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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07475819

Posture Exercises and Ergonomics Education

The goal of this observational study is to learn if a combination of postural exercise programs and ergonomics education can provide protective and therapeutic effects against work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in academic and administrative office staff at Bahçeşehir University (aged 20-55, working at least 3 months in an office setting). The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does a 6-week program of ergonomics training and regular posture exercises reduce the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain? Can structured ergonomics education improve the alignment of the office environment with international safety standards (OSHA)? Is there a measurable improvement in the sleep quality of office workers following these interventions?

Researchers will compare the pre-intervention baseline data to post-intervention results (after 6 weeks) to see if the interventions lead to a statistically significant reduction in physical discomfort and an increase in ergonomic compliance.

Participants will:

Undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment, including the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, New York Posture Analysis, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Attend a one-day intensive training program covering both theoretical ergonomics and practical postural exercises.

Receive an instructional brochure with a QR code providing access to exercise videos.Perform the prescribed ergonomic adjustments and exercises during workdays for a duration of 6 weeks.Complete a follow-up assessment after 6 weeks to evaluate changes in pain levels, posture, and environmental compliance.

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Key information

Conditions

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Ergonomic Risk Exposure Postural Disorders

Age range

20 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bahcesehir university

Istanbul, 34353, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study aims to investigate the effects of a combined ergonomics education and postural exercise program on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among academic and administrative office workers.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among office-based employees due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inadequate ergonomic conditions. These factors contribute not only to physical discomfort and pain but also to reduced productivity and overall well-being. In addition, emerging evidence suggests a relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and sleep quality.

In this study, participants will undergo baseline assessments to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort, postural alignment, sleep quality, and ergonomic risk exposure in the workplace. Following these assessments, all participants will attend a structured training session that integrates theoretical ergonomics education with practical instruction on posture correction exercises and workstation adjustments.

The intervention is designed to promote behavioral change by increasing awareness of ergonomic risk factors and encouraging the adoption of healthier postural habits during daily work activities. Supporting materials, including visual and digital resources, will be provided to facilitate adherence to the recommended exercises and ergonomic modifications.

Participants will be instructed to apply ergonomic principles and perform the prescribed exercises regularly during their working hours over a 6-week period. No control group will be included, and outcomes will be evaluated using a within-subject comparison approach.

At the end of the intervention period, follow-up assessments will be conducted to determine changes in musculoskeletal symptoms, posture, sleep quality, and ergonomic compliance. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of preventive and practical workplace interventions aimed at reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office environments.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 20-55, currently employed as an office worker for at least 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

  • Congenital or acquired musculoskeletal disabilities, systemic diseases contraindicating exercise, pregnancy, chronic neurological/cardiovascular conditions, or regular exercise participation within the last 6 months.

Treatment and study plan

Exercise

Behavioral

Digitalized Continuity via QR Code Technology: To bridge the gap between training and daily habit formation, the intervention utilizes custom-designed brochures embedded with QR codes. These link directly to high-quality video demonstrations, allowing participants to access professional guidance at their workstations in real-time, thereby reducing the "forgetting curve" typical of one-time trainings.

Specific Academic/Administrative Context: While many ergonomics studies focus on industrial workers, this study specifically targets the unique stressors of a university setting (e.g., prolonged periods of intense cognitive load combined with static computer use among high-level education professionals).

Comprehensive Outcome Mapping: The study is unique in its holistic evaluation, correlating physical posture (NYPA) and musculoskeletal pain (CMDQ) with environmental compliance (OSHA) and physiological recovery markers (PSQI Sleep Quality), offering a 360-degree view of the office worker

Primary outcomes

  1. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)

    CMDQ was developed by Alan Hedge and colleagues at Cornell University to evaluate the frequency, severity, and functional impact of discomfort across 11 body regions (Hedge et al., 1999). Scoring involves a weighted calculation where frequency, severity, and interference values are multiplied to produce a total score (0-90). The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale were established by Erdinç (2011).

  2. New York Posture Analysis (NYPA)

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)

    NYPA is an observational tool used to grade postural alignment in 13 body segments (McRoberts et al., 2013). Each segment is scored 1, 3, or 5, with total scores ranging from 13 to 65. It provides a standardized categorization from "Very Poor" to "Very Good."

  3. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)

    The PSQI measures subjective sleep quality over a one-month interval through seven sub-dimensions (Buysse et al., 1989). The total score (0-21) distinguishes between "good" and "poor" sleepers. The Turkish version's psychometric properties were validated by Agargun et al. (1996).

Secondary outcomes

  1. OSHA Computer Workstation Ergonomics Evaluation Checklist

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)

    This 24-item tool evaluates the ergonomic suitability of the work environment across six dimensions, including seating and monitor placement (OSHA, 1992). Higher scores indicate superior ergonomic compliance. The Turkish validity study was conducted by Erdoğan (2007).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bahçeşehir University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Posture Exercises and Ergonomics Education on Office Workers

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 17, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 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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