Abstract
Objective: We aimed to examine the effects of insulation retrofitting on sedentary behavior time (SBT) and light-to-vigorous physical activity (LVPA) at home in adults during winter.
Methods: Adults intending to retrofit their insulation participated in a 14-day baseline survey in winter and a follow-up survey 1–4 years after retrofitting. Participants were classified into an intervention (insulation retrofitting) or a control (non-insulation retrofitting) group. SBT and LVPA changes were calculated using an accelerometer and questionnaires. A multilevel model was fitted to estimate the effects of insulation retrofitting on these changes. As a secondary analysis, the change in dressing room temperature (Td) from baseline was added as an independent variable in the model, categorized as a decrease in Td (<-1.0°C), no change in Td (-1.0°C to +0.9°C), a small increase in Td (+1.0°C to +4.9°C), and a large increase in Td (≥+5.0°C).
Results: Of the 1751 participants, 1640 were in the intervention group. Both groups experienced an increase in Td. The intervention group experienced a slight increase in outside temperature, whereas the control group experienced a significant increase in outside temperature. Insulation retrofitting was not significantly associated with SBT and LVPA at home; however, the change in Td was significantly associated with SBT and LVPA. Compared to no change in Td, the large increase in Td was associated with a decrease in SBT and an increase in LVPA. In contrast, the decrease in Td was associated with an increase in SBT and a decrease in LVPA.
Conclusion: Insulation retrofitting was not associated with changes in SBT and LVPA in adults during winter. However, improving room temperature, including Td, could potentially decrease SBT and increase LVPA in adults. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of insulation retrofitting on SBT and LVPA.
