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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04198675

Effects of Preventive Physiotherapy Practices on Posture and Work-Related Functions in Office Workers

In this study; aimed to determine an individual-centered, effective physiotherapy method to reduce the negative impacts of the forward head posture on work-related functions and to increase body awareness and functionality among office workers. In addition, aimed to reduce the loss of work with measures to improve the quality and efficiency of work.

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Key information

Conditions

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Behavior Motor Activity Office Workers

Age range

22 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Marmara University Faculty of Health Sciences

Maltepe, Istanbul, 1464185881, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of preventive physiotherapy practices on work related musculoskeletal disorders in office workers.

With this purpose, in this study; aimed to achieve improvement on forward head posture, upper extremity functions and cervical pain reduction through three interventions (supervised EMG biofeedback exercise training, home-based exercise program and posture training/ergonomic regulations). Work related changes in muscle activation of Upper Trapezius and posture will be evaluated while working on a computer task in actual work environment. Differences in posture and muscle activation between computer task and resting position, will be determined before and after the intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age below 40, Full-time and regular employees in the last 1 year,
  • Office workers using computers at desk for at least 3 hours per day
  • According to RULA, working in a posture that above acceptable level,
  • No trauma history
  • Non-specific neck pain but no chronic conditions of cervical spine and upper extremity

Exclusion criteria

  • During the study; need of receiving a treatment/ interventions for the upper body due to trauma or any other conditions is concluded with withdraw from the study

Treatment and study plan

Supervised EMG Biofeedback Exercise Training Group

Behavioral

Posture training and ergonomic arrangements in the workplace. EMG biofeedback training will be carried out with electromyography-controlled video game combined with PNF exercises. Each game sessions comprising the work-rest cycle covers performing the upper trapezius muscle contraction simultaneously the upper extremity PNF patterns.

Home-Based Exercise Training Group

Behavioral

Posture training and ergonomic arrangements in the workplace. Posture correction exercises, contains strengthening, stretching, mobility and relaxation exercises, will be given as a home exercises program. Exercise diary and weekly calls will be use to maintain the exercise adherence

Posture Training/Ergonomic Regulations Group

Behavioral

Posture training and ergonomic arrangements in the workplace.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC)

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    It is assessed by Surface Electromyography (sEMG) for upper trapezius muscle. 3 maximum contractions are performed for 6 seconds at the manual muscle testing position. The maximum value among 3 repeats is recorded as Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) (mV).

  2. Muscle Activation of Upper Trapezius

    Time frame: 30 minutes

    It is the measurement of the Electromyographic activity of trapezius muscles during functional tasks and rest. According to The Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles Project (SENIAM) recommendations for sensors and sensor placement procedures, sEMG will be applied for the upper trapezius muscles while resting and also performing the computer task in workplace. The mean values (mV) obtained are normalized according to MVIC. Normalized data (%MVIC) are used in the statistical analysis.

  3. Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) / Forward Head Posture

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    The CROM Deluxe is an assessment instrument that lets to measure sagittal, frontal and horizontal plane movements (flexion / extension, lateral flexion, rotation and forward head posture), while resting and also performing a task or work posture.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Constant-Murley Score (CMS)

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    The Constant-Murley Score (CMS) is a widely used scale to measure pain, mobility and the ability to carry out the normal daily activities in various shoulder conditions/ pathologies.

  2. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    The RULA Assessment Tool is used to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors associated with neck, trunk and upper extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). The RULA considers biomechanical and postural load requirements of job demands. Scores between 1-7 are classified from "acceptable posture" (no action required) to "very high risk" (implement change now).

  3. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH)

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    The DASH is a self reported questionnaire; assesses the parameters of daily life, pain, weakness, social functions, work, sleep and self-confidence associated with the upper extremity of the individual.

  4. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score Work Module (DASH-W)

    Time frame: 2 minutes

    Work Module (DASH-W) is the second part of the DASH questionnaire, which consists of 4 questions, determines one's disability in working life.

  5. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    The NDI is a self-reported scale consists of pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, work, driving, sleeping and leisure time activities sections. The total score varies between 0-50 and the increase in total score indicates the increase in the severity of the neck disability.

  6. Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD)

    Time frame: 10 minutes

    The NPAD is a self-reported index which measure the intensity of neck pain during different conditions and activities and related effects of pain on occupational, recreational, social, daily living activities and its relationship with emotional factors. Pain-related data are obtained by marking on visual analogue scales of 20 items.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Marmara University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Preventive Physiotherapy Practices on Forward Head Posture and Upper Extremity Work-Related Functions in Office Workers

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2020
Study completion
2021
First posted
Dec 13, 2019
Registry last updated
Apr 14, 2022

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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