact on reducing prolonged sitting periods and the total amount of sitting in general, which demonstrates the potential effectiveness of the interventions for this type of work and work environment. It is expected that, with a longer habit forming period and some changes (improvements) to the implementation, these interventions could have a positive, long-term impact.
Carolyn Sommerich (Advisor)
Steven Lavender (Committee Member)
140 p.
Behaviorial Sciences; Industrial Engineering
emergency dispatchers; prolonged sitting; sedentary; work; behavior; sit-stand workstations; activPAL; DeskCycle; dispatchers; call-taking; autonomy; sitting; sedentary behavior; morbidity; cardiovascular diseases

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cage, K. (2013). Exploring New Work Options for Emergency Dispatchers [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1386081992

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cage, Kailyn. Exploring New Work Options for Emergency Dispatchers. 2013. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1386081992.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cage, Kailyn. "Exploring New Work Options for Emergency Dispatchers." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1386081992

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1386081992
562
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.