Neck Muscle IssueNCT05596916
The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises in Office Workers
A study testing High frequency of stretching exercise and Low frequency of stretching exercise in people with Neck Muscle Issue, run by Mustafa Kemal University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of stretching exercises applied to the axioscapular muscles on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Muscle Issue
- What is being tested?
- High frequency of stretching exercise and Low frequency of stretching exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 18 Mar 2023to 20 Jun 2023
- 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 18 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Volunteer office workers who work at a desk more than 4 hours a day for at least 1 year
Who cannot join
- Those who have undergone surgery on the upper extremity and/or neck,
- Patients that had been diagnosed for Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis,
- Those who have received a physiotherapy program for the neck and/or upper extremity in the last 3 months,
- People who are actively involved in sports (at least 3 days a week / 150 minutes).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Hatay, Alahan, 31060
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises on Posture, Periscapular Muscle Strength and Disability in Office Workers
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of stretching exercises applied to the axioscapular muscles on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers.
Read the detailed description
Individuals who work at a desk for a long time often take a kyphotic or loose sitting position, resulting in tension in some of the axioscapular muscles and weakness in others. Because, as a result of wrong working posture at the desk, scapular downward rotation formation, increased activation in trapezius and levator scapula muscles, pain, decrease in normal joint range of motion (ROM) may result in impaired proprioception and this situation may create a vicious circle. In addition, incorrect sitting posture was found to be associated with changes in scapula position, kinematics and muscle activity.
It is considered a clinical feature that a change in scapular alignment can cause neck pain and dysfunction. The scapula shares common muscle connections with the neck, and altered axioscapular muscle function is claimed to potentially cause neck pain through abnormal loading of the cervical spine or the formation of myofascial trigger points.
Stretching the shortened upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapula muscles and strengthening the deep cervical flexor muscles are effective in correcting the anterior tilt posture of the head.
Stretching exercises applied to the tension and shortness of the axioscapular muscles can have a positive effect on middle and lower trapezius muscle and serratus anterior muscle weakness, as they contribute to the change of scapular position. It may also contribute to cervical motion and/or symptom relief.
For this reason, the aim of the study is to examine the effects of axioscapular muscle stretching exercises on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers. In addition, information about the effect of isolated stretching exercises on muscle strength and symptoms will be obtained and a contribution will be made about the weekly dosage.
- Conditions
- Neck Muscle Issue
- Being tested
- High frequency of stretching exercise, Low frequency of stretching exercise
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High frequency of stretching exerciseOther
After the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home.
In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 5 days a week.
Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment.
Low frequency of stretching exerciseOther
After the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home.
In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 3 days a week.
Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High frequency of stretching exercise | Experimental | Axio scapular muscle stretching exercises will be applied for 5 days a week during 6 weeks Receives: Other: High frequency of stretching exercise |
| Low frequency of stretching exercise | Active comparator | Axio scapular muscle stretching exercises will be applied for 3 days a week during 6 weeks Receives: Other: Low frequency of stretching exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The anterior tilt of head analysis with photography method
Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of the anterior tilt of the head will be evaluated through these photographs.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
The shoulder protraction analysis with photography method
Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of shoulder protraction will be evaluated through these photographs.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
The thoracic kyphosis analysis with photography method
Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of thoracic kyphosis will be evaluated through these photographs.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Shoulder protraction with tape measure
In addition, shoulder protraction with tape measure; It will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the acromion and the bed, with the person lying on his back.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
The hand held dynamometer
Muscle strength (Lower and Middle Trapezius Muscles, Serratus Anterior) will be evaluated with a hand held dynamometer. The selected muscles will be tested to achieve a maximum isometric contraction of 3 repetitions in the appropriate anatomical position.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) Questionnaire
Quick DASH is a 11-item questionnaire that questions the activities of a person in daily life, the degree of participation in recreational activities, the symptom and psychosocial state that affects their pain, and sleep quality. The total score is at least 0 and at most 100, and the high scores are positively correlated with the decreased functional level.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Modified Neck Disability Index
This form consists of 10 questions. The intensity of pain in the neck, difficulty in personal care, ability to lift weights, the interaction of reading with neck pain, headaches, difficulty in doing work, difficulty in driving, sleeping and leisure activities are questioned. Each question scores between 0 and 5 points, and an increased score is associated with increased disability.
