Comparing strength breaks and walk breaks for sedentary workers
Official title: MOV'D Strength Snacks vs Walk Breaks Study: Health Performance Gains Across Domains
Run by Stanford University · NCT06909097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether short strength breaks or walking breaks are better for the health and productivity of people who sit for long hours at work.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 5, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06909097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are full-time employees over 30 years old with sedentary jobs who are not currently engaged in strength training or taking planned activity breaks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are insulin-dependent or have been advised against strength training by their doctor may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of two types of 2-minute physical activity breaks on sedentary employees who spend long hours sitting. Participants will be randomly assigned to either strength breaks or walk breaks and will engage in these activities four times a day for eight weeks. The study will track various metrics, including strength assessments, glucose tolerance tests, diet tracking, and continuous glucose monitoring. The goal is to determine which type of break is more beneficial for productivity and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help improve the health and productivity of sedentary employees by identifying effective activity breaks.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with physical activity breaks in sedentary populations, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Identify inclusion criteria. 1. Sedentary occupation (e.g., clerical work, data entry, call center, receptionists) 2. Full time employment remote or on-site 3. Able to safely perform bodyweight squats and lunges 4. Over 30 years old 5. Not currently doing a strength training program 6. Not currently taking planned activity breaks at work 7. Has a smart phone with a camera and unlimited text plans 8. Interested in participating 9. Fluent in English 10. Not currently on insulin or any glucose lowering medication Exclusion Criteria: 1. Yes to any of the physical activity readiness criteria questionnaire (e.g. cardiac symptoms with increasing heart rate, dizziness upon performing exercise) 2. Participating in another research study on diet, weight loss, or any physical activity. 3. If their doctor has ever said to not strength train 4. Having insulin dependence
Where it's running
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Stanford Prevention Research Center
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.