Effect of rest pauses combined with information leaflets on the decrease in musculoskeletal pain in administrative workers

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the effect of work pauses combined with information leaflets on the reduction of musculoskeletal pain in administrative workers of a public institution in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in two offices of a public institution and included an intervention group and a non-randomized control group. The intervention group (n = 135) was provided with information leaflets once a week, in addition to a program of rest pauses consisting of breathing exercises, stretching, and encouragement. The control group (n = 127) received information leaflets once a week. To assess outcomes, the rate and intensity of musculoskeletal pain over the previous 7 days were measured. Results. The mean age of participants was 38 years. The most affected body regions were the neck and lumbar spine. In the intervention group, the rate of musculoskeletal pain was reduced by 20% in the neck (p<0.001) and 17% in the lumbar spine (p<0.001) over the previous 7 days. In the control group, the rate of musculoskeletal pain was decreased only in the lumbar spine (p=0.029). The intervention group reported less pain in all evaluated body regions (p<0.05). Conclusions. Rest pauses combined with information leaflets resulted in decreased musculoskeletal pain in administrative workers, indicating that this strategy can be implemented in public and private institutions.