Office worker program to reduce low back pain and improve posture and core function

Effects of Exercise, Posture Education, and Standing Advice on Pain, Lumbar Posture, Core Stability, Flexibility, Fatigue, Endurance, Ergonomics, Stress, and Quality of Life in Office Workers With Low Back Pain: A Three-Arm RCT

Not applicable Interventional Universiti Teknologi Mara · NCT07250568

This test tries whether a combination of exercise, posture education, and standing advice can reduce low back pain and improve posture, muscle function, ergonomics, stress, and quality of life for office workers with low back pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 58 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversiti Teknologi Mara Academic / other
Locations1 site (Depok, West Java)
Trial IDNCT07250568 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants with low back pain who work at computers are assigned to one of three groups: (1) exercise program plus posture education and standing advice, (2) posture education plus standing advice, or (3) standing advice only. Outcomes include pain intensity, lumbar posture, muscle physiology (core stability, flexibility, fatigue, endurance), workplace ergonomics, stress levels, and quality of life measured before and after the intervention. The study compares which combination of interventions produces the largest improvements across these physical and psychosocial outcomes. Measurements are performed in person at the university site and analyzed across the three groups to identify relative effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are office workers aged 18–60 with identified low back pain who work at a computer or laptop at least four hours per day, can ambulate independently, and have well-controlled comorbid conditions.

Not a fit: People unlikely to benefit include those who are recumbent, have cancer, recent spinal fracture or surgery within six months, major neurological disorders, are pregnant, currently taking certain analgesic or psychoactive medications, already in a fitness program for LBP prevention, or cannot complete the program or outcome measurements.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a low-cost, workplace-focused way to reduce low back pain and improve function and wellbeing for office employees.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of exercise, posture education, and ergonomic changes in office workers have generally shown modest to moderate improvements in low back pain and function, so this work builds on existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Identified LBP
2. Age between 18 - 60 years old
3. In the office, working in front computer/laptop minimum along 4 hours per day
4. Able to ambulate independently with or without walking aids
5. Controlled comorbidity e.g. DM, HPT, managed asthma and controlled thyroid conditions

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Recumbent
2. Cancer, spinal fracture, neurological disorder (stroke, PBI and soon)
3. Participation in a current fitness program designed to prevent LBP recurrence
4. Spinal operation within the last six months
5. Pregnant
6. Medication (steroid therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, muscle relaxants, antidepressants or anxiolytics)
7. Insufficient to finish outcome measurements and exercise program
8. Participants who do not attend 3 consecutive weeks or 8 consecutive times

Where this trial is running

Depok, West Java

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 Low Back PainLow back painOffice WorkersErgonomicsExercise InterventionPosture Education
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.