Work-related IllnessNCT07292350
Investigation of the Effects of a Neuromuscular Control-Focused Posture Training Program in Butchers
A study testing ergonomics training and ergonomics training + exercise in people with Work-related Illness and Neck Pain, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a neuromuscular posture training program implemented in butchers on neck pain, posture quality and upper back muscle control. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 55 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Work-related Illness, Neck Pain, Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- ergonomics training and ergonomics training + exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 2 Jan 2025to 1 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 55 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: 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
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a neuromuscular posture training program implemented in butchers on neck pain, posture quality and upper back muscle control.
Read the detailed description
The study population consists of butchers in Istanbul. Butchers will be included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Participants will be randomized and divided into two equal groups. These groups will be designated as exercise and control groups. All participants will receive ergonomic training, while those in the exercise group will additionally receive neuromuscular exercises. At the beginning and end of the study, all participants will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance Test, Lateral Scapular Slide Test, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - Short Version, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
- Conditions
- Work-related Illness, Neck Pain, Back Pain
- Being tested
- ergonomics training, ergonomics training + exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ergonomics trainingOther
Each of the control group participants will receive separate ergonomics training. The content of this training will include the topics of "what is ergonomics, the purpose of ergonomics, musculoskeletal diseases in employees, work-related musculoskeletal risk factors
ergonomics training + exerciseOther
- Deep cervical flexor activation
- Chin-tuck
- 2-3 cm head lift endurance training
- Scapular stabilization exercises
- Retraction + depression
- Serratus Anterior activation
- Punch progressions in the supine position
- Pectoral and upper trapezius stretching exercises
- Functional posture training
- Correction of butchers' forward bending and rotation movements when using knives
- Ergonomic posture control during the task
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| control | Active comparator | only those who received ergonomics training Receives: Other: ergonomics training |
| exercise | Experimental | those who received exercise along with ergonomics training Receives: Other: ergonomics training; Other: ergonomics training + exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
This index evaluates sleep quality and disturbance over the past month. It contains a total of 24 questions. 19 of these questions are answered by the person's self-assessment, and 5 of them are answered by the roommate who shares the same room with the person. The 5 questions answered by the person's roommate are not included when calculating the score. In scoring, the lowest (0) and the highest (21) points are obtained. A score of 4 and above indicates poor sleep quality
Measured: 12 weeks
Quick-Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey functional scale
The Quick Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey score is calculated as follows: At least 10 out of the 11 items must be answered. Each answered question will have a maximum value of 5. These values are then transformed into a score of 100 by subtracting 1 and multiplying by 25. This transformation is done to compare the scores with other scales ranging from 0 to 100. A high score indicates significant dysfunction.
Quick Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey Score = [(Sum of responses / n) - 1] X 25 n: the number of questions answered.
Measured: 12 weeks
Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire
The scale includes 10 titles. It includes pain sensitivity, heavy lifting, personal hygiene, reading, sleep, headache, concentration, work, driving, social activities. There are 6 answer options according to the severity of the limitation or pain. Scoring is between 0 and 5. The highest score is 50 and the least is 0. The neck disability level classification according to the total score is as follows 0-4: no restrictions 5-14: mild limitation 15-24: moderate limitation 25-34: severe limitation 34 and up: completely restricted
Measured: 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Dec 2025
- Study start2 Jan 2025
- Primary completion20 Apr 2026
- Study completion1 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Work-related IllnessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Doç.Dr.Ömer Şevgin, Uskudar University
- Investigators
- Esra Çal, Study chair, Uskudar University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07292350
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Uskudar78
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 22 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Gur I, Sevgin O, Dikmen Hosbas B. Effectiveness of ergonomics training and exercise in tea workers: a randomized controlled trial. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2025 Dec;98(9-10):945-955. doi: 10.1007/s00420-025-02185-0. Epub 2025 Nov 18.
PubMed 41251731Zengi H, Safran EE, Sevgin O. The effect of home exercises with kinesiotaping on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with non-specific neck pain. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2024;37(6):1617-1630. doi: 10.3233/BMR-240001.
