Quiet QuittingNCT07340866
Physical Fatigue, Compassion Fatigue, and Quiet Quitting in Physiotherapists
An observational study of Quiet Quitting and Fatigue, Compassion, run by Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Physiotherapists are exposed to both physical and emotional demands due to the nature of their profession. Repetitive physical workload, prolonged standing, patient handling, and continuous interaction with patients may contribute to physical fatigue and compassion fatigue. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Quiet Quitting, Fatigue, Compassion, Work Engagement
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 22 Feb 2026to 12 May 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population consists of physiotherapists actively working in public or private healthcare institutions in Türkiye.
Who may be able to join
- Graduated from a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate program
- Actively working as a physiotherapist in Türkiye
- Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
Who cannot join
- Refusal to participate in the study
- Working in a profession other than physiotherapy
- Incomplete or incorrectly completed questionnaires
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Faculty of Health Sciences
Tokat Province, Central, 60250
Mahmut Sürmeli, PhD, +90 506 332 4259, mahmut.surmeli@gop.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Physical Fatigue, Compassion Fatigue, and Quiet Quitting Tendency Among Physiotherapists in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study
Physiotherapists are exposed to both physical and emotional demands due to the nature of their profession. Repetitive physical workload, prolonged standing, patient handling, and continuous interaction with patients may contribute to physical fatigue and compassion fatigue. These factors may negatively affect work engagement and lead to a phenomenon known as quiet quitting, which refers to reduced psychological involvement in work without formally leaving the job.
The aim of this study is to examine levels of physical fatigue and compassion fatigue among physiotherapists working in Türkiye and to investigate their association with quiet quitting tendencies. This observational, cross-sectional study will include physiotherapists actively working in public or private healthcare settings. Data will be collected using validated self-report questionnaires administered online and face-to-face.
Understanding the relationship between occupational fatigue and quiet quitting may help inform strategies to improve well-being, job satisfaction, and sustainability in the physiotherapy workforce.
Read the detailed description
Physiotherapists perform physically demanding tasks such as repetitive movements, patient transfers, and prolonged standing, while also managing emotional demands related to continuous patient care. These occupational stressors may lead to physical fatigue and compassion fatigue, which can negatively influence professional engagement and work sustainability. In recent years, the concept of quiet quitting has emerged to describe a reduction in psychological commitment to work while remaining formally employed. However, limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between occupational fatigue and quiet quitting among physiotherapists.
This study is designed as an observational, cross-sectional investigation aiming to evaluate physical fatigue, compassion fatigue, and quiet quitting tendencies among physiotherapists working in Türkiye. Eligible participants will be physiotherapists who have graduated from a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate program and are actively working in public or private healthcare institutions. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained electronically prior to data collection.
Data will be collected through face-to-face interviews and online platforms, including electronic survey tools and professional communication channels. Participants will complete a demographic and occupational information form followed by validated measurement instruments assessing compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, and quiet quitting attitudes.
Statistical analyses will be conducted using appropriate descriptive and inferential methods. Relationships between variables will be examined using correlation analyses, and the predictive effects of physical fatigue and compassion fatigue on quiet quitting tendencies will be evaluated using multiple regression analysis. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of occupational well-being among physiotherapists and to provide evidence to support strategies aimed at improving working conditions and professional sustainability in rehabilitation services.
- Conditions
- Quiet Quitting, Fatigue, Compassion, Work Engagement
- Being tested
- No Intervention (Observational Study)
- Keywords
- fatigue, compassion fatigue, work engagement, occupational health, quiet quitting
- Medical subject headings
- Compassion Fatigue, Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
No Intervention (Observational Study)Other
This is an observational study. No intervention is administered. Data are collected using self-report questionnaires.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapists | Physiotherapists actively working in public or private healthcare institutions in Türkiye who voluntarily participate in the study. Receives: Other: No Intervention (Observational Study) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Quiet Quitting Tendency
Quiet quitting tendency will be assessed using the Quiet Quitting Attitude Scale, a validated self-report questionnaire measuring reduced psychological engagement with work. Higher scores indicate a greater tendency toward quiet quitting.
