This study is about neck pain and upper-back movement in office workers. Sitting for long hours and working on computers can contribute to neck and upper-back discomfort.
The study will compare two approaches:
App-Based Active Breaks: An app will remind participants to take 1 minute movement breaks during their workday.
Conventional Approach: Participants will receive ergonomic advice and exercises to do twice a day.
The exercises include simple movements for the upper back, shoulders, and neck.
Participants will be assessed for neck pain, neck disability, upper-back movement, muscle endurance, and work-related difficulties before and after the program.
The active program will last 6 weeks, followed by a final assessment in week 8.
Participation is voluntary, and participants can withdraw at any time. Their personal information will be kept confidential.
The study aims to find out whether taking short, regular movement breaks with app reminders can help reduce neck pain and improve upper-back movement in office workers.
25-50 years, employed in call-center or IT support roles for ≥30 hours per week.
Sub-acute or chronic non-specific neck and upper thoracic pain
Neck Disability Index (NDI) score ≥10/50 indicating mild to moderate disability.
Access to a smartphone compatible with the intervention app
Specific neck pathology (cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, fracture, malignancy, infection, or inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Post-surgical conditions of the cervical or thoracic spine or shoulder within the past 6 months.
Severe thoracic kyphosis, scoliosis, or other structural spinal deformities interfering with movement assessment.
Pregnancy or conditions contraindicating light mobility exercises (e.g., vertigo, uncontrolled hypertension).
Parallel
App Based Behavior Nudging Active Breaks
BehavioralParticipants will receive app reminders 7-8 times during the workday for six weeks to perform one-minute active breaks using the prescribed mobility exercises. The app will include visual reminders and progress streaks
Conventional Ergonomic Education and Exercise
BehavioralParticipants will receive ergonomic education and perform the prescribed mobility exercises twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, without app reminders. They will also receive guidance on posture, movement safety, and pain monitoring.
Exercise Adherence
Adherence to the prescribed active breaks and mobility exercises, assessed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale and app based activity logs.
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This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options:
