Neck PainNCT07194746
The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain in FMSTRC Staff At the UWI Mona
A study testing Spine Exercise Program (Group B) in people with Neck Pain and Back Pain, run by The University of The West Indies at 1 site in Jamaica.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain
- What is being tested?
- Spine Exercise Program (Group B)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteJamaica
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2026to 31 Mar 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- All full time academic/office/supplementary/ancillary staff employed to the Faculty of Medical Science, Training and Research Complex, UWI, Mona.
- Individuals with a willingness to adhere to exercise program given in a handout.
- Individuals age 18-65
- Individuals with at least 1 year experience in their current position.
Who cannot join
- Individuals with a history of having spine surgery
- Individuals previously diagnosed with a spine pathology
- Individuals currently receiving physiotherapy for a spine problem
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR contact
Jamaica1 site
Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex, University of The West Indies-Mona Campus
Kingston
Paula U.A Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR, 876-631-4000 or 876-927-1297 ext. Ext. 8049, paula.dawson@uwimona.edu.jm
Shantelle B Peddlar, MBBS, 1-876-927-1297 ext. Ext. 8050, pmrphysiatryclinic@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain With a Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Spine-Specific and Non-Spine Specific Exercise Interventions in Staff of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching & Research Complex at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica: A Two-Phase Study
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona. It also seeks to assess staff members' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health and to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among those experiencing neck and low back pain. The study will be conducted in two phases using a descriptive cross-sectional design followed by a prospective randomised controlled trial, in which participants reporting pain will be allocated to either a spine-specific exercise intervention group or a non-spine-specific exercise control group for comparative analysis of outcomes.
Read the detailed description
Neck and low back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. Although often self-limiting, these conditions can become disabling and negatively affect productivity, occupational performance, social participation, and activities of daily living. Occupational factors such as prolonged sitting, sustained computer use, forward head posture, repetitive movements, awkward positioning, prolonged standing, and manual handling tasks are well-recognised contributors to spinal pain.
Workers within the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC) at The University of the West Indies, Mona represent a diverse occupational group that includes academic staff, administrative personnel, clinical instructors, laboratory staff, and ancillary workers. Academic and administrative staff frequently engage in prolonged desk-based work, extended computer use, and sustained sitting during lectures, research, and documentation. Clinical and laboratory personnel are exposed to prolonged standing, ward rounds, procedure assistance, and repetitive task performance. Ancillary staff may perform physically demanding duties such as lifting, cleaning, equipment handling, and working in sustained or awkward postures. These occupational exposures, compounded by suboptimal ergonomic practices and reduced core stability, may increase the risk of developing neck and low back pain.
International literature demonstrates a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among university employees and healthcare-related occupational groups. Identified risk factors include prolonged sedentary behaviour, repetitive strain, elevated body mass index, smoking, prior musculoskeletal injury, psychosocial stressors, and family history of spinal disorders. Despite this growing body of evidence, there is currently no published study examining the prevalence of neck and low back pain among university staff in Jamaica or the wider Caribbean, particularly within a multidisciplinary academic and clinical complex such as the FMSTRC.
Exercise therapy is widely recognised as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for both acute and chronic spinal pain. Evidence shows that structured exercise programmes improve muscular strength, flexibility, endurance, and spinal stability while reducing pain intensity and functional limitations. Exercise also promotes improved posture, enhances neuromuscular control, and supports overall spinal health, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent injury.
This study aims to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona, and to compare the effectiveness of a standardised spine-specific exercise programme versus a non-spine-specific exercise programme in reducing pain and improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to spinal health.
The study will be conducted in two phases and guided by both descriptive and experimental frameworks. In the first phase (descriptive phase), a cross-sectional design will be used to assess the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time FMSTRC workers across all occupational categories. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck and low back, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health.
In the second phase (experimental phase), staff members who report neck and/or low back pain will be randomised into either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme. The control group will receive a non-spine-specific exercise programme administered in parallel during the study period to minimise placebo effects. Pre- and post-intervention data will be collected using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and structured questionnaires (Questionnaires A and B) to assess changes in pain intensity, functional status, and spine-health knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Participant confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Each participant will be assigned a unique study identification number, and only demographic, occupational, clinical, and outcome data relevant to the study will be recorded. All data will be securely managed using REDCap, a password-protected web-based platform compliant with national data protection standards. Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and all study records will be securely stored and destroyed three years after study completion.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Low Back Pain, Spine, Work Related Illnesses
- Being tested
- Clinical Control Group (Group A), Spine Exercise Program (Group B)
- Keywords
- neck pain, back pain, Musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, spinal health, work related musculoskeletal disorders
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Clinical Control Group (Group A)Behavioural
The participants who reported the presence of neck or low back pain and were assigned to the clinical control group (Group A) after randomisation will receive a non-spine specific exercise program provided in a handout. The interventional group (Group B) will be asked to keep the standardised spine-specific exercise program confidential and not share with the control group (Group A). After eight (8) weeks, Group A participants will receive: the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess for changes in the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; a Questionnaire B, to ascertain any changes in their pain level using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); as well as their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain.
Spine Exercise Program (Group B)Behavioural
The standardised spine-specific exercise program will be provided in a handout and given only to the intervention group (Group B), and will include spine-specific basic neck or low back exercises to be done three (3) times per week, as well as brief stretching exercises, to be done during periods of sitting for greater than sixty (60) minutes. The selected participants will be asked to comply with instructions on the handout. Participants who experience worsening of their symptoms, or who develop new symptoms will be assessed as having an adverse outcome and will be withdrawn from the study and referred for evaluation and treatment if necessary.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Control (Group A) | Experimental | All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group A will be given a non-spine specific exercise program over an eight (8) week period after which time, participants will be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as a Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain. Receives: Behavioral: Clinical Control Group (Group A) |
| Spine Exercise Program (Group B) | Experimental | All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group B will be given a standardised spine-specific exercise program over an eight (8) week period, after which time they will be be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, having received the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Spine Exercise Program (Group B) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from Baseline in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire measures the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain, as reported by participants. The individually reported frequency score is then multiplied by the discomfort score and by the interference score to determine overall severity of pain experienced. This tallied score is then classified by severity into: no discomfort (0), mild (1 to 4.5), moderate (5 to 14), severe (15 - 45) and very severe (45 or higher). All participants will complete this assessment upon enrollment, as well as after an eight (8) week period of treatment, to evaluate any changes in their reported scores.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at eight (8) weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low back Pain (Questionnaire A)
Questionnaire A is a self-administered general questionnaire used to evaluate participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back. Knowledge is scored on a scale of 0-5, with 0-1 indicating poor or inadequate knowledge, 2-3 indicating moderate knowledge, and 4-5 indicating good or adequate knowledge. Attitude is scored 0-4, with 0-1 representing poor attitude, 2-3 moderate attitude, and 4 good attitude. Practice is scored 0-56, based on 12 questions, with 0-12 indicating poor or inadequate practices, 13-24 below average or fair, 25-32 average or moderate, 33-43 above average or good, and 44-56 excellent practices. Higher scores indicate better knowledge, more positive attitudes, and healthier practices related to neck and low back musculoskeletal problems. The questionnaire is administered at baseline (time of enrolment), and each domain will be analysed separately.
Measured: Done at the time of enrollment (Baseline)
Change from Baseline in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low Back Pain (Questionnaire B)
Questionnaire B is a self-administered general questionnaire used to evaluate participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back. Knowledge is scored on a scale of 0-5, with 0-1 indicating poor or inadequate knowledge, 2-3 indicating moderate knowledge, and 4-5 indicating good or adequate knowledge. Attitude is scored 0-4, with 0-1 representing poor attitude, 2-3 moderate attitude, and 4 good attitude. Practice is scored 0-56, based on 12 questions, with 0-12 indicating poor or inadequate practices, 13-24 below average or fair, 25-32 average or moderate, 33-43 above average or good, and 44-56 excellent practices. Higher scores indicate better knowledge, more positive attitudes, and healthier practices related to neck and low back musculoskeletal problems. The questionnaire is administered at the end of treatment at 8 weeks, and each domain will be analysed separately.
Measured: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Change from Baseline in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
The Numeric Rating Scale is a reliable and valid, unidimensional 11-point scale used for patient self-reporting of perceived pain. Its scale uses integers which range from zero (0) to ten (10), where 0 represents no pain, and 10 represents the worst imaginable pain. This is then categorised into mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10). All participants will complete this assessment upon enrollment, as well as after an eight (8) week period of treatment, to evaluate any changes in their perceived pain. This scale is from public domains and as such, permission for its use is not required.
Measured: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (25)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck PainStudies 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of The West Indies
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Paula Dawson, MBBS, The University of The West Indies
- Investigators
- Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR, Principal investigator, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07194746
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CREC-MN.069,2025/2026
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 24 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, Casey D, Cross JT Jr, Shekelle P, Owens DK; Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians; American College of Physicians; American Pain Society Low Back Pain Guidelines Panel. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Oct 2;147(7):478-91. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00006.
PubMed 17909209Shariat A, Cleland JA, Danaee M, Kargarfard M, Sangelaji B, Tamrin SBM. Effects of stretching exercise training and ergonomic modifications on musculoskeletal discomforts of office workers: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018 Mar-Apr;22(2):144-153. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2017.09.003. Epub 2017 Sep 6.
PubMed 28939263Lier R, Nilsen TI, Vasseljen O, Mork PJ. Neck/upper back and low back pain in parents and their adult offspring: Family linkage data from the Norwegian HUNT Study. Eur J Pain. 2015 Jul;19(6):762-71. doi: 10.1002/ejp.599. Epub 2014 Sep 29.
PubMed 25263611Green BN, Johnson CD, Snodgrass J, Smith M, Dunn AS. Association Between Smoking and Back Pain in a Cross-Section of Adult Americans. Cureus. 2016 Sep 26;8(9):e806. doi: 10.7759/cureus.806.
PubMed 27790393Chang JH, Wu JD, Liu CY, Hsu DJ. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic assessments of cleaners. Am J Ind Med. 2012 Jul;55(7):593-604. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22064. Epub 2012 Apr 27.
PubMed 22544565Naing L, Nordin RB, Abdul Rahman H, Naing YT. Sample size calculation for prevalence studies using Scalex and ScalaR calculators. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2022 Jul 30;22(1):209. doi: 10.1186/s12874-022-01694-7.
PubMed 35907796Gordon R, Bloxham S. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Healthcare (Basel). 2016 Apr 25;4(2):22. doi: 10.3390/healthcare4020022.
PubMed 27417610Herman Miller Research Corporation. (1989). How office workers spend their time and position themselves. Internal document.
Erdinc O HK, Ozkaya M. CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION,VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OFCORNELL MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT QUESTIONNAIRE (CMDQ) IN TURKISH LANGUAGE. 2008.
Ariens GA, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, Bouter LM, van der Wal G. Physical risk factors for neck pain. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000 Feb;26(1):7-19. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.504.
PubMed 10744172Lis AM, Black KM, Korn H, Nordin M. Association between sitting and occupational LBP. Eur Spine J. 2007 Feb;16(2):283-98. doi: 10.1007/s00586-006-0143-7. Epub 2006 May 31.
PubMed 16736200Lorusso A, Vimercati L, L'abbate N. Musculoskeletal complaints among Italian X-ray technology students: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. BMC Res Notes. 2010 Apr 24;3:114. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-114.
PubMed 20416101Smith DR, Wei N, Ishitake T, Wang RS. Musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese medical students. Kurume Med J. 2005;52(4):139-46. doi: 10.2739/kurumemedj.52.139.
PubMed 16639985Chou R, Huffman LH; American Pain Society; American College of Physicians. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Oct 2;147(7):492-504. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00007.
PubMed 17909210O'Sullivan PB, Phyty GD, Twomey LT, Allison GT. Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain with radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1997 Dec 15;22(24):2959-67. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199712150-00020.
PubMed 9431633
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain With a Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Spine-Specific and Non-Spine Specific Exercise Interventions in Staff of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching & Research Complex at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica: A Two-Phase Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07194746
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CREC-MN.069,2025/2026
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Low Back Pain, Spine, Work Related Illnesses
- Keywords
- neck pain, back pain, Musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, spinal health, work related musculoskeletal disorders
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of The West IndiesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Sep 2025 (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 purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona. It also seeks to assess staff members' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health and to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among those experiencing neck and low back pain. The study will be conducted in two phases using a descriptive cross-sectional design followed by a prospective randomised controlled trial, in which participants reporting pain will be allocated to either a spine-specific exercise intervention group or a non-spine-specific exercise control group for comparative analysis of outcomes.
Detailed description
Neck and low back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. Although often self-limiting, these conditions can become disabling and negatively affect productivity, occupational performance, social participation, and activities of daily living. Occupational factors such as prolonged sitting, sustained computer use, forward head posture, repetitive movements, awkward positioning, prolonged standing, and manual handling tasks are well-recognised contributors to spinal pain.
Workers within the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC) at The University of the West Indies, Mona represent a diverse occupational group that includes academic staff, administrative personnel, clinical instructors, laboratory staff, and ancillary workers. Academic and administrative staff frequently engage in prolonged desk-based work, extended computer use, and sustained sitting during lectures, research, and documentation. Clinical and laboratory personnel are exposed to prolonged standing, ward rounds, procedure assistance, and repetitive task performance. Ancillary staff may perform physically demanding duties such as lifting, cleaning, equipment handling, and working in sustained or awkward postures. These occupational exposures, compounded by suboptimal ergonomic practices and reduced core stability, may increase the risk of developing neck and low back pain.