Measured: At enrollment (single assessment)
Secondary outcomes (3)
Physical Fatigue Level
Physical fatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Assessment Scale, a validated self-report measure evaluating physical and cognitive aspects of fatigue. Higher scores reflect greater fatigue severity.
Measured: At enrollment (single assessment)
Compassion Fatigue Level
Compassion fatigue will be measured using the Compassion Fatigue Short Scale, which evaluates emotional and physical exhaustion related to caring for individuals experiencing distress. Higher scores indicate greater compassion fatigue.
Measured: At enrollment (single assessment)
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort
Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort will be evaluated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, which assesses the frequency, severity, and work interference of musculoskeletal symptoms experienced during the past week.
Measured: Past 7 days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jan 2026
- Study start22 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion23 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion12 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Quiet QuittingStudies 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mahmut Sürmeli, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07340866
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GOP-FTR-01-2025
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to privacy and confidentiality considerations.
Publications
Devi T., P., Khanwelkar, C., Patil, A., Patil, S. S., Pawar, R., Suruve, D., & Mohana Sundari, S. K. (2019). Compassion Fatigue among Indian Physiotherapists: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study. Global Bioethics Enquiry Journal, 7(1), 17
Pena-Curbelo V, Meneses-Monroy A, Mayor-Silva LI, Martin-Casas P, Alvarez-Melcon AC. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2024 Dec 5;13(23):7425. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237425.
PubMed 39685884Bruschini M, Carli A, Burla F. Burnout and work-related stress in Italian rehabilitation professionals: A comparison of physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists. Work. 2018;59(1):121-129. doi: 10.3233/WOR-172657.
PubMed 29439375Tohumcu, K., & Tanrıverdi, D. (2023). The Predictive Effect of Anxiety and Burnout Levels Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Organizational Commitment on their Intention to Leave the Organization of the Healthcare Professionals. European Journal of Therapeutics, 29(2), 208-220
Yıldız S, Özmenekşe YO. KAÇINILMAZ SON: SESSİZ İSTİFA. Al Farabi Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2024;7(4):14-24.
Hedge A, Morimoto S, McCrobie D. Effects of keyboard tray geometry on upper body posture and comfort. Ergonomics. 1999 Oct;42(10):1333-49. doi: 10.1080/001401399184983.
PubMed 10582503Adams RE, Boscarino JA, Figley CR. Compassion fatigue and psychological distress among social workers: a validation study. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2006 Jan;76(1):103-8. doi: 10.1037/0002-9432.76.1.103.
PubMed 16569133
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Physical Fatigue, Compassion Fatigue, and Quiet Quitting Tendency Among Physiotherapists in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07340866
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GOP-FTR-01-2025
- Conditions
- Quiet Quitting, Fatigue, Compassion, Work Engagement
- Keywords
- fatigue, compassion fatigue, work engagement, occupational health, quiet quitting
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Tokat Gaziosmanpasa UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 23 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 12 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Jan 2026 (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.
Physiotherapists are exposed to both physical and emotional demands due to the nature of their profession. Repetitive physical workload, prolonged standing, patient handling, and continuous interaction with patients may contribute to physical fatigue and compassion fatigue. These factors may negatively affect work engagement and lead to a phenomenon known as quiet quitting, which refers to reduced psychological involvement in work without formally leaving the job.
The aim of this study is to examine levels of physical fatigue and compassion fatigue among physiotherapists working in Türkiye and to investigate their association with quiet quitting tendencies. This observational, cross-sectional study will include physiotherapists actively working in public or private healthcare settings. Data will be collected using validated self-report questionnaires administered online and face-to-face.
Understanding the relationship between occupational fatigue and quiet quitting may help inform strategies to improve well-being, job satisfaction, and sustainability in the physiotherapy workforce.
Detailed description
Physiotherapists perform physically demanding tasks such as repetitive movements, patient transfers, and prolonged standing, while also managing emotional demands related to continuous patient care. These occupational stressors may lead to physical fatigue and compassion fatigue, which can negatively influence professional engagement and work sustainability. In recent years, the concept of quiet quitting has emerged to describe a reduction in psychological commitment to work while remaining formally employed. However, limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between occupational fatigue and quiet quitting among physiotherapists.
