Effects of Preventive Physiotherapy Practices on Posture and Work-Related Functions in Office Workers
Condition: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Office Workers
MeSH terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      In this study; aimed to determine an individual-centered, effective physiotherapy method to
      reduce the negative impacts of the forward head posture on work-related functions and to
      increase body awareness and functionality among office workers. In addition, aimed to reduce
      the loss of work with measures to improve the quality and efficiency of work.
    

Detailed description: 
      The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of preventive physiotherapy practices
      on work related musculoskeletal disorders in office workers.

      With this purpose, in this study; aimed to achieve improvement on forward head posture, upper
      extremity functions and cervical pain reduction through three interventions (supervised EMG
      biofeedback exercise training, home-based exercise program and posture training/ergonomic
      regulations). Work related changes in muscle activation of Upper Trapezius and posture will
      be evaluated while working on a computer task in actual work environment. Differences in
      posture and muscle activation between computer task and resting position, will be determined
      before and after the intervention.
    

Intervention name(s): Supervised EMG Biofeedback Exercise Training Group; Home-Based Exercise Training Group; Posture Training/Ergonomic Regulations Group
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Posture training and ergonomic arrangements in the workplace. EMG biofeedback training will be carried out with electromyography-controlled video game combined with PNF exercises. Each game sessions comprising the work-rest cycle covers performing the upper trapezius muscle contraction simultaneously the upper extremity PNF patterns.; Posture training and ergonomic arrangements in the workplace. Posture correction exercises, contains strengthening, stretching, mobility and relaxation exercises, will be given as a home exercises program. Exercise diary and weekly calls will be use to maintain the exercise adherence; Posture training and ergonomic arrangements in the workplace.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Group 1: Supervised EMG Biofeedback Exercise Training Group; Posture training will be provided before intervention and ergonomic arrangements will be made in the workplace. Three sessions per week and six weeks of EMG biofeedback training will be carried out with electromyography-controlled video game combined with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises.
Group 2: Home-Based Exercise Training Group; Posture training will be provided before interventions and ergonomic arrangements will be made in the workplace. Posture correction exercises, contains strengthening, stretching, mobility and relaxation exercises, will be given as a home exercises program for 6 weeks.
Group 3: Posture Training/Ergonomic Regulations Group Posture training will be provided before interventions and ergonomic arrangements will be made in the workplace.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: Surface Electromyography; Biofeedback; Forward Head Posture; Posture; Trapezius Muscle; Task- specific Performance; Exercise; Office Worker