International literature demonstrates a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among university employees and healthcare-related occupational groups. Identified risk factors include prolonged sedentary behaviour, repetitive strain, elevated body mass index, smoking, prior musculoskeletal injury, psychosocial stressors, and family history of spinal disorders. Despite this growing body of evidence, there is currently no published study examining the prevalence of neck and low back pain among university staff in Jamaica or the wider Caribbean, particularly within a multidisciplinary academic and clinical complex such as the FMSTRC.
Exercise therapy is widely recognised as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for both acute and chronic spinal pain. Evidence shows that structured exercise programmes improve muscular strength, flexibility, endurance, and spinal stability while reducing pain intensity and functional limitations. Exercise also promotes improved posture, enhances neuromuscular control, and supports overall spinal health, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent injury.
This study aims to determine the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex (FMSTRC), The University of the West Indies, Mona, and to compare the effectiveness of a standardised spine-specific exercise programme versus a non-spine-specific exercise programme in reducing pain and improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to spinal health.
The study will be conducted in two phases and guided by both descriptive and experimental frameworks. In the first phase (descriptive phase), a cross-sectional design will be used to assess the prevalence of neck and low back pain among full-time FMSTRC workers across all occupational categories. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck and low back, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spine health.
In the second phase (experimental phase), staff members who report neck and/or low back pain will be randomised into either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in an eight-week standardised spine-specific exercise programme. The control group will receive a non-spine-specific exercise programme administered in parallel during the study period to minimise placebo effects. Pre- and post-intervention data will be collected using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and structured questionnaires (Questionnaires A and B) to assess changes in pain intensity, functional status, and spine-health knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Participant confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Each participant will be assigned a unique study identification number, and only demographic, occupational, clinical, and outcome data relevant to the study will be recorded. All data will be securely managed using REDCap, a password-protected web-based platform compliant with national data protection standards. Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and all study records will be securely stored and destroyed three years after study completion.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Control (Group A) | Experimental | Behavioral: Clinical Control Group (Group A)All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group A will be given a non-spine specific exercise program over an eight (8) week period after which time, participants will be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as a Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain. |
| Spine Exercise Program (Group B) | Experimental | Behavioral: Spine Exercise Program (Group B)All participants will complete the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess for perceived pain; as well as Questionnaire A to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of neck or low back pain. Participants who are found to have neck or low back pain will be randomised into two (2) groups: a clinical control group (Group A) and an intervention group (Group B). Group B will be given a standardised spine-specific exercise program over an eight (8) week period, after which time they will be be reassessed using the CMDQ and NRS, as well as Questionnaire B to evaluate for changes in their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain, having received the intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- All full time academic/office/supplementary/ancillary staff employed to the Faculty of Medical Science, Training and Research Complex, UWI, Mona.
- Individuals with a willingness to adhere to exercise program given in a handout.
- Individuals age 18-65
- Individuals with at least 1 year experience in their current position.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with a history of having spine surgery
- Individuals previously diagnosed with a spine pathology
- Individuals currently receiving physiotherapy for a spine problem
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Control Group (Group A)The participants who reported the presence of neck or low back pain and were assigned to the clinical control group (Group A) after randomisation will receive a non-spine specific exercise program provided in a handout. The interventional group (Group B) will be asked to keep the standardised spine-specific exercise program confidential and not share with the control group (Group A). After eight (8) weeks, Group A participants will receive: the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) to assess for changes in the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain; a Questionnaire B, to ascertain any changes in their pain level using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); as well as their knowledge, attitude and practice towards musculoskeletal problems of the neck and low back pain. | Behavioural | Clinical Control (Group A) |
| Spine Exercise Program (Group B)The standardised spine-specific exercise program will be provided in a handout and given only to the intervention group (Group B), and will include spine-specific basic neck or low back exercises to be done three (3) times per week, as well as brief stretching exercises, to be done during periods of sitting for greater than sixty (60) minutes. The selected participants will be asked to comply with instructions on the handout. Participants who experience worsening of their symptoms, or who develop new symptoms will be assessed as having an adverse outcome and will be withdrawn from the study and referred for evaluation and treatment if necessary. | Behavioural | Spine Exercise Program (Group B) |
Primary outcome
Change from Baseline in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at eight (8) weeks
The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire measures the frequency, discomfort and interference with work due to musculoskeletal pain, as reported by participants. The individually reported frequency score is then multiplied by the discomfort score and by the interference score to determine overall severity of pain experienced. This tallied score is then classified by severity into: no discomfort (0), mild (1 to 4.5), moderate (5 to 14), severe (15 - 45) and very severe (45 or higher). All participants will complete this assessment upon enrollment, as well as after an eight (8) week period of treatment, to evaluate any changes in their reported scores.
