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Occupational TherapyNCT07244692

Occupational Therapy Interventions Added To Reformer Pilates Exercises In Office Workers

A study testing Reformer Pilates and Occupational Therapy in people with Occupational Therapy and Office Workers, run by Pamukkale University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

As computer use continues to increase, work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become a major health concern among individuals working in office environments. A lack of awareness regarding the risks of working in ergonomically unsuitable conditions contributes to the development of musculoskeletal problems due to… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 50 years
What is being tested?
Reformer Pilates and Occupational Therapy
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
8 Aug 2023to 29 May 2024
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 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Being between the ages of 18 and 50,
  • Having worked full-time at a desk job for at least 6 months,
  • Being classified as sedentary according to the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire,
  • Not having previously participated in occupational therapy intervention,
  • Ability to understand, speak, and write Turkish,
  • Ability to understand verbal and written information provided,
  • Volunteer status.

Who cannot join

  • Working in a role outside the scope of office work (e.g., kitchen, cleaning, etc.),
  • Having undergone surgery related to the musculoskeletal system within the last 6 months,
  • The presence of any clinical or orthopedic condition that may limit the performance of Reformer Pilates exercises (malignancies, infections, inflammatory diseases, severe osteoporosis, metabolic bone diseases, pregnancy, cognitive impairment, nerve root compression, history of spinal surgery, etc.).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Pamukkale University

    Denizli, 20070

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Investigation Of The Effects Of Occupational Therapy Interventions Added To Reformer Pilates Exercises In Office Workers

As computer use continues to increase, work-related musculoskeletal disorders have become a major health concern among individuals working in office environments. A lack of awareness regarding the risks of working in ergonomically unsuitable conditions contributes to the development of musculoskeletal problems due to prolonged incorrect posture. Ergonomically inadequate work environments have been reported to negatively affect employee well-being, increase musculoskeletal symptoms, and reduce work performance by affecting motivation, concentration, and other individual factors. Studies indicate that productivity losses in such conditions may range from 2.4 percent to 14.8 percent. To prevent musculoskeletal problems, reduce pain, and improve quality of life in office workers, it is recommended that the ergonomic quality of the work environment be improved and that employees be encouraged to participate in exercise programs.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of occupational therapy interventions added to reformer Pilates exercises in office workers. Occupational therapy interventions include ergonomic training, strategies to increase physical activity levels, and meaningful activities planned specifically for each participant. To date, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined the effectiveness of combining occupational therapy interventions with reformer Pilates exercises in individuals working in office settings.

It is anticipated that the integration of person-centered occupational therapy interventions with reformer Pilates exercises will lead to improvements in fatigue, burnout, and musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as enhanced quality of life in participants. In addition, occupational therapy interventions may reduce absenteeism resulting from musculoskeletal problems. Consequently, it is expected that healthcare costs may decrease while workplace productivity and efficiency may increase.

Read the detailed description

Offices are environments where repetitive movements such as writing and prolonged screen use are common, often leading to poor posture, high levels of inactivity, and intensive engagement in administrative tasks. Since the mid-1980s, with the beginning of the information age, the use of computers in the workplace has increased substantially. Desktop computers, laptops, and tablets have become essential tools for communication and project management.

For office workers who spend a significant portion of their day working at a computer, the excessive load placed on the musculoskeletal system has become an important occupational ergonomics issue, contributing to the development of various musculoskeletal disorders. Risk factors related to repetitive tasks, continuous work, and poor posture are widely recognized as ergonomic risk factors.

Increasing evidence indicates that working in an ergonomically inadequate office environment can lead to musculoskeletal problems, negatively affect employee well-being, and reduce work productivity. Inadequate environmental conditions in office settings are often described as environmental stressors. Elements that determine the quality of the office environment include temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, colors, lighting, and air quality.

It has been suggested that improving factors that determine office environment quality may reduce the number of days employees take off work due to discomfort, enhance productivity, decrease stress by improving motivation, and ultimately support cost savings for organizations.

Ergonomic risk assessment approaches highlight that improper posture in office workers may result from shortcomings in workspace design or improper use of body mechanics by employees. Knowledge and awareness of ergonomics are considered protective in preventing musculoskeletal problems. Ergonomic interventions combined with principles from occupational health and safety, organizational psychology, and sociology may help better understand occupational behaviors and support workplace well-being.

