The Effect of Booster Breaks On Non-Specific Low Back Pain In Office Workers

Covid-19 time has forced most working people to spend even more time sitting behind a computer screen. Prolonged sitting and computer use are a major risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders, vision problems, headaches, and psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. One of the most common problems for office workers who spend most of their working hours sitting is non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). NSLBP is pain that has no specific known cause or pathology. It is a complex problem because it results from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. One of the most researched and prominent risk factors for NSLBP is prolonged sitting and physical inactivity. Therefore, it is very important to motivate office workers (as well as others who are now trained and work from home) to be physically active. After reviewing the literature, we have found that the best prevention (and also treatment) for NBVK due to prolonged sitting is: regular physical activity, booster breaks at work, optimization of sitting posture and proper ergonomic design of the workstation. The booster break is a 10-15 minute workout for the whole body. From physiotherapeutic view it is crucial to stretch muscles that were contracted while sitting and to activate muscles that were stretched and passive while sitting. In addition, booster breaks have positive effects on the physical condition, reducing stress, increasing concentration and well-being during working hours.