What is this study trying to find out about musculoskeletal health and stress?

This study is evaluating whether stress management techniques can improve musculoskeletal health and reduce stress-related symptoms in employees. Researchers are examining the connection between stress markers and musculoskeletal issues to better understand how managing stress may affect well-being. The study is led by the University of Thessaly and focuses on workplace-related stress.

Who may be eligible for this musculoskeletal health clinical trial?

Adults aged 19 or older who can read and write Greek and provide their medical history may be eligible. Participants should not be pregnant, have pacemakers, seizures, or diagnosed musculoskeletal injuries or certain chronic diseases. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this musculoskeletal health clinical trial?

Study-related care, including all study visits and procedures, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel needs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 19Years +

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID06488547

Study on Stress Management and Musculoskeletal Health in Working Adults Evaluating Effects of Breathing and Muscle Relaxation Techniques

Led by University of Thessaly · Updated on 2024-07-05

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What This Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the relationship between work-related stress and musculoskeletal health in employees through a randomized interventional study. The study aims to determine if stress management techniques can improve self-reported musculoskeletal problems and medically unexplained symptoms, while also assessing stress biomarkers such as saliva cortisol, heart rate variability, and electromyography. Secondary outcomes include quality of life and work absence due to musculoskeletal issues. Participants will be divided into two groups one will undergo a six-week stress management program involving training in diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation along with biofeedback. This group will also receive information about stress, musculoskeletal health, psychosocial work factors, lifestyle habits, and ergonomic guidance. The control group will receive only ergonomic advice applicable in the workplace. Assessments occur at week 1 and week 8. During the study, participants will complete self-report questionnaires and provide biological samples for stress marker analysis. Researchers will monitor heart rate variability, saliva cortisol, and musculoskeletal symptoms over eight weeks. Quality of life will also be measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. The total participation includes baseline and follow-up assessments to evaluate the impact of the intervention on stress and musculoskeletal health.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Stress and Musculoskeletal Health in Employees

Who Can Participate

Age: 19Years +

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Ability to read and write Greek
Consent to provide medical history
Consent to be measured with electronic devices

You will not qualify if you...

Employees close to retirement (within 2 years) or with factors preventing completion (e.g., travel, transfer)
Pregnancy
Presence of pacemaker or history of seizures
Diagnosed musculoskeletal injury
Diagnosed diseases such as osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, stroke, myocardial infarction, cancer, psychiatric disorders, or disability
Use of cortisone or anti-inflammatory treatments within 3 months before the study
Use of drugs or substances
Participation in other interventional programs related to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, physical therapy, stress management, or health promotion within the study period

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - 8 weeks

Participants in the stress management group attend an eight-week program including diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and biofeedback training. They receive information on stress, musculoskeletal health, psychosocial work factors, and lifestyle modifications. The control group receives ergonomic practice information only.

2 visits (Week 1 and Week 8) for self-report questionnaires and stress biomarker measurements