Office WorkersNCT07647302
Acute Effects of Active and Passive Breaks in Office Workers
A study testing Active Break Exercises in people with Office Workers, run by Istanbul Aydın University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effects of active and passive break applications during work hours on cervical and shoulder range of motion (ROM), neck functionality, pain intensity, and fatigue levels among office workers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Office Workers
- What is being tested?
- Active Break Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Jun 2026to 1 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Gözde Başbuğ, PhD,PT contact
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Acute Effects of Active and Passive Break Applications on Range of Motion, Neck Functionality, Pain and Fatigue Levels in Office Workers
The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effects of active and passive break applications during work hours on cervical and shoulder range of motion (ROM), neck functionality, pain intensity, and fatigue levels among office workers. Participants are randomly assigned to either an Active Break Group, performing structured exercises, or a Control Group with passive rest over a 5-day protocol.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Office Workers
- Being tested
- Active Break Exercises
- Keywords
- Rest, Fatigue, Range of motion, Articular, Occupational Health, Stretching
- Medical subject headings
- Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Active Break ExercisesBehavioural
The active break intervention is performed for 5 minutes every hour during the workday for a total of 5 working days. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, participants perform structured active rest breaks consisting of stretching and mobility exercises targeted at the cervical and shoulder regions. The protocol includes: cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation stretches; upper trapezius stretching, pectoral stretching, posterior capsule stretching; shoulder shrugs, shoulder rolls, and scapular retraction exercises. Each exercise is performed either as a 15-second stretch or completed for 10 repetitions per session, always maintained within a safe and pain-free range of motion.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active Break Group | Experimental | The active break intervention is performed for 5 minutes every hour during the workday for a total of 5 working days. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, participants perform structured active rest breaks consisting of stretching and mobility exercises targeted at the cervical and shoulder regions. The protocol includes: cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation stretches; upper trapezius stretching, pectoral stretching, posterior capsule stretching; shoulder shrugs, shoulder rolls, and scapular retraction exercises. Each exercise is performed either as a 15-second stretch or completed for 10 repetitions per session, always maintained within a safe and pain-free range of motion. Receives: Behavioral: Active Break Exercises |
| Passive Break Group | No intervention | The passive break group takes a 5-minute passive rest break every hour during the workday for a total of 5 working days. During these designated break periods, participants remain seated quietly and rest at their workstations. They do not perform any physical exercises, stretching routines, or structured active movements, maintaining their usual sedentary work routine during the breaks. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cervical Range of Motion
Cervical range of motion including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be measured in degrees using a goniometer to assess active neck mobility. Higher values in degrees indicate better cervical joint mobility.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Shoulder Range of Motion
Active shoulder range of motion (including flexion and abduction) will be measured in degrees using a goniometer to assess shoulder mobility. Higher values in degrees indicate better shoulder joint mobility.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
A 10-cm scale used to measure the subjective intensity of neck pain, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
A self-reported questionnaire with 10 items used to measure how neck pain affects functionality and daily life activities. Total scores range from 0 to 50, where higher scores indicate greater neck disability.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Checklist Individual Strength - Turkish Version (CIS-T)
A 20-item self-report questionnaire used to assess different aspects of fatigue, including subjective fatigue, concentration, motivation, and physical activity levels. Total scores range from 20 to 140, where higher scores indicate greater fatigue levels.
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2026
- Study start15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion22 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Office WorkersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups (Active Break Group vs. Passive Break Control Group) to evaluate the acute effects on neck functionality, range of motion, pain, and fatigue.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Aydın University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Seyedeh Simin Ashraftalesh, Istanbul Aydın University
- Investigators
- Gözde Başbuğ, PhD,PT, Principal investigator, Istanbul Aydın University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07647302
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- İAU-FTR-SSA-01
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Acute Effects of Active and Passive Break Applications on Range of Motion, Neck Functionality, Pain and Fatigue Levels in Office Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07647302
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- İAU-FTR-SSA-01
- Conditions
- Office Workers
- Keywords
- Rest, Fatigue, Range of motion, Articular, Occupational Health, Stretching
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Aydın UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 22 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effects of active and passive break applications during work hours on cervical and shoulder range of motion (ROM), neck functionality, pain intensity, and fatigue levels among office workers. Participants are randomly assigned to either an Active Break Group, performing structured exercises, or a Control Group with passive rest over a 5-day protocol.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups (Active Break Group vs. Passive Break Control Group) to evaluate the acute effects on neck functionality, range of motion, pain, and fatigue.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active Break Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Active Break ExercisesThe active break intervention is performed for 5 minutes every hour during the workday for a total of 5 working days. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, participants perform structured active rest breaks consisting of stretching and mobility exercises targeted at the cervical and shoulder regions. The protocol includes: cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation stretches; upper trapezius stretching, pectoral stretching, posterior capsule stretching; shoulder shrugs, shoulder rolls, and scapular retraction exercises. Each exercise is performed either as a 15-second stretch or completed for 10 repetitions per session, always maintained within a safe and pain-free range of motion. |
| Passive Break Group | No intervention | –The passive break group takes a 5-minute passive rest break every hour during the workday for a total of 5 working days. During these designated break periods, participants remain seated quietly and rest at their workstations. They do not perform any physical exercises, stretching routines, or structured active movements, maintaining their usual sedentary work routine during the breaks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Active Break ExercisesThe active break intervention is performed for 5 minutes every hour during the workday for a total of 5 working days. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, participants perform structured active rest breaks consisting of stretching and mobility exercises targeted at the cervical and shoulder regions. The protocol includes: cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation stretches; upper trapezius stretching, pectoral stretching, posterior capsule stretching; shoulder shrugs, shoulder rolls, and scapular retraction exercises. Each exercise is performed either as a 15-second stretch or completed for 10 repetitions per session, always maintained within a safe and pain-free range of motion. | Behavioural | Active Break Group |
Primary outcome
Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Cervical range of motion including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be measured in degrees using a goniometer to assess active neck mobility. Higher values in degrees indicate better cervical joint mobility.
4 secondary outcomes
Shoulder Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Checklist Individual Strength - Turkish Version (CIS-T)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Office Workers
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Turkish Adaptation of the Perceived Barriers to Exercise Questionnaire for Office Workers
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Scapular Stabilization Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Scapular Dyskinesis
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Virtual Reality Exergaming During Work Breaks in Office Employees
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Rigid Taping's Effects on Posture and Balance in Office Workers
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Gözde Başbuğ, PhD,PT contact
Gözde Başbuğ, PhD,PT principal investigator
Istanbul Aydın University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Active Break Exercises in people with Office Workers, run by Istanbul Aydın University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Seyedeh simin Ashraftalesh, BSc,PT (+90 5387782429, siminashraf1377@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cervical Range of Motion (time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (at the end of 5 working days)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Jun 2026.