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Examining the Effectiveness of Ergonomics and Exercise Training in Caregivers
Sponsor: Uskudar University
Summary
Family and formal caregivers of partially or fully dependent individuals repeatedly perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting, transferring, repositioning, and hygiene care. These tasks increase biomechanical loading and place caregivers at high risk of musculoskeletal complaints, which in turn increase perceived caregiver burden, burnout, and fatigue. Interventions for this population have most often been limited to information leaflets or theoretical instruction, and the active exercise component has usually been absent. Furthermore, teaching safe transfer techniques alone may be insufficient when caregivers lack the muscle strength, trunk (core) stability, and flexibility required to perform those techniques.
Official title: Examining the Effectiveness of Ergonomics and Exercise Training in Caregivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
30 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
48
Start Date
2026-08-25
Completion Date
2027-01-20
Last Updated
2026-08-21
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Ergonomic training
• Description: Structured theoretical and hands-on ergonomic training delivered once a month over the 12-week intervention period (3 sessions in total), face-to-face and/or through synchronous or asynchronous video modules, by a physiotherapist. Content covers biomechanical body mechanics, in-bed positioning, sitting the care recipient up, bed-to-chair transfer techniques, use of assistive devices, and modification of the home environment to protect low back and neck health. Each session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.
Exercise training
• Description: Structured exercise programme delivered 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks (36 sessions in total) as face-to-face supervised practice or video-supported guidance with home exercise monitoring, under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The programme includes postural exercises, core stabilization, trunk and extremity strengthening, stretching, and breathing exercises. Each session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. Perceived exertion is monitored with the Borg scale and sessions are modified or terminated if adverse symptoms occur.
Standard information brochure
• Description: A standard printed brochure covering general health recommendations, the importance of spinal health, and basic principles to observe during routine caregiving, given once after the baseline assessment. Participants are contacted by telephone once a month during the 12-week period to record any change in health status or any new surgery or acute illness; no exercise or ergonomic guidance is provided during these calls. After all assessments are completed, training materials and videos are offered to this group for ethical reasons.