CompletedNot Applicable

Association Between Office Ergonomics, Work Organization, and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Medical Secretaries

Turkey (Türkiye)110 participantsStarted 2026-03-01

Plain-language summary

Work-related musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common occupational health issues affecting healthcare staff, especially medical secretaries who spend long hours in sedentary positions and repetitive office tasks. This observational, cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal system complaints among medical secretaries. Participants will complete a structured questionnaire that includes demographic and occupational data, ergonomic and work organization characteristics (such as desk and chair setup, posture, computer use, and daily working hours), and self-reported measures of pain and well-being. Postural alignment will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), while pain intensity will be assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, participants' physical activity level, disability score and stress level will be recorded to examine their potential influence on musculoskeletal symptoms. The study aims to determine whether poor ergonomic conditions, inadequate posture, low physical activity, and high stress are associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back regions. This study is observational and does not include any intervention or experimental treatment. All participation will be voluntary, and data will be collected anonymously. The findings are expected to contribute to preventive strategies and ergonomic improvements to enhance occupational health and comfort among medical secretaries working in healthcare institutions.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Medical secretaries currently working in a hospital setting * Aged 18 years or older * Employed in a desk-based/office position involving computer use * Working in the current position for at least 6 months * Presence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal pain/complaints in at least one body region (e.g., neck, shoulder, upper back, low back, upper extremity) within the last 3 months, assessed by questionnaire * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Able to complete self-reported questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * Known spinal deformity or specific spinal disorder (e.g., symptomatic disc herniation/radiculopathy, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis) that could significantly affect musculoskeletal symptoms * Neurological deficit or neurological disease affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle weakness, sensory loss, peripheral neuropathy) * Diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic arthritis) * Major trauma to the neck/upper extremity/spine or orthopedic surgery within the past 6 months * History of spine surgery (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) * Receipt of intensive physical therapy/rehabilitation program or invasive pain procedure (e.g., injection, nerve block) targeting the spine or upper extremity within the past 6 months * Pregnancy * Severe cognitive impairment or severe psychiatric disorder that would prevent completion of questionnaires or reliable partici…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Prevalence and Severity of Musculoskeletal Complaints

Timeframe: Single assessment (1 day)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07324655

SponsorAntalya Training and Research Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Musculoskeletal Diseases trials