Micro-Breaks

Micro-Breaks: Taking the time to stretch

When performing repetitive tasks at home or at work, many people experience muscle aches and pains. Muscles can especially become sore and fatigued while performing prolonged work. Some causes of the muscle soreness are: unaccustomed to work demands, decreased flexibility, repetitive motion, and the work/rest cycle. If no preventative steps are taken, these muscle aches and pains may become a more serious injury. These injuries are usually classified as a Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD). MSD's are injuries that affect muscles, nerves, tendons, and joints. These injuries usually occur over a period of time rather than happening instantly.

The best way to decrease the risk of a MSD and/or muscle soreness is by prevention. Performing stretching exercises help increase flexibility but also help decrease muscle and joint soreness. When working for an extended period of time, such as a shift work, it is beneficial to stretch the muscles being used before, during, and after the activity. It’s true that stretching before and after work is usually easier than stretching while working. A good solution to this problem is taking what is called a micro-break. Micro-breaks are short breaks, which last no longer than one minute, to perform stretching exercises. These micro-breaks can easily be taken during work activities when a machine malfunctions, while waiting for the next job to come, while walking to get a drink of water, or when going on break. Since the breaks are short in duration, it is important to only do stretches for the muscles being used the most. By doing the stretches during the micro-breaks, the muscle soreness and risk of a MSD injury will decrease.

Return to news...