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NCT Number: NCT07486232

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF POSTURAL EXERCISES AND TAPING

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) and a structured exercise program on pain, disability, balance, and psychosocial well-being in desk-based office workers with chronic neck pain.

Background:

Prolonged sedentary work, particularly desk jobs exceeding six hours per day, is a significant risk factor for chronic neck pain and postural dysfunction. This study focuses on employees of the Kocaeli Governorate to determine which conservative intervention-active (exercise) or passive/supportive (taping)-provides superior clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A total of 45 volunteers (minimum 15 per group) aged 25-55, who work at desks for at least six hours a day and suffer from chronic neck pain, will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 4-week intervention period:

Kinesio Taping Group: Participants will receive therapeutic taping for the cervical region.

Exercise Group: Participants will undergo a structured program focusing on neck stabilization and postural correction.

Control Group: Participants will receive no active intervention and will maintain their routine activities.

Outcome Measures:

Comprehensive assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the 4-week program:

Pain & Disability: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Physical Performance: Balance tests and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance test.

Psychosocial Status: Quality of Life (SF-36) and depression levels (Beck Depression Inventory).

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Behavior Motor Activity Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Rumeli University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Those who have had neck pain for at least 3 months, Those who have worked at a desk for at least 3 years, Those who work at a computer for at least 6 hours or more a day during working hours, Those who sign the voluntary consent form.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals who have received any physiotherapy program due to neck or back pain within the last 3 months, those with acute torticollis, those who have undergone cervical spine surgery, those with a history of fractures in the cervical vertebrae, those with conditions that will prevent evaluation or communication (such as cognitive problems), individuals with proven specific pathological conditions such as malignancy, fracture, systemic rheumatoid disease, or other musculoskeletal problems that may also affect the cervical region, such as impingement and thoracic outlet, those allergic to kinesiobands

Treatment and study plan

Exercise

Other

Neck and posture exercises will be given to the participants Third times a week for four weeks.

Kinesiotape

Other

Neck kinesiotape will be applied by a physiotherapist

Primary outcomes

  1. Depression

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (Week 4)

    Beck Depression ınventory:The form contains 21 symptom categories, each with 4 options. Each item is scored between 0 and 3. The highest possible score is 63. Individuals scoring 17 points or higher are reported to have severe depressive symptoms requiring treatment.

  2. Balance test

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)

    The single-leg stance test will be used to assess balance. The individual is asked to stand on their dominant leg with their hands at their sides, then lift their leg, bending their knee joint at approximately a 45° angle, and start a stopwatch in this position. Individuals are asked to continue the test for the maximum time without losing their balance. The test ends when balance is lost, and the time is recorded in seconds.

  3. Deep flexor endurance test

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)

    The 'Cervical Deep Flexor Muscle Endurance Test' is used. The test was performed in a supine hook position. The participants' hands were placed loosely on their abdomen. The person was instructed to pull their chin inward (chin tuck) and, while maintaining this position, to lift their head off the bed.

  4. SF 36 Quality of life

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)

    The Short Form-36 (SF-36) is a scale consisting of 36 questions that assess a person's health status with 8 sub-items (physical function (FF), physical health (FS), emotional problems (DS), energy fatigue (EF), emotional state (DD), social function (SF), pain (A), general health (GS)). Each sub-item is scored separately on a scale of 0-100. The closer the score is to 100, the better the health status.

  5. Pain Assessment

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)

    Visual pain Assessment is used. Individuals were asked to indicate the intensity of the pain they felt on a 10 cm long scale (0: no pain, 10: unbearable pain).

  6. Disability

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of treatment (week 4)

    Neck disability index is used.The questionnaire, which assesses subjective symptoms and daily living activities, consists of 10 sections in total (pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, work life, driving, sleep, and leisure activities). Each section has 6 items ranging from 0 to 5 points. The total score ranges from 0 to 50 (0: no disability; 50: maximum disability).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Rumeli University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF POSTURAL EXERCISES AND TAPING IN OFFICE WORKERS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Acronym: OFFICE WORKERS

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 24, 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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