Musculoskeletal DiseasesNCT07324655
Association Between Office Ergonomics, Work Organization, and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Medical Secretaries
An observational study of Musculoskeletal Diseases and Ergonomics, run by Antalya Training and Research Hospital at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Work-related musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common occupational health issues affecting healthcare staff, especially medical secretaries who spend long hours in sedentary positions and repetitive office tasks. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Musculoskeletal Diseases, Ergonomics, Occupational Diseases
- How many people
- 110 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2026to 19 Apr 2026
- How long will I take part?
- 1 Day
- Phase
- Observational
- 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
Study population: The study population consists of medical secretaries working in hospital settings who report work-related musculoskeletal pain. Participants are evaluated in a single assessment to examine the association between office ergonomics, work organization characteristics, and musculoskeletal complaints.
Who may be able to join
- Medical secretaries currently working in a hospital setting
- Aged 18 years or older
- Employed in a desk-based/office position involving computer use
- Working in the current position for at least 6 months
- Presence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal pain/complaints in at least one body region (e.g., neck, shoulder, upper back, low back, upper extremity) within the last 3 months, assessed by questionnaire
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Able to complete self-reported questionnaires
Who cannot join
- Known spinal deformity or specific spinal disorder (e.g., symptomatic disc herniation/radiculopathy, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis) that could significantly affect musculoskeletal symptoms
- Neurological deficit or neurological disease affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle weakness, sensory loss, peripheral neuropathy)
- Diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic arthritis)
- Major trauma to the neck/upper extremity/spine or orthopedic surgery within the past 6 months
- History of spine surgery (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar)
- Receipt of intensive physical therapy/rehabilitation program or invasive pain procedure (e.g., injection, nerve block) targeting the spine or upper extremity within the past 6 months
- Pregnancy
- Severe cognitive impairment or severe psychiatric disorder that would prevent completion of questionnaires or reliable participation
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Antalya, Muratpaşa, 07100
Ceylanpınar State Hospital
Sanliurfa, Ceylanpınar, 63570
About this study
Official title: The Relationship Between Office Ergonomics, Work Organization, and Musculoskeletal System Complaints Among Medical Secretaries
Work-related musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common occupational health issues affecting healthcare staff, especially medical secretaries who spend long hours in sedentary positions and repetitive office tasks. This observational, cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal system complaints among medical secretaries.
Participants will complete a structured questionnaire that includes demographic and occupational data, ergonomic and work organization characteristics (such as desk and chair setup, posture, computer use, and daily working hours), and self-reported measures of pain and well-being. Postural alignment will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), while pain intensity will be assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, participants' physical activity level, disability score and stress level will be recorded to examine their potential influence on musculoskeletal symptoms.
Read more
The study aims to determine whether poor ergonomic conditions, inadequate posture, low physical activity, and high stress are associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back regions.
This study is observational and does not include any intervention or experimental treatment. All participation will be voluntary, and data will be collected anonymously. The findings are expected to contribute to preventive strategies and ergonomic improvements to enhance occupational health and comfort among medical secretaries working in healthcare institutions.
Read the detailed description
Work-related musculoskeletal system disorders are a significant occupational health concern, especially among healthcare professionals performing prolonged sedentary tasks. Medical secretaries are particularly at risk because they spend long hours sitting at a desk, using computers, and performing repetitive upper extremity movements. These conditions may cause pain, postural deviation, and physical or functional limitations that impair quality of life and work efficiency.
This observational, cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal system complaints among medical secretaries. The study will assess how posture, pain, physical activity, stress, and disability scores interact and contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Participants will include volunteer medical secretaries working in hospital administrative departments. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic and occupational characteristics, ergonomic and organizational factors (e.g., workstation setup, desk and chair suitability, monitor height, working hours, and break frequency), and validated assessment tools.
