Neck PainENDO-NECKNCT07516782
Neck Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Turkish Endodontists
An observational study of Neck Pain and Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, run by Atlas University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Musculoskeletal Assessment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- May 2026to Aug 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 25 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population consists of actively practicing endodontists in Turkey, aged 25 to 65 years, working in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector. Participants with and without neck pain will be included to evaluate neck musculoskeletal symptoms, functional parameters, and associated occupational and ergonomic factors.
Who may be able to join
- Aged 25 to 65 years
- Actively practicing as an endodontist in Turkey in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Endodontists with or without neck pain
Who cannot join
- History of cervical spine surgery within the last 3 months
- History of cervical spine infection within the last 3 months (e.g., spondylodiscitis)
- History of malignancy involving the cervical region
- Spinal cord compression due to tumor or another cause
- Presence of neurological deficit
- Inflammatory disease involving the cervical region, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Use of muscle relaxant medication within the last 1 week
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Uskudar, 34860
Kubra Neslihan Kurt Oktay, MD, +905352916609, drneslihankurt@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Analysis of Neck Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Functional Parameters, and Associated Factors in Turkish Endodontists
This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders.
Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools.
The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.
Read the detailed description
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common occupational health problems in dental professionals, particularly affecting the cervical region. Endodontists are at increased risk due to prolonged static postures, repetitive fine motor movements, and the use of magnification devices such as microscopes.
This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists and to analyze their relationship with functional parameters and occupational factors.
Participants aged 25-65 years who are actively working as endodontists in Turkey will be included. After providing informed consent, participants will complete a structured questionnaire including demographic data, occupational characteristics, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain parameters.
Physical evaluations will include:
- Cervical range of motion measured with a digital inclinometer,
- Isometric cervical muscle strength assessed using a handheld dynamometer,
- Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance evaluated using the craniocervical flexion test,
- Cervical joint position sense assessed using an inclinometer,
- Postural assessment using photographic analysis and a mobile posture analysis application.
Functional disability will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
The primary objective is to determine the prevalence and severity of neck pain. Secondary objectives include identifying associated risk factors such as posture, working duration, ergonomic conditions, and clinical experience, as well as evaluating the relationship between neck pain and functional and biomechanical parameters.
The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of occupational risk factors in endodontists and to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing neck-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Musculoskeletal Assessment, Musculoskeletal Disorder of the Neck, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Being tested
- No intervention (observational study)
- Keywords
- Endodontists, Dentists, Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Cervical Spine, Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Neck Disability Index, Posture, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cervical Range of Motion, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength, Neck Muscle Endurance, Cervical Muscle Strength, Forward Head Posture
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Diseases, Musculoskeletal 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 with no therapeutic or experimental intervention. Participants will undergo questionnaire-based evaluations and physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception measurements.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Endodontists | Endodontists aged 25 to 65 years who are actively practicing in Turkey and voluntarily agree to participate in the study. Participants will complete questionnaires on demographic, occupational, ergonomic, and neck pain-related factors, and will undergo physical assessments including cervical range of motion, isometric muscle strength, muscle endurance, posture, proprioception, and neck disability evaluation. Participants may later be analyzed in subgroups according to occupational factors such as microscope use. 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 Neck Pain
Neck pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire evaluating the presence, frequency, duration, and intensity of pain. Pain intensity will be measured using a numeric rating scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain severity.
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (7)
Neck Disability Index (NDI) Score
Functional disability related to neck pain will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The NDI consists of 10 items evaluating daily activities, each scored from 0 to 5. Total scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Measured: Baseline
Cervical Range of Motion
Cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be measured using the MicroFET 3 digital inclinometer. Range of motion values will be recorded in degrees for each movement direction.
Measured: Baseline
Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength
Maximal isometric strength of cervical flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor muscles will be measured using the MicroFET 3 handheld dynamometer. Measurements will be performed in standardized positions and recorded.
Measured: Baseline
Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance
Endurance of deep cervical flexor muscles will be assessed using the craniocervical flexion test with a pressure biofeedback unit. Performance will be recorded based on the ability to maintain target pressure levels.
Measured: Baseline
Cervical Postural Parameters
Postural alignment including craniovertebral angle, head tilt angle, and cervicothoracic angle will be assessed using standardized photographic analysis with a smartphone-based posture assessment application.
Measured: Baseline
Cervical Joint Position Sense
Cervical proprioception will be assessed using joint position error measurements with an inclinometer during flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion movements.
