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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07417527

Active Pauses for Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention in Workers

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if short exercise breaks at work can prevent muscle and joint pain in workers. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Do strength exercises help workers move better and feel less pain?

Are strength exercises better than stretching exercises for worker health?

Researchers will compare a strength exercise program to a mobility (stretching) program to see which one works better to improve physical health and work ability.

Participants will:

Perform short exercise breaks (5 minutes) at their workplace every day for 8 weeks.

Attend one supervised session per week to learn the exercises.

Complete simple physical tests (like standing up from a chair) and answer surveys about their health at the start and end of the study.

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Key information

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Behavior Musculoskeletal Diseases Occupational Diseases Prevention Sedentary Behavior Sedentary Behaviors

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU)

Leioa, Biscay, 48940, Spain

About this study

This is a quasi-experimental study with parallel assignment. The study evaluates the effectiveness of active pauses (brief workplace exercise interventions) preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Recruitment and intervention are conducted in collaboration with "Recuperación Funcional Gurea S.Coop.Peq" at various companies in the Basque Country.

Group Allocation:

Participants are assigned to one of two groups based on their work center or worker preference to maximize participation and adherence in a real-world setting.

Interventions:

Both groups follow an 8-week program consisting of daily 5-minute sessions.

Experimental Arm (Strength): Participants perform high-intensity interval training based on resistance exercises. It involves 4 specific exercises targeting the shoulder, back, and legs using elastic bands or body weight. The intensity is monitored to reach a high level of effort.

Active Comparator Arm (Mobility): Participants perform a standard routine of 12 mobility and static stretching exercises. These are low-intensity movements designed to mobilize joints and relax muscles without inducing fatigue.

Assessments:

The Principal Investigator conducts assessments at three time points:

Baseline (Week 0): Before starting the program.

Post-Intervention (Week 8): Immediately after the 8-week program.

Follow-up (Week 20): 3 months after the intervention ends.

Outcomes:

The study measures functional capacity (30-second Sit-to-Stand test), isometric strength (handgrip and shoulder), and self-reported health using the "Senior Working Life Questionnaire" (pain intensity, work ability, and vitality).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Active workers.
  • Aged 18 years or older.
  • Capability to perform vigorous physical exercise.

Exclusion criteria

  • Medical contraindications to physical exercise.
  • Recent surgery.
  • Pregnancy.

Treatment and study plan

Strength Active Pause

Behavioral

High-intensity interval training protocol using resistance exercises (elastic bands) performed at the workplace.

Mobility Active Pause

Behavioral

Standard routine of articular mobility and static stretching exercises performed at the workplace.

Primary outcomes

  1. 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), and Follow-up (Week 20).

    Participants must stand up and sit down as many times as possible from a chair during a 30-second period to assess lower body functional strength.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Handgrip Strength

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), and Follow-up (Week 20)

    Maximum force measured in kilograms using a manual dynamometer

  2. Shoulder Abduction Strength

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), and Follow-up (Week 20)

    Maximum isometric strength measured with a dynamometer while performing shoulder abduction at 90 degrees

  3. Senior Working Life Questionnaire

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), and Follow-up (Week 20)

    A 24-item questionnaire assessing seven areas: sociodemographics, life and work satisfaction, physical activity at work, health and work ability, and musculoskeletal pain. Scores range from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate a better outcome.

  4. Intervention Adherence

    Time frame: Throughout the 8-week intervention period

    Number of active pause sessions completed by the participant, recorded daily in a tracking sheet

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 18, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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