Postural alignment will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), which rates 13 body segments and provides a total score ranging from 13 to 65 points. Pain intensity will be measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The physical activity level will be assessed using a standardized scale, while stress levels will be measured using a perceived stress questionnaire. Additionally, disability scores will be recorded to evaluate the functional impact of musculoskeletal pain on daily activities and occupational performance.
Statistical analyses will examine correlations between ergonomic conditions, posture, pain, stress, physical activity, and disability scores. Subgroup analyses will explore associations based on age, gender, and years of professional experience.
By identifying key ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors, this study aims to contribute to preventive strategies that improve workplace ergonomics, reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhance the well-being and productivity of medical secretaries in hospital environments.
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Diseases, Ergonomics, Occupational Diseases, Workplace, Pain
- Being tested
- No intervention (observational study)
- Keywords
- Medical secretaries, Occupational health, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disease, Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Diseases, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
No intervention (observational study)Other
This is an observational study. No intervention is applied. Participants are assessed once using questionnaires to evaluate office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal complaints.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Secretaries | Medical secretaries working in hospital settings who are evaluated for office ergonomics, work organization characteristics, and the presence of musculoskeletal complaints using self-reported questionnaires in a single assessment. Receives: Other: No intervention (observational study) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Prevalence and Severity of Musculoskeletal Complaints
The presence and severity of musculoskeletal complaints among medical secretaries are assessed using a self-reported musculoskeletal questionnaire covering the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and upper extremities, in relation to office ergonomics and work organization factors.
Measured: Single assessment (1 day)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2026
- Primary completion19 Apr 2026
- Study completion19 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Musculoskeletal DiseasesStudies 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 110 participants (actual)
- Target duration
- 1 Day
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Gülşah Çelik, Principal investigator, Ceylanpınar State Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07324655
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AntalyaTRH2
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 21 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared.
Publications
Durmaz E, Nazlıcan E, Akbaba M.Bir Üniversite Hastanesinde Çalışan Sekreterlerin Üst Ekstremite Kas İskelet Sistemi Yakınmalarının İncelenmesi.Sakarya Tıp Dergisi, 2018, 8(2):432-441
Barut Ö, Koçak FA, Kurt EE, Şaş S, Tuncay F, Erdem HR. Sırt veya Bel Ağrısı Olan ve Olmayan Tıbbi Sekreterlerin Omurga Sagittal Eğrilikleri, Fonksiyonel Durum ve Yaşam Kalitesi Düzeylerinin Karşılaştırılması. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi. 2020;17(1):91-7.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Relationship Between Office Ergonomics, Work Organization, and Musculoskeletal System Complaints Among Medical Secretaries
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07324655
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AntalyaTRH2
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Diseases, Ergonomics, Occupational Diseases, Workplace, Pain
- Keywords
- Medical secretaries, Occupational health, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disease, Pain
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 110 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Antalya Training and Research HospitalOther government
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 19 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 19 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Jan 2026 (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.
Work-related musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common occupational health issues affecting healthcare staff, especially medical secretaries who spend long hours in sedentary positions and repetitive office tasks. This observational, cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal system complaints among medical secretaries.
Participants will complete a structured questionnaire that includes demographic and occupational data, ergonomic and work organization characteristics (such as desk and chair setup, posture, computer use, and daily working hours), and self-reported measures of pain and well-being. Postural alignment will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), while pain intensity will be assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, participants' physical activity level, disability score and stress level will be recorded to examine their potential influence on musculoskeletal symptoms.
The study aims to determine whether poor ergonomic conditions, inadequate posture, low physical activity, and high stress are associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back regions.
This study is observational and does not include any intervention or experimental treatment. All participation will be voluntary, and data will be collected anonymously. The findings are expected to contribute to preventive strategies and ergonomic improvements to enhance occupational health and comfort among medical secretaries working in healthcare institutions.
Detailed description
Work-related musculoskeletal system disorders are a significant occupational health concern, especially among healthcare professionals performing prolonged sedentary tasks. Medical secretaries are particularly at risk because they spend long hours sitting at a desk, using computers, and performing repetitive upper extremity movements. These conditions may cause pain, postural deviation, and physical or functional limitations that impair quality of life and work efficiency.
