This study evaluates the effect of interrupting sitting time using the "Ponte de Pie" computer prompt on neck pain in office workers over six months.
A pragmatic randomized clinical trial (NCT05790837) was conducted. Analyses were performed after three and six months of follow-up to assess musculoskeletal neck pain. The active group received a computer prompt to interrupt sedentary behaviour every hour, while the control group maintained their usual sitting habits.
The "Ponte de Pie" computer prompt interrupted work every hour with an on-screen alarm, inviting workers to take a 2-minute break to perform standardized exercises. Musculoskeletal neck pain was assessed using a Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) protocol at baseline, three months, and six months. PPT was measured by trained and calibrated physical therapists.
ANOVA was used to evaluate differences over time between groups. All analyses were conducted with Stata V.15.
One hundred and two workers participated in the study, with an average age of 45 years (SD 11.2), and 84% of the participants were female. The average weekly work hours were 44.5 hours. The mean sitting time was 51 minutes per hour per week, and participants in the active group averaged 12 breaks per week using the "Ponte de Pie" computer prompt at three months and 3 breaks per week at six months.
The active group showed a significant improvement in neck pain, with PPT measurements increasing from baseline (mean = 2.3 kg/cm²) to three months (mean = 3.0 kg/cm²) and six months (mean = 2.7 kg/cm²) (p 0.05). The control group did not show significant changes from baseline (mean = 2.8 kg/cm²), with measurements at three months (mean = 2.7 kg/cm²) and six months (mean = 2.7 kg/cm²) (p > 0.05). A significant difference between the groups was observed at three months (p 0.05).
Interrupting sitting time with the "Ponte de Pie" computer prompt significantly improves neck pain in office workers after three months, with effects maintained at six months.
The "Ponte de Pie" computer prompt is an effective, scalable tool for reducing neck pain in office workers by promoting regular breaks from sitting. Implementing this intervention in workplace wellness programs could improve musculoskeletal health and reduce discomfort associated with prolonged sitting, offering a low-cost and accessible solution for employers.
office workers
musculoskeletal pain