Measured: Baseline
Occupational and Ergonomic Factors Associated with Neck Pain
Associations between neck pain and occupational and ergonomic factors, including clinical workload, working duration, sitting posture, use of magnification systems or an operating microscope, four-handed dentistry, assistant support, awkward working positions, and workplace conditions, will be analyzed based on questionnaire data.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Apr 2026
- Study startMay 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionMay 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Atlas University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07516782
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ISTU-ENDO-NECK-2024-01
- Acronym
- ENDO-NECK
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 8 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 due to privacy and confidentiality considerations, as well as the absence of prior participant consent for data sharing.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Analysis of Neck Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Functional Parameters, and Associated Factors in Turkish Endodontists
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07516782
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ENDO-NECK / ISTU-ENDO-NECK-2024-01
- Conditions
- Neck Pain, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Musculoskeletal Assessment, Musculoskeletal Disorder of the Neck, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Keywords
- Endodontists, Dentists, Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Cervical Spine, Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Neck Disability Index
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Atlas UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 Apr 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.
This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders.
Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools.
The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.
Detailed description
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common occupational health problems in dental professionals, particularly affecting the cervical region. Endodontists are at increased risk due to prolonged static postures, repetitive fine motor movements, and the use of magnification devices such as microscopes.
This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists and to analyze their relationship with functional parameters and occupational factors.
Participants aged 25-65 years who are actively working as endodontists in Turkey will be included. After providing informed consent, participants will complete a structured questionnaire including demographic data, occupational characteristics, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain parameters.
Physical evaluations will include:
- Cervical range of motion measured with a digital inclinometer,
- Isometric cervical muscle strength assessed using a handheld dynamometer,
- Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance evaluated using the craniocervical flexion test,
- Cervical joint position sense assessed using an inclinometer,
- Postural assessment using photographic analysis and a mobile posture analysis application.
Functional disability will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
The primary objective is to determine the prevalence and severity of neck pain. Secondary objectives include identifying associated risk factors such as posture, working duration, ergonomic conditions, and clinical experience, as well as evaluating the relationship between neck pain and functional and biomechanical parameters.
The results of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of occupational risk factors in endodontists and to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing neck-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Endodontists | – | Other: No intervention (observational study)Endodontists aged 25 to 65 years who are actively practicing in Turkey and voluntarily agree to participate in the study. Participants will complete questionnaires on demographic, occupational, ergonomic, and neck pain-related factors, and will undergo physical assessments including cervical range of motion, isometric muscle strength, muscle endurance, posture, proprioception, and neck disability evaluation. Participants may later be analyzed in subgroups according to occupational factors such as microscope use. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of actively practicing endodontists in Turkey, aged 25 to 65 years, working in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector. Participants with and without neck pain will be included to evaluate neck musculoskeletal symptoms, functional parameters, and associated occupational and ergonomic factors.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Aged 25 to 65 years
- Actively practicing as an endodontist in Turkey in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Endodontists with or without neck pain
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of cervical spine surgery within the last 3 months
- History of cervical spine infection within the last 3 months (e.g., spondylodiscitis)
- History of malignancy involving the cervical region
- Spinal cord compression due to tumor or another cause
- Presence of neurological deficit
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 with no therapeutic or experimental intervention. Participants will undergo questionnaire-based evaluations and physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception measurements. | Other | Turkish Endodontists |
Primary outcome
Prevalence and Severity of Neck Pain
Time frame: Baseline
Neck pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire evaluating the presence, frequency, duration, and intensity of pain. Pain intensity will be measured using a numeric rating scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain severity.
7 secondary outcomes
Neck Disability Index (NDI) Score
Time frame: Baseline
Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline
Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline
Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance
Time frame: Baseline
Cervical Postural Parameters
Time frame: Baseline
Cervical Joint Position Sense
Time frame: Baseline
Occupational and Ergonomic Factors Associated with Neck Pain
Time frame: Baseline
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 8 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to privacy and confidentiality considerations, as well as the absence of prior participant consent for data sharing.
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Longitudinal Stripping Massage vs. Percussion Device for Neck Pain: Ultrasound Study.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Neck Pain and Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, run by Atlas 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 4 inclusion and 7 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 8 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 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?
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 Kubra Neslihan Kurt Oktay, MD (+905352916609, drneslihankurt@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Prevalence and Severity of Neck Pain (time frame: Baseline). 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 8 Apr 2026.