Feasibility and Functional Changes Associated with an Active Breaks Program in Healthcare Personne
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4321/s0465-546x2026000300003Keywords:
Exercise; Occupational health; Sedentary behavior.Abstract
Background: Occupational sedentary behavior is common among healthcare workers and is associated with functional decline and poorer health perception. Workplace active breaks may represent a feasible strategy to promote physical activity during working hours.
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and describe the changes in functional capacity and health-related quality of life associated with the implementation of a structured workplace active break program in healthcare workers.
Methods: A pilot quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among healthcare workers participating in an eight-week workplace active break program implemented during working hours. Functional capacity was assessed using the 30-second chair stand test, and health-related quality of life was evaluated using the SF-12 questionnaire. Pre–post changes were analyzed using paired statistical tests. 95% confidence intervals and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated.
Results: Thirty participants were included, and 27 completed the final evaluation (85.2% women; mean age 42.8 ± 7.5 years). After the intervention, an increase was observed in the 30-second chair stand test (18.6 ± 5.4 vs. 23.4 ± 6.1 repetitions; mean change +4.7; 95%CI: 2.93 to 6.56; Cohen’s d = 1.03; p < 0.001). Improvements were also observed in the physical and mental components of the SF-12. No significant changes were found in metabolic parameters.
Conclusions: In this pilot study, a workplace active break program implemented in a real hospital setting was associated with improvements in functional capacity and health-related quality of life. These findings suggest that this type of intervention is feasible and justify larger controlled studies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ignacio Dávolos, Federico Puzzo, Federico Bezzoni, Martin Perez Teves, Lorena Aragón, Romina Cabrerizo, Ladislao Diaz Ballve, José Spala
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