Comparing strength breaks and walk breaks for sedentary workers

MOV'D Strength Snacks vs Walk Breaks Study: Health Performance Gains Across Domains

Not applicable Interventional Stanford University · NCT06909097

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages30 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT06909097 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients who are insulin-dependent or have been advised against strength training by their doctor may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with physical activity breaks in sedentary populations, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

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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 this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sedentary Employeesphysical activity breaksprolonged sitting breaks
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.