Text

Introduction: In recent years, the shift towards digitized workplaces has significantly increased the prevalence of sedentary work - a trend further accentuated by the growing adoption of working from home. Extended periods of sitting negatively affect physical health and cognitive performance, with musculoskeletal problems and disorders being particularly common. Sedentary behaviour at work is considered a contributing factor to these health challenges. Although the positive impact of physical activity on mental and physical health is well known, there is a lack of empirical evidence concerning the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting at work with active breaks. Thus, within the framework of this project, we conducted a rapid review of the literature and used the results to plan and design a crossover experiment.

Methods: The rapid review examined how interrupting sedentary behaviour at work with moderate movement impacts psychophysiological outcomes (e.g., cognitive function) as well as physiological measures, including muscle activity recorded through electromyography (EMG). Our search of PubMed and PsycInfo revealed a notable lack of research on how short-term physical activities in the workplace can help mitigate the negative effects of prolonged sitting, particularly on muscles. Additionally, muscle strain often goes unnoticed in the short term, as individuals tend to compensate for it - which can delay the onset of long-term complaints. However, short-term muscle strain can be detected using EMG.

Using a randomized crossover design, our research takes a comprehensive approach to investigate the effects of interrupting prolonged sedentary work with moderate movement, such as walking on a treadmill. In a controlled laboratory setting with two activity conditions, we aim to explore how different frequencies and durations of these sitting interruptions influence both cognitive functions and muscle activity. A third condition, in which sedentary work is interrupted by breaks in a seated position, will serve as a control.

To gather a broad range of data, we will continuously measure parameters such as muscle tension, mental workload, and heart rate variability using advanced techniques including EMG, electroencephalography, and electrocardiography. Subjective assessments of physical and mental workload will also be collected through detailed questionnaires. Over the course of several hours, participants will perform realistic, work-related tasks as well as established cognitive test batteries, with the latter being conducted before and after periods of sitting interruptions. Furthermore, the perceived impairment of sitting interruptions will be evaluated by the participants to determine the advantages and potential drawbacks.

Implications: Ultimately, our goal is to develop practical recommendations for breaking up long periods of sitting and incorporating viable movement breaks into office environments. These guidelines could support work ability by fostering both cognitive performance and overall health through optimized work practices and environments. Future studies could build on this foundation by applying and validating our findings in long-term, real-world workplace interventions.