The Effect of Exercise and Ergonomics Training Program on Musculoskeletal Disorders in Teachers
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: ergonomics training, ergonomics training + exercise.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Work-related Injury. Basic parameters: 30 years — 60 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Effect of Exercise and Ergonomics Training Program on Musculoskeletal Disorders in Teachers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
Comparing the effectiveness of ergonomics and exercise training given to teachers regarding musculoskeletal disorders.
Detailed description
This study is planned as a randomized controlled experimental study. The research will be conducted with teachers working in schools affiliated with the Tatvan National Education Directorate. The study will evaluate the effect of a structured exercise program, given in conjunction with ergonomics training, on musculoskeletal disorders compared to the group that received only ergonomics training. The study population consists of teachers working in preschool, primary, secondary, and high school levels who have musculoskeletal disorders.
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale . The Oswestry Disability Index will be used to assess functional impairment due to lower back pain, and the Neck Disability Index will be used to assess functional impairment due to neck pain. The distribution and frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms according to body regions will be assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and the level of burnout will be assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. All measurement tools will be applied before and after the intervention.
Interventions
- Other ergonomics training
Ergonomics training will be implemented in a total of four sessions, in weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12, and each session will last approximately 30-45 minutes. The training content will cover: posture awareness, classroom work ergonomics, computer and whiteboard use, standing work, lifting and carrying techniques, and ergonomic suggestions for daily life. - Other ergonomics training + exercise
In addition to ergonomics training, participants in the experimental group will undergo a structured exercise program lasting approximately 35-45 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 12 weeks. The exercise program will consist of stretching, strengthening, posture, and core stabilization exercises targeting the neck, shoulders, back, and lower back, and will be planned to progress in stages.
Primary outcome measures
- Oswestry Disability Index [Time frame: 14 weeks]
- Neck Disability Index [Time frame: 14 weeks]
- Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire [Time frame: 14 weeks]
- Maslach Burnout Scale [Time frame: 14 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Being between 30-60 years old
- Having been a teacher for at least 5 years
- Having experienced musculoskeletal pain for at least three months
- Being able to participate in the ergonomics training and exercise program planned during the study period
Exclusion criteria
- Having a pain score below 3 on the Visual Analog scale
- Having a neurological or orthopedic disease that prevents exercise
- Having undergone musculoskeletal surgery within the last six months
- Having a psychological disorder that may prevent exercise
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Double blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Tatvan — Bitlis
Publications
- Furuta DT, Tebar WR, Beretta VS, Tebar FG, de Carvalho AC, Leoci IC, Delfino LD, Ferrari G, Silva CCM, Christofaro DGD. Analysis of the association between high workload and musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers according to physical activity level. Work. 2024;78(1):111-117. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230474. PMID 38393875
- de Souza JM, Tebar WR, Delfino LD, Tebar FSG, Gobbo LA, Franco M, da Silva CCM, Oliveira CBS, Christofaro DGD. Association of Musculoskeletal Pain With Sedentary Behavior in Public School Teachers: The Role of Habitual Physical Activity. Pain Manag Nurs. 2023 Apr;24(2):196-200. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2022.08.005. Epub 2022 Sep 11. PMID 36100514
- Jahre H, Guddal MH, Grasaas E, Smedbraten K, Riiser K, Pripp AH, Grotle M, Oiestad BE. The Effectiveness of School-Based Interventions on Pain and Disability Outcomes in Adolescents With Persistent Pain. A Systematic Review. Eur J Pain. 2025 Sep;29(8):e70101. doi: 10.1002/ejp.70101. PMID 40814866
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07442383 · Uskudar92