The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises in Office Workers

Neck Muscle Issue Clinical Trial

Official title:

The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises on Posture, Periscapular Muscle Strength and Disability in Office Workers

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT05596916
• Other study ID #: MustafaKU06
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: March 18, 2023
• Est. completion date: June 20, 2023

Study information

• Verified date: September 2023
• Source: Mustafa Kemal University
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of stretching exercises applied to the axioscapular muscles on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers.

Description:

Individuals who work at a desk for a long time often take a kyphotic or loose sitting position, resulting in tension in some of the axioscapular muscles and weakness in others. Because, as a result of wrong working posture at the desk, scapular downward rotation formation, increased activation in trapezius and levator scapula muscles, pain, decrease in normal joint range of motion (ROM) may result in impaired proprioception and this situation may create a vicious circle. In addition, incorrect sitting posture was found to be associated with changes in scapula position, kinematics and muscle activity.

It is considered a clinical feature that a change in scapular alignment can cause neck pain and dysfunction. The scapula shares common muscle connections with the neck, and altered axioscapular muscle function is claimed to potentially cause neck pain through abnormal loading of the cervical spine or the formation of myofascial trigger points.

Stretching the shortened upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapula muscles and strengthening the deep cervical flexor muscles are effective in correcting the anterior tilt posture of the head.

Stretching exercises applied to the tension and shortness of the axioscapular muscles can have a positive effect on middle and lower trapezius muscle and serratus anterior muscle weakness, as they contribute to the change of scapular position. It may also contribute to cervical motion and/or symptom relief.

For this reason, the aim of the study is to examine the effects of axioscapular muscle stretching exercises on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers. In addition, information about the effect of isolated stretching exercises on muscle strength and symptoms will be obtained and a contribution will be made about the weekly dosage.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 60
• Est. completion date: June 20, 2023
• Est. primary completion date: June 15, 2023
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 60 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteer office workers who work at a desk more than 4 hours a day for at least 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who have undergone surgery on the upper extremity and/or neck,

• Patients that had been diagnosed for Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis,

• Those who have received a physiotherapy program for the neck and/or upper extremity in the last 3 months,

• People who are actively involved in sports (at least 3 days a week / 150 minutes).

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Neck Muscle Issue

Intervention

Other:
• High frequency of stretching exercise
After the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home. In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 5 days a week. Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment.
• Low frequency of stretching exercise
After the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home. In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 3 days a week. Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Turkey	Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation	Hatay	Alahan

Sponsors (2)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Mustafa Kemal University	Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (IUC)

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Turkey, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	The anterior tilt of head analysis with photography method	Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of the anterior tilt of the head will be evaluated through these photographs.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Primary	The shoulder protraction analysis with photography method	Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of shoulder protraction will be evaluated through these photographs.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Primary	The thoracic kyphosis analysis with photography method	Markers will be placed on the ear tragus, C7 and T12 process prominences, and acromion, and sagittal plane photographs will be taken. The angle of thoracic kyphosis will be evaluated through these photographs.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Primary	Shoulder protraction with tape measure	In addition, shoulder protraction with tape measure; It will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the acromion and the bed, with the person lying on his back.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Primary	The hand held dynamometer	Muscle strength (Lower and Middle Trapezius Muscles, Serratus Anterior) will be evaluated with a hand held dynamometer. The selected muscles will be tested to achieve a maximum isometric contraction of 3 repetitions in the appropriate anatomical position.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Secondary	Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) Questionnaire	Quick DASH is a 11-item questionnaire that questions the activities of a person in daily life, the degree of participation in recreational activities, the symptom and psychosocial state that affects their pain, and sleep quality. The total score is at least 0 and at most 100, and the high scores are positively correlated with the decreased functional level.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.
Secondary	Modified Neck Disability Index	This form consists of 10 questions. The intensity of pain in the neck, difficulty in personal care, ability to lift weights, the interaction of reading with neck pain, headaches, difficulty in doing work, difficulty in driving, sleeping and leisure activities are questioned. Each question scores between 0 and 5 points, and an increased score is associated with increased disability.	Evaluations will be done between two time points: first time at baseline and second time after 6-weeks rehabilitation program.