Work Related Musculoskeletal DisordersNCT07475819
Posture Exercises and Ergonomics Education
A study testing Exercise in people with Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic Risk Exposure, run by Bahçeşehir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The goal of this observational study is to learn if a combination of postural exercise programs and ergonomics education can provide protective and therapeutic effects against work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in academic and administrative office staff at Bahçeşehir University (aged 20-55, working at… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 55 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Ergonomic Risk Exposure, Postural Disorders
- What is being tested?
- Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 25 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2026to 15 May 2026
- 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 20 to 55 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 20-55, currently employed as an office worker for at least 3 months.
Who cannot join
- Congenital or acquired musculoskeletal disabilities, systemic diseases contraindicating exercise, pregnancy, chronic neurological/cardiovascular conditions, or regular exercise participation within the last 6 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Bahcesehir university
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34353
About this study
Official title: Effect of Posture Exercises and Ergonomics Education on Office Workers
The goal of this observational study is to learn if a combination of postural exercise programs and ergonomics education can provide protective and therapeutic effects against work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in academic and administrative office staff at Bahçeşehir University (aged 20-55, working at least 3 months in an office setting). The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does a 6-week program of ergonomics training and regular posture exercises reduce the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain? Can structured ergonomics education improve the alignment of the office environment with international safety standards (OSHA)? Is there a measurable improvement in the sleep quality of office workers following these interventions?
Read more
Researchers will compare the pre-intervention baseline data to post-intervention results (after 6 weeks) to see if the interventions lead to a statistically significant reduction in physical discomfort and an increase in ergonomic compliance.
Participants will:
Undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment, including the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, New York Posture Analysis, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Attend a one-day intensive training program covering both theoretical ergonomics and practical postural exercises.
Receive an instructional brochure with a QR code providing access to exercise videos.Perform the prescribed ergonomic adjustments and exercises during workdays for a duration of 6 weeks.Complete a follow-up assessment after 6 weeks to evaluate changes in pain levels, posture, and environmental compliance.
Read the detailed description
This study aims to investigate the effects of a combined ergonomics education and postural exercise program on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among academic and administrative office workers.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among office-based employees due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inadequate ergonomic conditions. These factors contribute not only to physical discomfort and pain but also to reduced productivity and overall well-being. In addition, emerging evidence suggests a relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and sleep quality.
In this study, participants will undergo baseline assessments to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort, postural alignment, sleep quality, and ergonomic risk exposure in the workplace. Following these assessments, all participants will attend a structured training session that integrates theoretical ergonomics education with practical instruction on posture correction exercises and workstation adjustments.
The intervention is designed to promote behavioral change by increasing awareness of ergonomic risk factors and encouraging the adoption of healthier postural habits during daily work activities. Supporting materials, including visual and digital resources, will be provided to facilitate adherence to the recommended exercises and ergonomic modifications.
Participants will be instructed to apply ergonomic principles and perform the prescribed exercises regularly during their working hours over a 6-week period. No control group will be included, and outcomes will be evaluated using a within-subject comparison approach.
At the end of the intervention period, follow-up assessments will be conducted to determine changes in musculoskeletal symptoms, posture, sleep quality, and ergonomic compliance. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of preventive and practical workplace interventions aimed at reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office environments.
- Being tested
- Exercise
- Keywords
- office worker, posture exercises, ergonomic education
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseBehavioural
Digitalized Continuity via QR Code Technology: To bridge the gap between training and daily habit formation, the intervention utilizes custom-designed brochures embedded with QR codes. These link directly to high-quality video demonstrations, allowing participants to access professional guidance at their workstations in real-time, thereby reducing the "forgetting curve" typical of one-time trainings.
Specific Academic/Administrative Context: While many ergonomics studies focus on industrial workers, this study specifically targets the unique stressors of a university setting (e.g., prolonged periods of intense cognitive load combined with static computer use among high-level education professionals).
Comprehensive Outcome Mapping: The study is unique in its holistic evaluation, correlating physical posture (NYPA) and musculoskeletal pain (CMDQ) with environmental compliance (OSHA) and physiological recovery markers (PSQI Sleep Quality), offering a 360-degree view of the office worker
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| posture exercises and ergonomic education | Experimental | Following baseline assessments, participants attended a one-day intensive training program. The curriculum integrated:
Theoretical Education: Principles of office ergonomics and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Practical Training: Guided sessions on postural exercises and ergonomic workstation adjustments.
Support Materials: Participants received a brochure summarizing the training. A QR code was provided for mobile access to instructional exercise videos.
Participants were instructed to implement the ergonomic modifications and perform the exercises daily during work hours for a period of 6 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
CMDQ was developed by Alan Hedge and colleagues at Cornell University to evaluate the frequency, severity, and functional impact of discomfort across 11 body regions (Hedge et al., 1999). Scoring involves a weighted calculation where frequency, severity, and interference values are multiplied to produce a total score (0-90). The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale were established by Erdinç (2011).
