Prevention Program for Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Active Pauses for Workers in the Basque Country

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether short exercise breaks at work can prevent muscle and joint pain in workers. The study compares two types of exercise programs to see if strength exercises help workers move better and feel less pain, and whether they are more effective than stretching exercises. This quasi-experimental study is conducted in collaboration with Recuperación Funcional Gurea S.Coop.Peq at various companies in the Basque Country, focusing on musculoskeletal disorder prevention. Participants are divided into two groups based on their workplace or preference. One group performs a strength-based active pause program involving high-intensity resistance exercises targeting the shoulder, back, and legs using elastic bands or body weight. The other group follows a mobility active pause program with low-intensity joint mobility and static stretching exercises. Both programs last 8 weeks, with daily 5-minute sessions and one supervised session per week. Participants complete physical tests such as the 30-second Sit-to-Stand test and strength measures of handgrip and shoulder abduction at baseline, after 8 weeks, and again 3 months later. They also answer surveys about pain, work ability, and vitality using the Senior Working Life Questionnaire. Adherence to the intervention is monitored throughout the 8 weeks. The total study duration includes initial assessment, intervention, and follow-up evaluation up to 20 weeks.

Active Pauses for Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention in Workers