Unloading Maneuvers During Spinal Flexion Exposure

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Occupational Exposure

• Registration Number: NCT07116720
• Lead Sponsor: University of Primorska

Brief Summary

An experimental study, which will aim to investigate the acute effects of unloading maneuvers during an intermittent spinal flexion protocol on changes in trunk mechanical and neuromuscular properties.

Detailed Description

Our experimental study will include 30 participants. All participants will complete a 60-min intermittent spinal flexion protocol. During rest periods within the protocol, the participants from the intervention group will perform unloading maneuvers for the lumbar spine. Measurements of trunk mechanical and neuromuscular properties. will be performed prior to and following the 60-min protocol.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Study First Submitted: 2025-08-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-08-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-08-06
• Study First Posted: 2025-08-12
• Last Update Posted: 2025-08-12
• Study Start: 2025-08-25
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-30
• Study Completion: 2025-10-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

• Occupational workers with a predominantly non static job (e.g. combination of sitting and standing)

Exclusion Criteria

• History of chronic low back pain
• Episode of acute low back pain
• Hip injury in the past six months
• Previous spine, pelvis or hip surgery
• Hypermobility, diagnosed with the Beighton score
• High intensity resistance training (> 75 % of 1 repetition maximum) more than two times a week
• Sporting or recreational activities, that include repetitive spinal flexion or maintenance of a flexed posture (for example cycling or rowing).

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in muscle stiffness	90 minutes	Muscle stiffness will be measured using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography during prone lying and forward stooping. Erector spinae and multifidus muscle stiffness will be expressed as the shear modulus value in kilopascals.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in range of motion	90 minutes	Trunk flexion range of motion will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse in maximal trunk flexion while standing.
Change in trunk extension maximal strength	90 minutes	Isometric trunk extension peak torque will be assessed on a trunk dynamometer.
Change in seated spinal height	90 minutes	Seated spinal height will be measured on a custom-developed stadiometer, with the participants in a seated position.
Change in lumbar lordosis angle	90 minutes	The lumbar lordosis angle will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse during upright standing.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska; 🇸🇮 Izola, Primorska, Slovenia