PubMed 38943382Pehlevan E, Sevgin O. Effect of exercise given to factory workers with ergonomics training on pain and functionality: A randomized controlled trial. Work. 2024;78(1):195-205. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230663.
PubMed 38701125
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07292350
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Uskudar78
- Conditions
- Work-related Illness, Neck Pain, Back Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a neuromuscular posture training program implemented in butchers on neck pain, posture quality and upper back muscle control.
Detailed description
The study population consists of butchers in Istanbul. Butchers will be included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Participants will be randomized and divided into two equal groups. These groups will be designated as exercise and control groups. All participants will receive ergonomic training, while those in the exercise group will additionally receive neuromuscular exercises. At the beginning and end of the study, all participants will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance Test, Lateral Scapular Slide Test, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand - Short Version, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| control | Active comparator | Other: ergonomics trainingonly those who received ergonomics training |
| exercise | Experimental | Other: ergonomics training, Other: ergonomics training + exercisethose who received exercise along with ergonomics training |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 55 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ergonomics trainingEach of the control group participants will receive separate ergonomics training. The content of this training will include the topics of "what is ergonomics, the purpose of ergonomics, musculoskeletal diseases in employees, work-related musculoskeletal risk factors | Other | control, exercise |
| ergonomics training + exercise* Deep cervical flexor activation * Chin-tuck * 2-3 cm head lift endurance training * Scapular stabilization exercises * Retraction + depression * Serratus Anterior activation * Punch progressions in the supine position * Pectoral and upper trapezius stretching exercises * Functional posture training * Correction of butchers' forward bending and rotation movements when using knives * Ergonomic posture control during the task | Other | exercise |
Primary outcome
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Time frame: 12 weeks
This index evaluates sleep quality and disturbance over the past month. It contains a total of 24 questions. 19 of these questions are answered by the person's self-assessment, and 5 of them are answered by the roommate who shares the same room with the person. The 5 questions answered by the person's roommate are not included when calculating the score. In scoring, the lowest (0) and the highest (21) points are obtained. A score of 4 and above indicates poor sleep quality
Quick-Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey functional scale
Time frame: 12 weeks
The Quick Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey score is calculated as follows: At least 10 out of the 11 items must be answered. Each answered question will have a maximum value of 5. These values are then transformed into a score of 100 by subtracting 1 and multiplying by 25. This transformation is done to compare the scores with other scales ranging from 0 to 100. A high score indicates significant dysfunction. Quick Arm, Shoulder and Hand Disabilities Survey Score = [(Sum of responses / n) - 1] X 25 n: the number of questions answered.
Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire
Time frame: 12 weeks
The scale includes 10 titles. It includes pain sensitivity, heavy lifting, personal hygiene, reading, sleep, headache, concentration, work, driving, social activities. There are 6 answer options according to the severity of the limitation or pain. Scoring is between 0 and 5. The highest score is 50 and the least is 0. The neck disability level classification according to the total score is as follows 0-4: no restrictions 5-14: mild limitation 15-24: moderate limitation 25-34: severe limitation 34 and up: completely restricted
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 41251731Gur I, Sevgin O, Dikmen Hosbas B. Effectiveness of ergonomics training and exercise in tea workers: a randomized controlled trial. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2025 Dec;98(9-10):945-955. doi: 10.1007/s00420-025-02185-0. Epub 2025 Nov 18.
- Background: PubMed 38943382Zengi H, Safran EE, Sevgin O. The effect of home exercises with kinesiotaping on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with non-specific neck pain. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2024;37(6):1617-1630. doi: 10.3233/BMR-240001.
- Background: PubMed 38701125Pehlevan E, Sevgin O. Effect of exercise given to factory workers with ergonomics training on pain and functionality: A randomized controlled trial. Work. 2024;78(1):195-205. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230663.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Esra Çal study chair
Uskudar University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing ergonomics training and ergonomics training + exercise in people with Work-related Illness and Neck Pain, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (time frame: 12 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07292350, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Jul 2026.