Exercise plus ergonomics training to reduce teachers' musculoskeletal pain
The Effect of Exercise and Ergonomics Training Program on Musculoskeletal Disorders in Teachers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study will test whether adding a structured exercise program to ergonomics training helps teachers with work-related musculoskeletal pain reduce pain and improve function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bitlis, Tatvan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07442383 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled experimental study will enroll teachers from schools affiliated with the Tatvan National Education Directorate to compare ergonomics training alone versus ergonomics training combined with a structured exercise program. Participants will be randomized to one of the two groups and undergo measurements before and after the intervention. Primary and secondary outcomes include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), functional impairment (Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Disability Index), symptom distribution (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), and burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory). The intervention targets teachers with at least three months of musculoskeletal pain and is delivered locally in Tatvan schools.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Teachers aged 30–60 with at least five years of teaching experience who have had musculoskeletal pain for three months or more and can attend the planned ergonomics training and exercise sessions.
Not a fit: Teachers with pain scores below 3 on the Visual Analog Scale, recent musculoskeletal surgery (within six months), neurological or orthopedic conditions that prevent exercise, or psychological disorders that preclude participation are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could reduce pain, improve physical function, and decrease burnout for participating teachers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous workplace-focused ergonomics and exercise programs have shown moderate improvements in pain and function in similar working and teaching populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
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.