This observational, cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal system complaints among medical secretaries. The study will assess how posture, pain, physical activity, stress, and disability scores interact and contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Participants will include volunteer medical secretaries working in hospital administrative departments. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic and occupational characteristics, ergonomic and organizational factors (e.g., workstation setup, desk and chair suitability, monitor height, working hours, and break frequency), and validated assessment tools.
Postural alignment will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), which rates 13 body segments and provides a total score ranging from 13 to 65 points. Pain intensity will be measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The physical activity level will be assessed using a standardized scale, while stress levels will be measured using a perceived stress questionnaire. Additionally, disability scores will be recorded to evaluate the functional impact of musculoskeletal pain on daily activities and occupational performance.
Statistical analyses will examine correlations between ergonomic conditions, posture, pain, stress, physical activity, and disability scores. Subgroup analyses will explore associations based on age, gender, and years of professional experience.
By identifying key ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors, this study aims to contribute to preventive strategies that improve workplace ergonomics, reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhance the well-being and productivity of medical secretaries in hospital environments.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Target follow-up
- 1 Day
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Secretaries | – | Other: No intervention (observational study)Medical secretaries working in hospital settings who are evaluated for office ergonomics, work organization characteristics, and the presence of musculoskeletal complaints using self-reported questionnaires in a single assessment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of medical secretaries working in hospital settings who report work-related musculoskeletal pain. Participants are evaluated in a single assessment to examine the association between office ergonomics, work organization characteristics, and musculoskeletal complaints.
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Medical secretaries currently working in a hospital setting
- Aged 18 years or older
- Employed in a desk-based/office position involving computer use
- Working in the current position for at least 6 months
- Presence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal pain/complaints in at least one body region (e.g., neck, shoulder, upper back, low back, upper extremity) within the last 3 months, assessed by questionnaire
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Known spinal deformity or specific spinal disorder (e.g., symptomatic disc herniation/radiculopathy, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis) that could significantly affect musculoskeletal symptoms
- Neurological deficit or neurological disease affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle weakness, sensory loss, peripheral neuropathy)
- Diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic arthritis)
- Major trauma to the neck/upper extremity/spine or orthopedic surgery within the past 6 months
- History of spine surgery (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| No intervention (observational study)This is an observational study. No intervention is applied. Participants are assessed once using questionnaires to evaluate office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal complaints. | Other | Medical Secretaries |
Primary outcome
Prevalence and Severity of Musculoskeletal Complaints
Time frame: Single assessment (1 day)
The presence and severity of musculoskeletal complaints among medical secretaries are assessed using a self-reported musculoskeletal questionnaire covering the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and upper extremities, in relation to office ergonomics and work organization factors.
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 21 Apr 2026.
- BackgroundDurmaz E, Nazlıcan E, Akbaba M.Bir Üniversite Hastanesinde Çalışan Sekreterlerin Üst Ekstremite Kas İskelet Sistemi Yakınmalarının İncelenmesi.Sakarya Tıp Dergisi, 2018, 8(2):432-441
- BackgroundBarut Ö, Koçak FA, Kurt EE, Şaş S, Tuncay F, Erdem HR. Sırt veya Bel Ağrısı Olan ve Olmayan Tıbbi Sekreterlerin Omurga Sagittal Eğrilikleri, Fonksiyonel Durum ve Yaşam Kalitesi Düzeylerinin Karşılaştırılması. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi. 2020;17(1):91-7.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared.
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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.
Gülşah Çelik principal investigator
Ceylanpınar State Hospital
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Musculoskeletal Diseases and Ergonomics, run by Antalya Training and Research Hospital at 2 sites 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 8 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 21 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites 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?
Prevalence and Severity of Musculoskeletal Complaints (time frame: Single assessment (1 day)). 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 NCT07324655, which also lists 2 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 21 Apr 2026.