Preventing neck and back pain in teleworking office workers
Preventing Neck & Back Pain in Teleworking Office Workers: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University Ghent · NCT04783454
This study is testing whether a training program and educational video can help office workers who work from home avoid neck and back pain over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 69 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, East Flanders) |
| Trial ID | NCT04783454 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program and educational session designed to prevent neck and low back pain among desktop workers. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will receive an educational video and follow a structured exercise program over 12 weeks, or a control group that will continue their normal activities without intervention. Both groups will complete baseline assessments and ongoing monitoring through online surveys and logbooks to track physical activity and pain complaints. The study will assess outcomes at multiple time points, including 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-69 who regularly perform desktop work for at least 20 hours a week and have been doing so for at least one year.
Not a fit: Patients with documented structural neck or back pathology, chronic pain conditions, or serious medical issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of neck and back pain among teleworking office workers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using exercise and education to prevent musculoskeletal pain in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * age between 18-69 years * perform regular desktop work (at least 20 hours/week) * perform desktop work for at least 1 year (employee or student) Exclusion Criteria: * documented structural neck- and/or back pathology (confirmed by medical imaging) * known shoulder or vestibular pathology * whiplash-associated disorders * history of surgery in the neck, shoulder, hip, and/or back area * (history of) chronic pain condition * serious headache * serious cardiovascular/metabolic/systemic/neurological conditions * chronic fatigue syndrome * fibromyalgia * psychiatric conditions or history of serious depression * serious catastrophizing thoughts * pregnancy or delivery in the past year
Where this trial is running
Ghent, East Flanders
- Ghent University — Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium (RECRUITING)
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.
Conditions: Neck Pain, Low Back Pain, Back Pain, desktop workers, telework, remote work, sedentary work, primary prevention