Neck Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Turkish Endodontists

NCT07516782 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: ISTU-ENDO-NECK-2024-01
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools. The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.

Conditions

Neck Pain Musculoskeletal; Musculoskeletal Assessment; Musculoskeletal Disorder of the Neck; Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs); Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders; Occupational Diseases; Endodontics; Dentistry; Neck Pain

Keywords

Endodontists; Dentists; Neck Pain; Musculoskeletal Pain; Cervical Spine; Ergonomics; Occupational Health; Neck Disability Index; Posture; Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Cervical Range of Motion; Musculoskeletal Symptoms; Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength; Neck Muscle Endurance; Cervical Muscle Strength; Forward Head Posture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Prevalence and Severity of Neck Pain

  Neck pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire evaluating the presence, frequency, duration, and intensity of pain. Pain intensity will be measured using a numeric rating scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain severity.

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Neck Disability Index (NDI) Score

  Baseline

• Cervical Range of Motion

  Baseline

• Cervical Isometric Muscle Strength

  Baseline

• Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance

  Baseline

• Cervical Postural Parameters

  Baseline

Study Arms (1)

Turkish Endodontists

Endodontists aged 25 to 65 years who are actively practicing in Turkey and voluntarily agree to participate in the study. Participants will complete questionnaires on demographic, occupational, ergonomic, and neck pain-related factors, and will undergo physical assessments including cervical range of motion, isometric muscle strength, muscle endurance, posture, proprioception, and neck disability evaluation. Participants may later be analyzed in subgroups according to occupational factors such as microscope use.

Other: No intervention (observational study)

Interventions

No intervention (observational study) OTHER

This is an observational study with no therapeutic or experimental intervention. Participants will undergo questionnaire-based evaluations and physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception measurements.

Turkish Endodontists

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of actively practicing endodontists in Turkey, aged 25 to 65 years, working in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector. Participants with and without neck pain will be included to evaluate neck musculoskeletal symptoms, functional parameters, and associated occupational and ergonomic factors.

You may qualify if:

• Aged 25 to 65 years
• Actively practicing as an endodontist in Turkey in public institutions, university hospitals, or the private sector
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Endodontists with or without neck pain

You may not qualify if:

• History of cervical spine surgery within the last 3 months
• History of cervical spine infection within the last 3 months (e.g., spondylodiscitis)
• History of malignancy involving the cervical region
• Spinal cord compression due to tumor or another cause
• Presence of neurological deficit
• Inflammatory disease involving the cervical region, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Use of muscle relaxant medication within the last 1 week

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Atlas University: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Health Sciences, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, Uskudar, 34860, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Diseases; Musculoskeletal Pain

Interventions

Observation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Muscular Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Methods; Investigative Techniques

Central Study Contacts

Kubra Neslihan Kurt Oktay, MD

CONTACT

+905352916609; drneslihankurt@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 1, 2026
• First Posted: April 8, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2027
• Last Updated: April 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)