Neuromuscular posture training program for butchers
Investigation of the Effects of a Neuromuscular Control-Focused Posture Training Program on Neck and Upper Back Muscle Activation in Butchers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This program will test whether adding neuromuscular posture exercises to ergonomic training helps reduce neck and back pain and improve posture for butchers in Istanbul.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07292350 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Butchers working in Istanbul will be randomized to receive either standard ergonomic training alone or ergonomic training plus a neuromuscular posture exercise program. The intervention group will perform targeted exercises designed to improve deep cervical flexor endurance, scapular control, and overall posture while both groups receive workplace ergonomics education. Outcomes including pain (Visual Analog Scale), disability (Neck Disability Index, DASH-short), muscle control tests, posture assessments, and sleep quality will be measured at baseline and after the intervention. The trial focuses on employed butchers with at least five years in the profession and excludes those with recent surgery, serious neurological or systemic disease, or conditions preventing safe exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are butchers in Istanbul who are over 18, have worked in the profession for at least five years, can safely perform exercise, and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People who recently had neck/spine/shoulder surgery, have serious neurological or systemic disease, severe balance/vestibular disorders, or who cannot safely exercise are unlikely to benefit from the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce neck and back pain, improve upper-back muscle control and posture, and lower work-related disability among butchers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior ergonomic and targeted exercise programs for work-related neck and back pain have shown modest to moderate benefit, though focused neuromuscular posture programs specifically in butchers are relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Being over 18 years of age * Actively working as a butcher in Istanbul * Actively participating in the profession for at least 5 years * Not having experienced acute trauma to the neck or back region within the last 3 months * Being physically capable of participating in neuromuscular posture training * Signing the Informed Voluntary Consent Form Exclusion Criteria Persons with the following characteristics will not be included in the study: * Being under 18 years of age * Not actively practicing butchery * Having undergone surgery to the neck, spine, or shoulder region within the last 6 months * Serious neurological conditions such as acute cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, or myelopathy * Systemic diseases such as cancer or serious cardiovascular disease * Severe balance disorder/vestibular disorder * Health condition that would prevent the safe continuation of exercise practice
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Turkey — Istanbul, 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.