Short workplace exercise breaks to prevent muscle and joint pain

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

Not applicable Interventional University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) · NCT07417527

This program will test whether short daily strength exercise breaks help working adults reduce muscle and joint pain and move better compared with short stretching breaks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leioa, Biscay)
Trial IDNCT07417527 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This quasi-experimental, parallel-assignment study compares an 8-week program of daily 5-minute high-intensity resistance active pauses to a program of daily 5-minute mobility and static stretching pauses delivered at workplaces. Participants are assigned by work center or preference to maximize real-world participation and receive one supervised session per week to learn the exercises. Outcomes include functional tests (like the 30-second sit-to-stand), isometric strength, and self-reported health and work ability measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 20-week follow-up. The intervention is implemented in collaboration with Recuperación Funcional Gurea at participating companies in the Basque Country and coordinated through UPV/EHU in Leioa.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Active workers aged 18 or older who are able to perform vigorous physical exercise and can do short daily workplace breaks are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Workers with medical contraindications to exercise, recent surgery, pregnancy, or those unable or unwilling to perform vigorous activity are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce work-related muscle and joint pain and improve physical function and work ability for participating workers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous workplace exercise programs—particularly strength training—have often reduced pain and improved function, though direct head-to-head comparisons with stretching routines are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.

Where this trial is running

Leioa, Biscay

Study contacts

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 Musculoskeletal DisordersOccupational DiseasesSedentary BehaviorsPreventionActive PausesWorkplace ExerciseStrength TrainingStretching
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.