In addition to ergonomic conditions, individual factors such as gender, age, education level, lifestyle habits, smoking, duration of employment, obesity, lack of exercise, and poor physical fitness also contribute to musculoskeletal disorders.

To prevent musculoskeletal problems, reduce pain, and improve quality of life in the increasing number of office workers, it is recommended to optimize workplace ergonomics and encourage employees to participate in exercise programs. Exercise-based physiotherapy approaches in office workers have been shown to reduce musculoskeletal pain symptoms and improve quality of life. Office workers who regularly engage in exercise programs generally report better overall well-being compared to those who do not.

Being tested
Reformer Pilates, Occupational Therapy
Keywords
Occupational therapy, Office workers, Reformer Pilates, Quality of life, Occupational performance

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Reformer PilatesOther

    Participants in the Reformer Pilates Only Group will receive a standard reformer Pilates exercise program under the supervision of a physiotherapist for four weeks. The program will consist of eight sessions, performed twice a week.

    Each session will last 50 minutes and will include the following components: 5 minutes of standard reformer Pilates warm-up exercises, 40 minutes of reformer Pilates exercises, 5 minutes of cool-down exercises.

    The exercise intensity will be progressively increased throughout the program as follows: Week 1: 8-10 repetitions, Week 2: 10-12 repetitions, Weeks 3 and 4: 12-15 repetitions.

  • Occupational TherapyOther

    Participants will receive an individualized occupational therapy-based intervention program.The occupational therapy-based intervention program will be planned individually for each participant at the beginning of the study, based on occupations identified through the Canadian Activity Performance Scale. This program will include interventions designed to support the achievement of personalized goals in occupational performance areas such as improving ergonomic conditions in the office environment, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure activities, and social participation.

Study groups in NCT07244692
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Reformer Pilates Only GroupActive comparatorParticipants in the Reformer Pilates Only Group will receive a standard reformer Pilates exercise program under the supervision of a physiotherapist for four weeks. The program will consist of eight sessions, performed twice a week. Each session will last 50 minutes and will include the following components: 5 minutes of standard reformer Pilates warm-up exercises, 40 minutes of reformer Pilates exercises, 5 minutes of cool-down exercises. The exercise intensity will be progressively increased throughout the program as follows: Week 1: 8-10 repetitions, Week 2: 10-12 repetitions, Weeks 3 and 4: 12-15 repetitions.
Receives: Other: Reformer Pilates
Occupational Therapy + Reformer Pilates GroupExperimentalParticipants in this group will complete the same standard reformer Pilates exercise program as the comparison group. In addition, they will receive an individualized occupational therapy-based intervention program. The occupational therapy-based intervention program will be planned individually for each participant at the beginning of the study, based on occupations identified through the Canadian Activity Performance Scale. This program will include interventions designed to support the achievement of personalized goals in occupational performance areas such as improving ergonomic conditions in the office environment, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure activities, and social participation.
Receives: Other: Reformer Pilates; Other: Occupational Therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires

    The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) is used to assess the frequency, and work interference of musculoskeletal discomfort across different body regions. It helps ergonomists and health professionals identify problem areas and evaluate the impact of work tasks or interventions on employee comfort and performance.

    Measured: 10 minutes

  2. Maslach Burnout Inventory

    The Maslach Burnout Inventory is used to assess occupational burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory consists of three subscales and 23 items: emotional exhaustion (9 items), depersonalization (5 items), and low personal ccomplishment (8 items). The emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales are scored on a 5-point Likert-type scale, ranging from 0 never to 4 always, while the low personal accomplishment subscale is scored the opposite way. Possible scores for each subscale range from 0-36 for emotional exhaustion, 0-20 for depersonalization, and 0-32 for low personal accomplishment.

    Measured: 10 minutes

  3. The Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue

    The Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) Scale is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure fatigue as a multidimensional experience rather than just tiredness. The scale has 16 items that measure five dimensions of fatigue: degree (item 1), severity (item 2), distress (item 3), degree of interference with activities of daily living (items 4-14), and timing (items 15-16). Items 1-14 contain 10-point numerical rating scales and items 15-16 have multiple-choice responses. The 10-point numerical rating scale ranges from 1 (not at all) to 10 (a great deal).