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
New York Posture Analysis (NYPA)
NYPA is an observational tool used to grade postural alignment in 13 body segments (McRoberts et al., 2013). Each segment is scored 1, 3, or 5, with total scores ranging from 13 to 65. It provides a standardized categorization from "Very Poor" to "Very Good."
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
The PSQI measures subjective sleep quality over a one-month interval through seven sub-dimensions (Buysse et al., 1989). The total score (0-21) distinguishes between "good" and "poor" sleepers. The Turkish version's psychometric properties were validated by Agargun et al. (1996).
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (1)
OSHA Computer Workstation Ergonomics Evaluation Checklist
This 24-item tool evaluates the ergonomic suitability of the work environment across six dimensions, including seating and monitor placement (OSHA, 1992). Higher scores indicate superior ergonomic compliance. The Turkish validity study was conducted by Erdoğan (2007).
Measured: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2026
- Primary completion15 May 2026
- Study completion15 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Work Related Musculoskeletal DisordersStudies 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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 25 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Bahçeşehir University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Tuğçe Poyraz İşleyen, Bahçeşehir University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07475819
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2023-20/08
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Srivastava P, Sen P. Density functional study of structural defects in h-BNC2 sheets. J Phys Condens Matter. 2013 Jan 16;25(2):025304. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/2/025304. Epub 2012 Dec 6.
PubMed 23220908Sato N, Komatsu K, Kurumatani H. Late onset of diabetic nephropathy in spontaneously diabetic GK rats. Am J Nephrol. 2003 Sep-Oct;23(5):334-42. doi: 10.1159/000072915. Epub 2003 Aug 13.
PubMed 12920324Buysse DJ, Reynolds CF 3rd, Monk TH, Berman SR, Kupfer DJ. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Res. 1989 May;28(2):193-213. doi: 10.1016/0165-1781(89)90047-4.
PubMed 2748771Scammell J. Person-centred care: what nurses can learn from the patient perspective. Br J Nurs. 2017 Nov 9;26(20):1133. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2017.26.20.1133.
PubMed 29125345Lalman JA, Komjarova I. Impact of long chain fatty acids on glucose fermentation under mesophilic conditions. Environ Technol. 2004 Apr;25(4):391-401. doi: 10.1080/09593332508618458.
PubMed 15214444Lyvers M, Hanigan C, Thorberg FA. Social Interaction Anxiety, Alexithymia, and Drinking Motives in Australian University Students. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2018 Nov-Dec;50(5):402-410. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2018.1517228. Epub 2018 Sep 11.
PubMed 30204558Kuehne A, Roberts L. Learning from health information challenges in the Central African Republic: where documenting health and humanitarian needs requires fresh approaches. Confl Health. 2021 Sep 16;15(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s13031-021-00405-1.
PubMed 34530880
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Posture Exercises and Ergonomics Education on Office Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07475819
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2023-20/08
- Keywords
- office worker, posture exercises, ergonomic education
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 25 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Bahçeşehir UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 17 Mar 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.
The goal of this observational study is to learn if a combination of postural exercise programs and ergonomics education can provide protective and therapeutic effects against work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in academic and administrative office staff at Bahçeşehir University (aged 20-55, working at least 3 months in an office setting). The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does a 6-week program of ergonomics training and regular posture exercises reduce the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain? Can structured ergonomics education improve the alignment of the office environment with international safety standards (OSHA)? Is there a measurable improvement in the sleep quality of office workers following these interventions?
Researchers will compare the pre-intervention baseline data to post-intervention results (after 6 weeks) to see if the interventions lead to a statistically significant reduction in physical discomfort and an increase in ergonomic compliance.
Participants will:
Undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment, including the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, New York Posture Analysis, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Attend a one-day intensive training program covering both theoretical ergonomics and practical postural exercises.
Receive an instructional brochure with a QR code providing access to exercise videos.Perform the prescribed ergonomic adjustments and exercises during workdays for a duration of 6 weeks.Complete a follow-up assessment after 6 weeks to evaluate changes in pain levels, posture, and environmental compliance.
Detailed description
This study aims to investigate the effects of a combined ergonomics education and postural exercise program on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among academic and administrative office workers.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among office-based employees due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inadequate ergonomic conditions. These factors contribute not only to physical discomfort and pain but also to reduced productivity and overall well-being. In addition, emerging evidence suggests a relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and sleep quality.
In this study, participants will undergo baseline assessments to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort, postural alignment, sleep quality, and ergonomic risk exposure in the workplace. Following these assessments, all participants will attend a structured training session that integrates theoretical ergonomics education with practical instruction on posture correction exercises and workstation adjustments.
The intervention is designed to promote behavioral change by increasing awareness of ergonomic risk factors and encouraging the adoption of healthier postural habits during daily work activities. Supporting materials, including visual and digital resources, will be provided to facilitate adherence to the recommended exercises and ergonomic modifications.
