Employers should encourage and support breaks to promote more movement throughout the work day for employees in an office environment. Prolonged sedentary behavior is associated with many chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Typing for long periods without breaks likely increases the risk of musculoskeletal pain and disorder.
Taking short (one to two minutes) breaks away from the workstation as often as every 30 minutes may limit discomfort. Typing more than four or five hours per day is known to increase the risk the musculoskeletal pain and disorder. If at all possible, limit typing to this amount. The effects of posture on musculoskeletal pain and disorder are less certain, however, frequent breaks may provide some relief from discomfort associated with poor posture. Click here for information and ideas on how to move more in the workplace.
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