Exercise plus ergonomics training for pastry chefs with musculoskeletal pain

The Effectiveness of Exercise Combined With Ergonomics Training for Musculoskeletal Pain Seen in Pastry Chefs: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Uskudar University · NCT07447180

This study will test whether adding an exercise program to ergonomics training helps pastry chefs who have work-related musculoskeletal pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUskudar University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Şişli)
Trial IDNCT07447180 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll pastry chefs and randomly assign them to two groups: both groups receive ergonomics training, and one group also follows a structured exercise program. Ergonomics sessions are delivered at baseline, week 4, and week 8, and participants are evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment period. Outcomes include the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Scale. The design tests whether adding exercises improves pain, function, sleep, and work-related symptoms beyond ergonomics training alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pastry chefs registered with the pastry chefs' association who have worked as pastry chefs for at least five years and have no recent serious orthopedic injury or upper‑extremity surgery in the past six months.

Not a fit: People who have health problems that prevent them from exercising or who have recent serious orthopedic injuries or recent upper‑extremity surgery may not be able to participate or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding exercise to ergonomics training could reduce pain and improve upper‑extremity function, sleep, and work-related symptoms for pastry chefs.

How similar studies have performed: Exercise combined with ergonomics has shown benefits for occupational musculoskeletal pain in other worker groups, but applying this exact combination to pastry chefs is relatively untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having been a pastry chef for at least 5 years
* Being registered with the pastry chefs' association
* Not having undergone any surgical procedure affecting upper extremity function or having a serious orthopedic injury history within the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not having a health problem that prevents exercise.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Şişli

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Work-related Illness
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.