Evaluation of Ergonomic Risks and the Effect of Patient Education on Musculoskeletal Complaints, Posture and Breathing Awareness in Bank Employees

NCT07481838 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: MIZRCT26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 62
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate ergonomic risks among bank office employees and to investigate the effects of patient education and breathing exercises on musculoskeletal complaints, posture, ergonomic awareness and breathing awareness. Office workers often experience musculoskeletal problems due to prolonged sitting, poor posture and repetitive computer-based work. In this study, participants will be assessed using standardized questionnaires and ergonomic assessment methods before and after a eight-week intervention program. The intervention includes ergonomic education and breathing exercises delivered by a physiotherapist. The results of the study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of ergonomic education and breathing exercises in improving musculoskeletal health and posture awareness among office workers.

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Disorders; Neck Pain; Low Back Pain; Postural Problems

Keywords

Ergonomics; Office Workers; Bank Employees; Posture Awareness; Workplace Ergonomics; Physiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity

  Musculoskeletal pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain).

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Ergonomic Risk Level

  Ergonomic risk will be assessed using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method to evaluate workstation ergonomics and office-related risk factors.

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Upper Limb Ergonomic Risk

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Musculoskeletal Symptoms

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Postural Awareness

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Breathing Awareness

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm will complete a 8-week multimodal intervention program supervised by a physical therapist, delivered twice weekly via synchronous video conferencing and video based modules. The program integrates individualized ergonomic education, informed by baseline ROSA and RULA risk assessments to optimize workstation setups, with a structured respiratory exercise protocol designed to enhance postural and breathing awareness. Each 30-40 minute session focuses on mitigating musculoskeletal strain and improving thoracic mobility. Clinical outcomes, including pain, postural and respiratory awareness , and ergonomic knowledge, will be reassessed at the end of the 8-week period to evaluate efficacy relative to baseline.

Behavioral: Ergonomic Education

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

This group will not receive any active intervention, including respiratory exercises, ergonomic training, or patient education during the study period. Participants will only undergo baseline (pre-test) and follow-up (post-test) assessments.

Interventions

Ergonomic Education BEHAVIORAL

Educational sessions designed to increase awareness about workplace ergonomics, correct sitting posture and proper workstation setup for office workers.

Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 20 and 55 years
• Working at a desk job
• Using a computer for at least 4 hours per day
• Employed in the same job for at least 6 months
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• History of musculoskeletal injury, trauma or surgery affecting the head, neck, back, shoulder, arm, leg or hand
• Pregnancy
• Presence of any medical condition affecting the musculoskeletal system
• Regular use of analgesic medication
• Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uskudar University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Uskudar University, Faculty of Health Sciences

Istanbul, 34662, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Diseases; Neck Pain; Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Back Pain

Study Officials

• Filiz Eyuboglu, PhD

  Uskudar University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Mert İlhan, MSc.

  Uskudar University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Tuba Kolaylı Çerezci, MSc.

  Uskudar University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Mizgin Duygu, PT.

  Uskudar University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 15, 2026
• First Posted: March 19, 2026
• Study Start: November 24, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 19, 2026
• Study Completion: March 6, 2026
• Last Updated: April 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)