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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05752006

Chronic Adaptations to Spinal Flexion Exposure

An experimental study, which will aim to compare changes of trunk mechanical properties and neuromuscular control following spinal flexion exposure in crane operators and control subjects.

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Key information

Conditions

Occupational Exposure

Age range

30 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences

Izola, Primorska, 6310, Slovenia

About this study

Our experimental study will include 40 participants, more specifically 15 crane operators and 15 control subjects. All participants will complete a 60-min protocol of intermittent trunk flexion. Measurements of trunk mechanical properties and neuromuscular control will be performed prior to and following the 60-min protocol.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Crane operators: employed as crane operators for more than 3 years
  • Occupational workers with a predominantly non static job (e.g. combination of sitting and standing)

Exclusion criteria

  • History of chronic low back pain
  • Episode of acute low back pain
  • Hip injury in the past six months
  • Previous spine, pelvis or hip surgery
  • Hypermobility, diagnosed with the Beighton score
  • High intensity resistance training (> 75 % of 1 repetition maximum) more than two times a week
  • Control group: sporting or recreational activities, that include repetitive spinal flexion or maintenance of a flexed posture (for example cycling or rowing).

Treatment and study plan

Repeated trunk flexion

Other

A 60-min intermittent trunk flexion protocol. Participants will sit on a standard height sit, with their knees bent at approximately 90° with their hands crossed on their chest. They will perform 40 sets of 60 s of maintaining a flexed position, interspersed with 30 s of rest. Participants will achieve the flexed position by tilting the pelvis posteriorly and leaning forward. During rest, participants will sit up straight without leaning on the support.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in muscle stiffness

    Time frame: 90 minutes

    Muscle stiffness will be measured using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography during prone lying and forward stooping. Erector spinae and multifidus muscle stiffness will be expressed as the shear modulus value in kilopascals.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in range of motion

    Time frame: 90 minutes

    Trunk flexion range of motion will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse in maximal trunk flexion while standing.

  2. Change in length of the spine

    Time frame: 90 minutes

    The length of spine will be measured on a custom-developed stadiometer, with the participants in a seated position.

  3. Change in muscle activity

    Time frame: 90 minutes

    Muscle activity will be measured using electromyography during standing, a forward stoop hold and during maximal trunk flexion.

  4. Change in lumbar lordosis angle

    Time frame: 90 minutes

    The lumbar lordosis angle will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse during upright standing.

  5. Change in trunk extension maximal strength

    Time frame: 90 minutes

    Isometric trunk extension peak torque will be assessed on a trunk dynamometer.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Primorska

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Chronic Adaptations to Spinal Flexion Exposure in Crane Operators

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Mar 2, 2023
Registry last updated
Mar 28, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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