This study is designed as an observational, cross-sectional investigation aiming to evaluate physical fatigue, compassion fatigue, and quiet quitting tendencies among physiotherapists working in Türkiye. Eligible participants will be physiotherapists who have graduated from a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate program and are actively working in public or private healthcare institutions. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained electronically prior to data collection.
Data will be collected through face-to-face interviews and online platforms, including electronic survey tools and professional communication channels. Participants will complete a demographic and occupational information form followed by validated measurement instruments assessing compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, and quiet quitting attitudes.
Statistical analyses will be conducted using appropriate descriptive and inferential methods. Relationships between variables will be examined using correlation analyses, and the predictive effects of physical fatigue and compassion fatigue on quiet quitting tendencies will be evaluated using multiple regression analysis. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of occupational well-being among physiotherapists and to provide evidence to support strategies aimed at improving working conditions and professional sustainability in rehabilitation services.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapists | – | Other: No Intervention (Observational Study)Physiotherapists actively working in public or private healthcare institutions in Türkiye who voluntarily participate in the study. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of physiotherapists actively working in public or private healthcare institutions in Türkiye.
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Graduated from a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate program
- Actively working as a physiotherapist in Türkiye
- Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Refusal to participate in the study
- Working in a profession other than physiotherapy
- Incomplete or incorrectly completed questionnaires
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 |
|---|---|---|
| No Intervention (Observational Study)This is an observational study. No intervention is administered. Data are collected using self-report questionnaires. | Other | Physiotherapists |
Primary outcome
Quiet Quitting Tendency
Time frame: At enrollment (single assessment)
Quiet quitting tendency will be assessed using the Quiet Quitting Attitude Scale, a validated self-report questionnaire measuring reduced psychological engagement with work. Higher scores indicate a greater tendency toward quiet quitting.
3 secondary outcomes
Physical Fatigue Level
Time frame: At enrollment (single assessment)
Compassion Fatigue Level
Time frame: At enrollment (single assessment)
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort
Time frame: Past 7 days
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jan 2026.
- BackgroundDevi T., P., Khanwelkar, C., Patil, A., Patil, S. S., Pawar, R., Suruve, D., & Mohana Sundari, S. K. (2019). Compassion Fatigue among Indian Physiotherapists: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study. Global Bioethics Enquiry Journal, 7(1), 17
- Background: PubMed 39685884Pena-Curbelo V, Meneses-Monroy A, Mayor-Silva LI, Martin-Casas P, Alvarez-Melcon AC. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2024 Dec 5;13(23):7425. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237425.
- Background: PubMed 29439375Bruschini M, Carli A, Burla F. Burnout and work-related stress in Italian rehabilitation professionals: A comparison of physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists. Work. 2018;59(1):121-129. doi: 10.3233/WOR-172657.
- BackgroundTohumcu, K., & Tanrıverdi, D. (2023). The Predictive Effect of Anxiety and Burnout Levels Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Organizational Commitment on their Intention to Leave the Organization of the Healthcare Professionals. European Journal of Therapeutics, 29(2), 208-220
- BackgroundYıldız S, Özmenekşe YO. KAÇINILMAZ SON: SESSİZ İSTİFA. Al Farabi Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2024;7(4):14-24.
- Background: PubMed 10582503Hedge A, Morimoto S, McCrobie D. Effects of keyboard tray geometry on upper body posture and comfort. Ergonomics. 1999 Oct;42(10):1333-49. doi: 10.1080/001401399184983.
- Background: PubMed 16569133Adams RE, Boscarino JA, Figley CR. Compassion fatigue and psychological distress among social workers: a validation study. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2006 Jan;76(1):103-8. doi: 10.1037/0002-9432.76.1.103.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to privacy and confidentiality considerations.
Related trials for Quiet Quitting
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Quiet Quitting and Fatigue, Compassion, run by Tokat Gaziosmanpasa 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 3 inclusion and 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jan 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Mahmut Sürmeli, PhD (90 506 332 42 59, mahmut.surmeli@gop.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Quiet Quitting Tendency (time frame: At enrollment (single assessment)). 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 NCT07340866, which also lists 7 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 14 Jan 2026.