Musculoskeletal PainNCT04857853
Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and MSK Discomfort in Static Workstation
A study testing Exercise Without Rest Break, Exercise With Rest Break and Rest Break in people with Musculoskeletal Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- What is being tested?
- Exercise Without Rest Break, Exercise With Rest Break and Rest Break
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 14 Oct 2020to 10 Jul 2021
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both male and female
- Age: 25-45 years
- Those static workstation office workers using a computer for at least 6 hours per day.
- Static workstation office workers screened by ROSA.
Who cannot join
- Discomfort from non-musculoskeletal origin
- Recent history of trauma and receiving any kind of treatment for the current condition
- Severe orthopedic disease
- Any mental and physiological illness that could interfere in the exercise
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Static Workstation Office Workers
The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.
Read the detailed description
Static workstation workers frequently experience musculoskeletal discomfort which, according to a survey of the literature, may include muscle tension, muscle fatigue, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones. The incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort in office workers like computer users is as high as 50%. In various studies on static workstation workers, musculoskeletal discomfort has been reported, either separately or in aggregate, in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, back, legs, buttocks, ankles, feet, and chest.
The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Being tested
- Exercise Without Rest Break, Exercise With Rest Break, Rest Break
- Keywords
- Pain, Workstation, Musculoskeletal, Rest break
- Medical subject headings
- Musculoskeletal Pain, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise Without Rest BreakOther
Participants in the exercise group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours.
Exercises include shoulder shrugs, neck tilts, wrist and forearm stretch, back and hip stretch, upper body stretch, hamstring stretch, upper back stretch, hand/finger stretch. Side stretch and neck stretch.
Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks.
Exercise With Rest BreakOther
Participants in the exercise with rest break group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours.
Participants will also receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks.
Rest BreakOther
Participants in the rest breaks group will receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes twice a day during the work hours.
Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks. During the rest breaks, participants will not perform any exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Without Rest Breaks | Experimental | Exercise Without Rest Breaks Receives: Other: Exercise Without Rest Break |
| Exercise With Rest Break | Experimental | Exercise With Rest Break Receives: Other: Exercise With Rest Break |
| Rest Break | Experimental | Rest Break Receives: Other: Rest Break |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire
To assess the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort. minimum as Never = 0, and maximum as Several times every day = 10 The discomfort score is the severity of discomfort categorized as 'mild', 'moderate', and 'severe discomfort'.
Measured: 6th week
Chalder fatigue scale
Each of the 11 items is answered on a 4-point scale ranging from the asymptomatic to maximum symptomology, such as 'Better than usual', 'No worse than usual, 'Worse than usual, and 'Much worse than usual.
Measured: 6th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Apr 2021
- Study start14 Oct 2020
- Primary completion15 Jun 2021
- Study completion10 Jul 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Musculoskeletal PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Nazish Rafique, MSPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04857853
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/00858 Anam Rehman
- Status last verified
- Jul 2021
- First submitted
- 20 Apr 2021
- Last updated
- 20 Jul 2021
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Tarwaka P, Bakri LS. Ergonomi Industri Dasar-dasar pengetahuan ergonomi dan aplikasi di tempat kerja. Surakarta: Harapan Press; 2010.
Daneshmandi H, Choobineh AR, Ghaem H, Alhamd M, Fakherpour A. The effect of musculoskeletal problems on fatigue and productivity of office personnel: a cross-sectional study. J Prev Med Hyg. 2017 Sep;58(3):E252-E258.
PubMed 29123372Rahimi R. Effect of different rest intervals on the exercise volume completed during squat bouts. J Sports Sci Med. 2005 Dec 1;4(4):361-6. eCollection 2005 Dec.
PubMed 24501549Barredo RDV, Mahon K. The effects of exercise and rest breaks on musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks: An evidence-based perspective. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2007;19(2):151-63.
Willardson JM, Burkett LN. A comparison of 3 different rest intervals on the exercise volume completed during a workout. J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):23-6. doi: 10.1519/R-13853.1.
PubMed 15705039Menzel NN, Brooks SM, Bernard TE, Nelson A. The physical workload of nursing personnel: association with musculoskeletal discomfort. Int J Nurs Stud. 2004 Nov;41(8):859-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.03.012.
PubMed 15476759Hamberg-van Reenen HH, van der Beek AJ, Blatter BM, van der Grinten MP, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM. Does musculoskeletal discomfort at work predict future musculoskeletal pain? Ergonomics. 2008 May;51(5):637-48. doi: 10.1080/00140130701743433.
PubMed 18432442Hou JY, Shiao JS. Risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort in nurses. J Nurs Res. 2006 Sep;14(3):228-36. doi: 10.1097/01.jnr.0000387581.04716.56.
PubMed 16967405
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Jul 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Static Workstation Office Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04857853
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/00858 Anam Rehman
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Keywords
- Pain, Workstation, Musculoskeletal, Rest break
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 14 Oct 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jun 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jul 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Apr 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.
Detailed description
Static workstation workers frequently experience musculoskeletal discomfort which, according to a survey of the literature, may include muscle tension, muscle fatigue, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones. The incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort in office workers like computer users is as high as 50%. In various studies on static workstation workers, musculoskeletal discomfort has been reported, either separately or in aggregate, in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, back, legs, buttocks, ankles, feet, and chest.
The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Without Rest Breaks | Experimental | Other: Exercise Without Rest BreakExercise Without Rest Breaks |
| Exercise With Rest Break | Experimental | Other: Exercise With Rest BreakExercise With Rest Break |
| Rest Break | Experimental | Other: Rest BreakRest Break |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Both male and female
- Age: 25-45 years
- Those static workstation office workers using a computer for at least 6 hours per day.
- Static workstation office workers screened by ROSA.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Discomfort from non-musculoskeletal origin
- Recent history of trauma and receiving any kind of treatment for the current condition
- Severe orthopedic disease
- Any mental and physiological illness that could interfere in the exercise
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Without Rest BreakParticipants in the exercise group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours. Exercises include shoulder shrugs, neck tilts, wrist and forearm stretch, back and hip stretch, upper body stretch, hamstring stretch, upper back stretch, hand/finger stretch. Side stretch and neck stretch. Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks. | Other | Exercise Without Rest Breaks |
| Exercise With Rest BreakParticipants in the exercise with rest break group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours. Participants will also receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks. | Other | Exercise With Rest Break |
| Rest BreakParticipants in the rest breaks group will receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes twice a day during the work hours. Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks. During the rest breaks, participants will not perform any exercises. | Other | Rest Break |
Primary outcome
Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire
Time frame: 6th week
To assess the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort. minimum as Never = 0, and maximum as Several times every day = 10 The discomfort score is the severity of discomfort categorized as 'mild', 'moderate', and 'severe discomfort'.
Chalder fatigue scale
Time frame: 6th week
Each of the 11 items is answered on a 4-point scale ranging from the asymptomatic to maximum symptomology, such as 'Better than usual', 'No worse than usual, 'Worse than usual, and 'Much worse than usual.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Jul 2021.
- BackgroundTarwaka P, Bakri LS. Ergonomi Industri Dasar-dasar pengetahuan ergonomi dan aplikasi di tempat kerja. Surakarta: Harapan Press; 2010.
- Background: PubMed 29123372Daneshmandi H, Choobineh AR, Ghaem H, Alhamd M, Fakherpour A. The effect of musculoskeletal problems on fatigue and productivity of office personnel: a cross-sectional study. J Prev Med Hyg. 2017 Sep;58(3):E252-E258.
- Background: PubMed 24501549Rahimi R. Effect of different rest intervals on the exercise volume completed during squat bouts. J Sports Sci Med. 2005 Dec 1;4(4):361-6. eCollection 2005 Dec.
- BackgroundBarredo RDV, Mahon K. The effects of exercise and rest breaks on musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks: An evidence-based perspective. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2007;19(2):151-63.
- Background: PubMed 15705039Willardson JM, Burkett LN. A comparison of 3 different rest intervals on the exercise volume completed during a workout. J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):23-6. doi: 10.1519/R-13853.1.
- Background: PubMed 15476759Menzel NN, Brooks SM, Bernard TE, Nelson A. The physical workload of nursing personnel: association with musculoskeletal discomfort. Int J Nurs Stud. 2004 Nov;41(8):859-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.03.012.
- Background: PubMed 18432442Hamberg-van Reenen HH, van der Beek AJ, Blatter BM, van der Grinten MP, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM. Does musculoskeletal discomfort at work predict future musculoskeletal pain? Ergonomics. 2008 May;51(5):637-48. doi: 10.1080/00140130701743433.
- Background: PubMed 16967405Hou JY, Shiao JS. Risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort in nurses. J Nurs Res. 2006 Sep;14(3):228-36. doi: 10.1097/01.jnr.0000387581.04716.56.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nazish Rafique, MSPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise Without Rest Break, Exercise With Rest Break and Rest Break in people with Musculoskeletal Pain, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jul 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (time frame: 6th week). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04857853, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Jul 2021; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 1 Nov 2026.