The Influence of Active Breaks on Neck Pain Relief in Office Settings: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background. Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition among office workers, primarily associated with prolonged static postures and sedentary work. Implementation of structured active or exercise breaks within the workday schedule have been suggested as a practical approach to alleviate the effects of prolonged sitting.

Aim. This literature review aims to synthesise current evidence on the effectiveness of active or exercise-based breaks in reducing NSNP among office-based populations.

Methods. A literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PEDro. Eleven peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024 were selected based on eligibil­ity criteria focusing on adult office workers experiencing NSNP and interventions involving active or exercise breaks during working hours. Methodological quality was assessed using standardised critical appraisal tools.

Results. Many studies reported positive effects of active breaks on reducing neck pain intensity. Interventions typi­cally included brief sessions of stretching, postural exercises, or mobility drills performed during working hours at the workplace. Despite some heterogeneity in intervention protocols and outcome measures, the collective findings indicate that active breaks are beneficial for managing NSNP in sedentary occupational settings.

Conclusions. Active breaks represent a feasible and effective strategy for alleviating non-specific neck pain among office workers. The findings support the integration of movement-based interventions into daily work routines to en­hance musculoskeletal health, improve quality of life, and boost occupational productivity in a short period. Further research with standardised protocols is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and optimise intervention design.

Keywords: active breaks; non-specific neck pain; office workers; sedentary behaviour