An eight-week RCT randomized 58 office workers to hourly five-minute exercise prompts or ergonomics brochures. Per-protocol accelerometer data from 38 completers showed 12.8 fewer sitting minutes and 12.6 more standing minutes per eight-hour workday, with lower neck discomfort and stress.
Key findings
- Accelerometer completion was 21 intervention and 17 control participants. Per-protocol group-by-time effects favored sitting and standing; neck discomfort fell (p=.001), shoulders and low back improved, and stress declined in both groups with a reported 11.1-point greater reduction in intervention.
Why this matters globally
Digital prompts plus short exercises require no desk replacement and may suit small organizations. If sustainable without disrupting work, they could complement workplace-health policy.
Thai researcher contribution
Seven Mahidol University researchers developed and instrumented the program in Thai office workers, including a Thai stress measure.
Limitations to consider
The small trial lost accelerometer outcomes for 20 of 58 participants, making per-protocol estimates vulnerable to attrition bias. Full ITT results are not shown in the abstract, blinding was infeasible, symptoms were self-reported and eight weeks cannot show long-term adherence or health outcomes.