Acute Effects of Active and Passive Breaks in Office Workers

Prolonged sitting and sustained static postures during computer use are significant occupational health hazards for office workers, frequently leading to cumulative mechanical loading, localized muscle fatigue, and functional impairments in the neck and shoulder regions. Continuous isometric muscle activity during desk work increases intramuscular pressure and reduces local circulation, which consequently decreases joint range of motion, restricts neck functionality, and elevates subjective fatigue levels. While traditional passive rest breaks (sitting quietly) are commonly utilized, they often fall short of mitigating these sedentary stress factors. In contrast, structured active rest breaks involving dynamic movement and stretching can trigger a "muscle pump" mechanism, enhance tissue oxygenation, lower viscoelastic stiffness, and systematically reduce fatigue and pain perceptions.

Although long-term exercise interventions are well-documented, clinical trials directly comparing the acute, immediate impacts of structured active breaks versus passive rest strategies on multi-dimensional outcomes remain limited. To address this methodological gap, this randomized controlled trial evaluates and compares the acute effects of active and passive break applications among office workers who work at a desk for at least 5 hours a day. Participants are randomly allocated into two parallel arms: the Active Break Group and the Control (Passive Break) Group. The intervention protocol spans a total of 5 working days, with both groups taking a 5-minute designated break every hour. The Active Break Group performs structured stretching and mobility exercises targeted at the cervical and shoulder regions under physiotherapist supervision, while the Control Group rests quietly at their workstations. Objective and subjective assessments are conducted at baseline and immediately following the 5-day protocol using cervical and shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements via a goniometer, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck functionality, and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-T) questionnaire to determine acute fatigue levels.

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 20 and 55 years of age
• Working at a desk while seated for at least 5 hours a day
• Not participating in high-intensity physical activity regularly
• Volunteering to participate in the study and providing informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of recent trauma or surgery directed at the cervical or thoracic regions
• Current state of pregnancy
• Diagnosis of diabetes or similar chronic systemic diseases
• Presence of any cognitive or physical limitation that could affect exercise performance or assessments