Participants will be instructed to apply ergonomic principles and perform the prescribed exercises regularly during their working hours over a 6-week period. No control group will be included, and outcomes will be evaluated using a within-subject comparison approach.
At the end of the intervention period, follow-up assessments will be conducted to determine changes in musculoskeletal symptoms, posture, sleep quality, and ergonomic compliance. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of preventive and practical workplace interventions aimed at reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office environments.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| posture exercises and ergonomic education | Experimental | Behavioral: ExerciseFollowing baseline assessments, participants attended a one-day intensive training program. The curriculum integrated: Theoretical Education: Principles of office ergonomics and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Practical Training: Guided sessions on postural exercises and ergonomic workstation adjustments. Support Materials: Participants received a brochure summarizing the training. A QR code was provided for mobile access to instructional exercise videos. Participants were instructed to implement the ergonomic modifications and perform the exercises daily during work hours for a period of 6 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Aged 20-55, currently employed as an office worker for at least 3 months.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Congenital or acquired musculoskeletal disabilities, systemic diseases contraindicating exercise, pregnancy, chronic neurological/cardiovascular conditions, or regular exercise participation within the last 6 months.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseDigitalized Continuity via QR Code Technology: To bridge the gap between training and daily habit formation, the intervention utilizes custom-designed brochures embedded with QR codes. These link directly to high-quality video demonstrations, allowing participants to access professional guidance at their workstations in real-time, thereby reducing the "forgetting curve" typical of one-time trainings. Specific Academic/Administrative Context: While many ergonomics studies focus on industrial workers, this study specifically targets the unique stressors of a university setting (e.g., prolonged periods of intense cognitive load combined with static computer use among high-level education professionals). Comprehensive Outcome Mapping: The study is unique in its holistic evaluation, correlating physical posture (NYPA) and musculoskeletal pain (CMDQ) with environmental compliance (OSHA) and physiological recovery markers (PSQI Sleep Quality), offering a 360-degree view of the office worker | Behavioural | posture exercises and ergonomic education |
Primary outcome
Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
CMDQ was developed by Alan Hedge and colleagues at Cornell University to evaluate the frequency, severity, and functional impact of discomfort across 11 body regions (Hedge et al., 1999). Scoring involves a weighted calculation where frequency, severity, and interference values are multiplied to produce a total score (0-90). The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale were established by Erdinç (2011).
New York Posture Analysis (NYPA)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
NYPA is an observational tool used to grade postural alignment in 13 body segments (McRoberts et al., 2013). Each segment is scored 1, 3, or 5, with total scores ranging from 13 to 65. It provides a standardized categorization from "Very Poor" to "Very Good."
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
The PSQI measures subjective sleep quality over a one-month interval through seven sub-dimensions (Buysse et al., 1989). The total score (0-21) distinguishes between "good" and "poor" sleepers. The Turkish version's psychometric properties were validated by Agargun et al. (1996).
1 secondary outcome
OSHA Computer Workstation Ergonomics Evaluation Checklist
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)
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 28 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 23220908Srivastava P, Sen P. Density functional study of structural defects in h-BNC2 sheets. J Phys Condens Matter. 2013 Jan 16;25(2):025304. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/2/025304. Epub 2012 Dec 6.
- Background: PubMed 12920324Sato N, Komatsu K, Kurumatani H. Late onset of diabetic nephropathy in spontaneously diabetic GK rats. Am J Nephrol. 2003 Sep-Oct;23(5):334-42. doi: 10.1159/000072915. Epub 2003 Aug 13.
- Background: PubMed 2748771Buysse DJ, Reynolds CF 3rd, Monk TH, Berman SR, Kupfer DJ. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Res. 1989 May;28(2):193-213. doi: 10.1016/0165-1781(89)90047-4.
- Background: PubMed 29125345Scammell J. Person-centred care: what nurses can learn from the patient perspective. Br J Nurs. 2017 Nov 9;26(20):1133. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2017.26.20.1133.
- Background: PubMed 15214444Lalman JA, Komjarova I. Impact of long chain fatty acids on glucose fermentation under mesophilic conditions. Environ Technol. 2004 Apr;25(4):391-401. doi: 10.1080/09593332508618458.
- Background: PubMed 30204558Lyvers M, Hanigan C, Thorberg FA. Social Interaction Anxiety, Alexithymia, and Drinking Motives in Australian University Students. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2018 Nov-Dec;50(5):402-410. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2018.1517228. Epub 2018 Sep 11.
- Background: PubMed 34530880Kuehne A, Roberts L. Learning from health information challenges in the Central African Republic: where documenting health and humanitarian needs requires fresh approaches. Confl Health. 2021 Sep 16;15(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s13031-021-00405-1.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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 Exercise in people with Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic Risk Exposure, run by Bahçeşehir 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 1 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 28 Jul 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 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 Questionnaire (CMDQ) (time frame: Baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks)). The study lists 3 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 NCT07475819, which also lists 7 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 28 Jul 2026.