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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04857853

Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and MSK Discomfort in Static Workstation

The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.

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Key information

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Pain Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University

Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

Static workstation workers frequently experience musculoskeletal discomfort which, according to a survey of the literature, may include muscle tension, muscle fatigue, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones. The incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort in office workers like computer users is as high as 50%. In various studies on static workstation workers, musculoskeletal discomfort has been reported, either separately or in aggregate, in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, back, legs, buttocks, ankles, feet, and chest.

The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Both male and female
  • Age: 25-45 years
  • Those static workstation office workers using a computer for at least 6 hours per day.
  • Static workstation office workers screened by ROSA.

Exclusion criteria

  • Discomfort from non-musculoskeletal origin
  • Recent history of trauma and receiving any kind of treatment for the current condition
  • Severe orthopedic disease
  • Any mental and physiological illness that could interfere in the exercise

Treatment and study plan

Exercise Without Rest Break

Other

Participants in the exercise group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours.

Exercises include shoulder shrugs, neck tilts, wrist and forearm stretch, back and hip stretch, upper body stretch, hamstring stretch, upper back stretch, hand/finger stretch. Side stretch and neck stretch.

Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks.

Exercise With Rest Break

Other

Participants in the exercise with rest break group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours.

Participants will also receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks.

Rest Break

Other

Participants in the rest breaks group will receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes twice a day during the work hours.

Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks. During the rest breaks, participants will not perform any exercises.

Primary outcomes

  1. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire

    Time frame: 6th week

    To assess the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort. minimum as Never = 0, and maximum as Several times every day = 10 The discomfort score is the severity of discomfort categorized as 'mild', 'moderate', and 'severe discomfort'.

  2. Chalder fatigue scale

    Time frame: 6th week

    Each of the 11 items is answered on a 4-point scale ranging from the asymptomatic to maximum symptomology, such as 'Better than usual', 'No worse than usual, 'Worse than usual, and 'Much worse than usual.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Static Workstation Office Workers

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Apr 23, 2021
Registry last updated
Jul 20, 2021

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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