Introducing portable pedal machines inside a university library to reduce sedentary behavior

Abstract

Background: Sedentary behavior is a health risk factor independent of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Sedentary behavior takes place frequently in libraries. Few sedentary behavior interventions targeting adults have been conducted, none of which took place in libraries. Purpose: This intervention was an attempt to reduce sedentary behavior using MagneTrainer portable pedal machines among students in a university library. The purposes of this study were to (a) describe MagneTrainer use throughout the day and throughout the intervention, (b) determine students' attitudes about the intervention, and (c) determine variables related to MagneTrainer use to inform future interventions. Method: For 11 weeks, 13 MagneTrainers were placed on the first floor of Joyner Library at East Carolina University. For the first 4 weeks, various forms of prompts encouraged students to pedal the bikes while studying in the library. The MagneTrainers automatically collected data on total pedal time and distance. Number of visits in the building was measured with the gate counter. Observational scans were made 7.6 times on average per day to determine MagneTrainers use at particular time points. To determine student attitudes and behaviors related to the intervention, three requests to complete online surveys were sent to 5,000 randomly selected individuals (response rate = 11%). Results: Mean (SD) total pedal time per day was 95.5 (66.1) minutes. Controlled for gate count, there was no linear change in pedal time (b = -0.1 minutes, p = .75) or a difference in pedal time between the days with and without the prompts (b = 7.1 minutes, p = .63). At least one MagneTrainer was being used 15% of the time, 95% CI [13, 18]. Of the observed users, 50% were women, 95% CI [43, 58], which was lower than the population proportion (60%; p = .013). Of the survey respondents, 7% reported using the MagneTrainer at least once, 95% CI [5, 9], which translates to about 1,807 individuals. Of the respondents, 32% reported seeing at least one prompt, 95% CI [28, 36], which was related to using the MagneTrainers at least once (p < .001). Attitudes towards the intervention were generally positive. Conclusion: Despite the rather primitive nature of this unique intervention, some sedentary behavior was reduced. A drop in pedal time across the intervention was not observed, indicating that the success could be extended long-term. The study could serve as a strong basis for future interventions in public settings.