Measured: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Oct 2022
- Study start18 Mar 2023
- Primary completion15 Jun 2023
- Study completion20 Jun 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck Muscle IssueStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Mustafa Kemal University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gamze Kus, Mustafa Kemal University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05596916
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MustafaKU06
- Status last verified
- Sep 2023
- First submitted
- 18 Oct 2022
- Last updated
- 6 Sep 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Kus G, Turkmen E, Yilmaz Y, Kaya B. Workplace-related shoulder protraction: effects of home-based axioscapular muscles-targeted stretching frequency in office workers - a randomized controlled trial. Int J Environ Health Res. 2026 Feb 26:1-13. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2026.2636151. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 41746139
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Sep 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises on Posture, Periscapular Muscle Strength and Disability in Office Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05596916
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MustafaKU06
- Conditions
- Neck Muscle Issue
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Mustafa Kemal UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Study start
- 18 Mar 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Jun 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 Oct 2022 (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 aim of this study is to examine the effects of stretching exercises applied to the axioscapular muscles on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers.
Detailed description
Individuals who work at a desk for a long time often take a kyphotic or loose sitting position, resulting in tension in some of the axioscapular muscles and weakness in others. Because, as a result of wrong working posture at the desk, scapular downward rotation formation, increased activation in trapezius and levator scapula muscles, pain, decrease in normal joint range of motion (ROM) may result in impaired proprioception and this situation may create a vicious circle. In addition, incorrect sitting posture was found to be associated with changes in scapula position, kinematics and muscle activity.
It is considered a clinical feature that a change in scapular alignment can cause neck pain and dysfunction. The scapula shares common muscle connections with the neck, and altered axioscapular muscle function is claimed to potentially cause neck pain through abnormal loading of the cervical spine or the formation of myofascial trigger points.
Stretching the shortened upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapula muscles and strengthening the deep cervical flexor muscles are effective in correcting the anterior tilt posture of the head.
Stretching exercises applied to the tension and shortness of the axioscapular muscles can have a positive effect on middle and lower trapezius muscle and serratus anterior muscle weakness, as they contribute to the change of scapular position. It may also contribute to cervical motion and/or symptom relief.
For this reason, the aim of the study is to examine the effects of axioscapular muscle stretching exercises on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers. In addition, information about the effect of isolated stretching exercises on muscle strength and symptoms will be obtained and a contribution will be made about the weekly dosage.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High frequency of stretching exercise | Experimental | Other: High frequency of stretching exerciseAxio scapular muscle stretching exercises will be applied for 5 days a week during 6 weeks |
| Low frequency of stretching exercise | Active comparator | Other: Low frequency of stretching exerciseAxio scapular muscle stretching exercises will be applied for 3 days a week during 6 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Volunteer office workers who work at a desk more than 4 hours a day for at least 1 year
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Those who have undergone surgery on the upper extremity and/or neck,
- Patients that had been diagnosed for Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis,
- Those who have received a physiotherapy program for the neck and/or upper extremity in the last 3 months,
- People who are actively involved in sports (at least 3 days a week / 150 minutes).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| High frequency of stretching exerciseAfter the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home. In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 5 days a week. Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment. | Other | High frequency of stretching exercise |
| Low frequency of stretching exerciseAfter the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home. In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 3 days a week. Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment. | Other | Low frequency of stretching exercise |
Primary outcome
The anterior tilt of head analysis with photography method
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of the anterior tilt of the head will be evaluated through these photographs.
The shoulder protraction analysis with photography method
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of shoulder protraction will be evaluated through these photographs.
The thoracic kyphosis analysis with photography method
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of thoracic kyphosis will be evaluated through these photographs.
Shoulder protraction with tape measure
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
In addition, shoulder protraction with tape measure; It will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the acromion and the bed, with the person lying on his back.
The hand held dynamometer
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Muscle strength (Lower and Middle Trapezius Muscles, Serratus Anterior) will be evaluated with a hand held dynamometer. The selected muscles will be tested to achieve a maximum isometric contraction of 3 repetitions in the appropriate anatomical position.
2 secondary outcomes
Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) Questionnaire
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Modified Neck Disability Index
Time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
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 6 Sep 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41746139Kus G, Turkmen E, Yilmaz Y, Kaya B. Workplace-related shoulder protraction: effects of home-based axioscapular muscles-targeted stretching frequency in office workers - a randomized controlled trial. Int J Environ Health Res. 2026 Feb 26:1-13. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2026.2636151. Online ahead of print.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing High frequency of stretching exercise and Low frequency of stretching exercise in people with Neck Muscle Issue, run by Mustafa Kemal University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 1 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 6 Sep 2023. 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
The anterior tilt of head analysis with photography method (time frame: Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.). The study lists 5 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 NCT05596916, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 6 Sep 2023; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.