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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07292350

Investigation of the Effects of a Neuromuscular Control-Focused Posture Training Program in Butchers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a neuromuscular posture training program implemented in butchers on neck pain, posture quality and upper back muscle control.

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Key information

Conditions

Work-related Illness Back Pain Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The study population consists of butchers in Istanbul. Butchers will be included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Participants will be randomized and divided into two equal groups. These groups will be designated as exercise and control groups. All participants will receive ergonomic training, while those in the exercise group will additionally receive neuromuscular exercises. At the beginning and end of the study, all participants will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance Test, Lateral Scapular Slide Test, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - Short Version, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Being over 18 years of age
  • Actively working as a butcher in Istanbul
  • Actively participating in the profession for at least 5 years
  • Not having experienced acute trauma to the neck or back region within the last 3 months
  • Being physically capable of participating in neuromuscular posture training
  • Signing the Informed Voluntary Consent Form

Exclusion criteria

Persons with the following characteristics will not be included in the study:

  • Being under 18 years of age
  • Not actively practicing butchery
  • Having undergone surgery to the neck, spine, or shoulder region within the last 6 months
  • Serious neurological conditions such as acute cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, or myelopathy
  • Systemic diseases such as cancer or serious cardiovascular disease
  • Severe balance disorder/vestibular disorder
  • Health condition that would prevent the safe continuation of exercise practice

Treatment and study plan

ergonomics training

Other

Each of the control group participants will receive separate ergonomics training. The content of this training will include the topics of "what is ergonomics, the purpose of ergonomics, musculoskeletal diseases in employees, work-related musculoskeletal risk factors

ergonomics training + exercise

Other
  • Deep cervical flexor activation
  • Chin-tuck
  • 2-3 cm head lift endurance training
  • Scapular stabilization exercises
  • Retraction + depression
  • Serratus Anterior activation
  • Punch progressions in the supine position
  • Pectoral and upper trapezius stretching exercises
  • Functional posture training
  • Correction of butchers' forward bending and rotation movements when using knives
  • Ergonomic posture control during the task

Primary outcomes

  1. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    This index evaluates sleep quality and disturbance over the past month. It contains a total of 24 questions. 19 of these questions are answered by the person's self-assessment, and 5 of them are answered by the roommate who shares the same room with the person. The 5 questions answered by the person's roommate are not included when calculating the score. In scoring, the lowest (0) and the highest (21) points are obtained. A score of 4 and above indicates poor sleep quality

  2. Quick-Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey functional scale

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The Quick Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey score is calculated as follows: At least 10 out of the 11 items must be answered. Each answered question will have a maximum value of 5. These values are then transformed into a score of 100 by subtracting 1 and multiplying by 25. This transformation is done to compare the scores with other scales ranging from 0 to 100. A high score indicates significant dysfunction.

    Quick Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey Score = [(Sum of responses / n) - 1] X 25 n: the number of questions answered.

  3. Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The scale includes 10 titles. It includes pain sensitivity, heavy lifting, personal hygiene, reading, sleep, headache, concentration, work, driving, social activities. There are 6 answer options according to the severity of the limitation or pain. Scoring is between 0 and 5. The highest score is 50 and the least is 0. The neck disability level classification according to the total score is as follows 0-4: no restrictions 5-14: mild limitation 15-24: moderate limitation 25-34: severe limitation 34 and up: completely restricted

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Uskudar University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effects of a Neuromuscular Control-Focused Posture Training Program on Neck and Upper Back Muscle Activation in Butchers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 22, 2026

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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