Ergonomics plus exercise to reduce musculoskeletal pain in female dairy farmers
The Effect of Ergonomics and Exercise Training on Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Dairy Farmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will try ergonomics training alone versus ergonomics plus a 12-week exercise program to see if adding exercise reduces work-related muscle and joint pain in women who do milking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bitlis, Tatvan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07442409 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Female dairy farmers who have been milking for at least five years will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving standard ergonomics training and an experimental group receiving the same ergonomics training plus a structured exercise program. The exercise program lasts 12 weeks with sessions three times weekly and includes stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises planned with progressive loading and standardized sets and rests. Outcomes are measured before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, QuickDASH, and the WHO Quality of Life short form. The trial takes place in Tatvan (Bitlis) and excludes participants with neurological disease, prior musculoskeletal surgery, or serious systemic illness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 25–50 who have been actively engaged in milking for at least five years and who are physically able to participate in a 12-week exercise program without contraindications.
Not a fit: People with neurological disorders, a history of musculoskeletal surgery, serious systemic disease, men, or those unable to attend in-person training are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined ergonomics and exercise approach could reduce pain, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life for female dairy farmers who experience work-related musculoskeletal problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous occupational health programs that combined ergonomics education with targeted exercise have often produced moderate reductions in pain and disability, though results vary by setting and program intensity.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Having been actively engaged in farming for at least 5 years * Being between 25-50 years of age * Being female * Having the physical ability to participate in the planned training and exercise program during the study period Exclusion Criteria * Having any accompanying neurological disease or neurological dysfunction * Having a history of any musculoskeletal surgery * Having a serious systemic disease that may prevent the implementation of the study protocol
Where this trial is running
Bitlis, Tatvan
- Tatvan — Bitlis, Tatvan, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ömer ŞEVGİN
- Email: omer.sevgin@uskudar.edu.tr
- Phone: +905069787535
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.