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

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Office Workers
Interventions
Behavioral: Supervised EMG Biofeedback Exercise Training Group
Behavioral: Home-Based Exercise Training Group
Behavioral: Posture Training/Ergonomic Regulations Group
Registration Number
NCT04198675
Lead Sponsor
Marmara University
Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
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

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Supervised EMG Biofeedback Exercise Training GroupSupervised EMG Biofeedback Exercise Training GroupFrequency: 3/week Duration:6 weeks Dosage: Tolerable intensity-dependent increase in exercises program.
Home-Based Exercise Training GroupHome-Based Exercise Training GroupFrequency: 3/week Duration:6 weeks Dosage: Tolerable intensity-dependent increase in exercises program.
Posture Training/Ergonomic Regulations GroupPosture Training/Ergonomic Regulations Group1 session, no further intervention until second evaluation for 6 weeks.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC)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).

Muscle Activation of Upper Trapezius30 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.

Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) / Forward Head Posture10 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 Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Constant-Murley Score (CMS)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.

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

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)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).

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

Neck Disability Index (NDI)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.

Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD)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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Marmara University Faculty of Health Sciences

🇹🇷

Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey

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