3 secondary outcomes
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low back Pain (Questionnaire A)
Time frame: Done at the time of enrollment (Baseline)
Change from Baseline in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Musculoskeletal Problems of Neck and Low Back Pain (Questionnaire B)
Time frame: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Change from Baseline in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Time frame: From Enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 17909209Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, Casey D, Cross JT Jr, Shekelle P, Owens DK; Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians; American College of Physicians; American Pain Society Low Back Pain Guidelines Panel. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Oct 2;147(7):478-91. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-147-7-200710020-00006.
- Background: PubMed 28939263Shariat A, Cleland JA, Danaee M, Kargarfard M, Sangelaji B, Tamrin SBM. Effects of stretching exercise training and ergonomic modifications on musculoskeletal discomforts of office workers: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2018 Mar-Apr;22(2):144-153. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2017.09.003. Epub 2017 Sep 6.
- Background: PubMed 25263611Lier R, Nilsen TI, Vasseljen O, Mork PJ. Neck/upper back and low back pain in parents and their adult offspring: Family linkage data from the Norwegian HUNT Study. Eur J Pain. 2015 Jul;19(6):762-71. doi: 10.1002/ejp.599. Epub 2014 Sep 29.
- Background: PubMed 27790393Green BN, Johnson CD, Snodgrass J, Smith M, Dunn AS. Association Between Smoking and Back Pain in a Cross-Section of Adult Americans. Cureus. 2016 Sep 26;8(9):e806. doi: 10.7759/cureus.806.
- Background: PubMed 22544565Chang JH, Wu JD, Liu CY, Hsu DJ. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic assessments of cleaners. Am J Ind Med. 2012 Jul;55(7):593-604. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22064. Epub 2012 Apr 27.
- Background: PubMed 35907796Naing L, Nordin RB, Abdul Rahman H, Naing YT. Sample size calculation for prevalence studies using Scalex and ScalaR calculators. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2022 Jul 30;22(1):209. doi: 10.1186/s12874-022-01694-7.
- Background: PubMed 27417610Gordon R, Bloxham S. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Healthcare (Basel). 2016 Apr 25;4(2):22. doi: 10.3390/healthcare4020022.
- BackgroundHerman Miller Research Corporation. (1989). How office workers spend their time and position themselves. Internal document.
- BackgroundErdinc O HK, Ozkaya M. CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION,VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OFCORNELL MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT QUESTIONNAIRE (CMDQ) IN TURKISH LANGUAGE. 2008.
- Background: PubMed 10744172Ariens GA, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, Bouter LM, van der Wal G. Physical risk factors for neck pain. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000 Feb;26(1):7-19. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.504.
- Background: PubMed 16736200Lis AM, Black KM, Korn H, Nordin M. Association between sitting and occupational LBP. Eur Spine J. 2007 Feb;16(2):283-98. doi: 10.1007/s00586-006-0143-7. Epub 2006 May 31.
- Background: PubMed 20416101Lorusso A, Vimercati L, L'abbate N. Musculoskeletal complaints among Italian X-ray technology students: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. BMC Res Notes. 2010 Apr 24;3:114. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-114.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Cervical Stabilization With Core Stabilization in Young Adults With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Recruiting
Strain Counter Strain and Conventional Stretching in School-aged Children With Mechanical Neck Pain Due to Prolong Screen Use
Mechanical Neck Pain
Recruiting
Effects of Alexander Technique Versus Feldenkrais Somatic Training in Patients With Text Neck Syndrome
Text Neck Syndrome
Recruiting
Longitudinal Stripping Massage vs. Percussion Device for Neck Pain: Ultrasound Study.
Chronic Neck Pain
RecruitingPhase 2
Effectiveness of Phenotype-based Pain Management Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer Related Pain: a Pilot Study
Cancer Pain, Orofacial Pain
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.
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR contact
Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR principal investigator
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Spine Exercise Program (Group B) in people with Neck Pain and Back Pain, run by The University of The West Indies at 1 site in Jamaica.
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 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Feb 2026. 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 Jamaica. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR (1-876-927-1297 ext. Ext. 8049, paula.dawson@uwimona.edu.jm), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from Baseline in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at eight (8) weeks). 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 NCT07194746, which also lists 25 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 24 Feb 2026.