Impact of booster breaks and computer prompts on sedentary time, body composition, stress perception, and occupational pain in desk-based workers: A quasi-experimental study - The UP project

Introduction: Sedentary time is associated with adverse health outcomes, and workplace inactivity contributes substantially to overall sedentary behavior. Although effective strategies are needed, evidence comparing guided versus unguided breaks remains limited. Objective: This study compared the effects of Booster Breaks (B-B) and Computer Prompts (C-P) on sedentary time, body composition, stress perception, and occupational pain among desk-based workers. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 61 desk-based workers were assigned to B-B, C-P, or control groups. B-B consisted of guided 14-16-min active breaks, while C-P involved unguided 2-min hourly breaks, totaling 14-16 min per day for 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, and occupational pain with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Sedentary time and physical activity were monitored via ActiGraph accelerometers. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, and effect sizes (ES) estimated using Hedges g. Results: The C-P group showed a significant reduction in android fat mass compared to the control group (p = 0.007; ES =-0.867). The B-B group demonstrated significant increases in lean mass (p = 0.029; ES = 0.952) and muscle mass (p = 0.016; ES = 1.025) relative to controls. No significant differences were found for sedentary time, stress, or occupational pain. Conclusion: Both B-B and C-P interventions positively influenced body composition, with C-P reducing android fat and B-B increasing lean and muscle mass. However, neither intervention affected sedentary time, stress, or pain, highlighting the need for further research to refine workplace health strategies.