    Measured: 5 minutes

  4. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)

    The WHOQOL-BREF is a 26-item instrument consisting of four domains:physical health (7 items), psychological health (6 items), social relationships (3 items), and environmental health (8 items); it also contains QOL and general health items. The physical health domain includes items on mobility, daily activities, functional capacity, energy, pain, and sleep. The psychological domain measures include self-image, negative thoughts, positive attitudes, self-esteem, mentality, learning ability, memory concentration, religion, and the mental status. The social relationships domain contains questions on personal relationships, social support, and sex life. The environmental health domain covers issues related to financial resources, safety, health and social services, living physical environment, and transportation.

    Measured: 5 minutes

  5. AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS): Body Posture Evaluation

    Digital posture evaluation with APECS uses software created for the evaluation of posture with non-invasive photogrammetry techniques and correction of postural asymmetry and disorders with various exercises. APECS is available for download in the Google Play Store. APECS performs posture assessment with markers placed on the patient's body photograph and uses algorithms to assess correct body symmetry. APECS provides a rapid analysis of anthropometric characteristics of posture. It uses standardized landmarks and anatomical angles for postural assessment. Latin names of anthropometric landmarks and a list of relevant angles are available in the application.

    Measured: 5 minutes

  6. 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test

    This test evaluates individuals' sit-to-stand activity, lower extremity strength and dynamic balance. For the test, a chair with a seat height of approximately 43,18 cm and a backrest is used, along with a stopwatch. The chair is secured to prevent movement during the sit-to-stand activity, and care is taken to ensure that the participant's feet are in contact with the floor when seated. The test involve the participant sitting comfortably on the chair with full contact for 30 seconds, then transitioning to a standing position, and finally returning to a seated position on the chair. The stopwatch is started at the moment of the first rise, and the number of sit-to-stand repetitions perform by the individual within 30 seconds is recorded.

    Measured: 30 seconds

  7. Functional Reach Test

    The functional reach test is a commonly used test for assessing dynamic balance. During the assessment, participants are asked to turn sideways to the wall, flex their arm to 90 degrees, and make a fist with their hand. In this position, the level of the third metacarpophalangeal joint is marked as the starting position, and participants are asked to reach forward as far as possible without taking a step. At the furthest point reached, the third metacarpophalangeal joint is marked again. The distance between the two marked points is recorded in centimeters. The measurement is repeated three times, and the average of the three measurements is taken.

    Measured: 5 minutes

  8. Half Squat Test

    The half squat test is used to assess participants' lower extremity muscular endurance. Participants are asked to assume a half-squat position on a hard surface, with their feet shoulder-width apart, arms crossed over their chest, and torso upright, without shoes. The stopwatch is started with the "Go" command, and the squatting times are recorded.

    Measured: 5-7 minutes

  9. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure: COPM

    The COPM is a client-centred outcome measure for individuals to identify and prioritize everyday issues that restrict their participation in everyday living. This measure focuses on occupational performance in all areas of life, including self-care, leisure and productivity. The COPM is a semi-structured interview that enables an open dialogue between client and therapist on issues of importance to the client. COPM steps:

    1. Therapist introduction and explanation of COPM
    2. Client identifies specific activities and prioritize activities that are perceived as challenging for them

    2.Rates the current level of performance and satisfaction on a scale of 1-10 for each activity 4.Therapist and client collaborate to set client-centered goals based on identified activities 5.Therapist Documentation and intervention planning 6. Therapist Re-assessment and follow up

    Measured: 1-2 hours

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Nov 2025
  2. Study start8 Aug 2023
  3. Primary completion29 Apr 2024
  4. Study completion29 May 2024

Resources

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
20 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07244692
Sponsor's protocol ID
E-60116787-020-380663
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
17 Nov 2025
Last updated
9 Dec 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Reformer Pilates and Occupational Therapy in people with Occupational Therapy and Office Workers, run by Pamukkale 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 7 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Dec 2025. 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?

Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (time frame: 10 minutes). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
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 9 Dec 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.

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