Clinical Research Directory

Central Sensitization, Work-Related Stress, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Desk-Based Workers With and Without Migraine

Migraine is a common neurological disease causing significant disability worldwide, with an estimated global prevalence of 14.4%. It represents a significant individual and societal burden, particularly for working-age individuals, as it can significantly impact work performance, productivity, and daily living activities. Migraine is not merely a headache; it is characterized by increased excitability of neurons in the central nervous system, leading to hypersensitivity to pain. Central sensory mechanisms are thought to play a role in the pathophysiology and chronicity of migraine, causing increased pain sensitivity, allodynia, and potentially related to musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, psychosocial factors and work stress have been identified as significant factors associated with both headaches and musculoskeletal pain. Literature indicates that neck pain is common in individuals with migraine headaches; in fact, neck pain is twice as frequent in patients with chronic migraine headaches compared to those with episodic migraine. While evidence regarding back pain is limited, it has been shown that individuals with chronic headaches report back pain more frequently. In modern work environments, sedentary work and prolonged computer use are increasing. Prolonged sitting, improper ergonomics, and repetitive movements are considered significant risk factors for musculoskeletal problems. This can lead to pain and functional limitations, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Although there has been an increase in working from home, especially after the pandemic, the time spent at a desk is still similar to that spent in the workplace. It is stated that static muscle activity and improper postures maintained during prolonged computer use can lead to increased strain on cervical and upper extremity muscles, exacerbating musculoskeletal symptoms. Literature reports that headaches and neck pain are common among individuals who work at desks; for example, a study of office workers reported that approximately 80% of individuals with headaches also experienced neck pain. Furthermore, high workload, time pressure, and psychosocial stress factors have been shown to be associated with both headaches and musculoskeletal pain in individuals who work at desks. Therefore, desk-based work conditions are considered a significant environmental factor that may play a role in the onset or exacerbation of migraine and musculoskeletal symptoms. Despite this, studies examining musculoskeletal symptoms, central sensitivity, and work stress together in desk-bound migraine patients are limited in the literature. Most studies have only examined individuals with headaches or evaluated musculoskeletal findings in limited areas. Therefore, studies comparing desk-bound migraine patients with non-migraine-bound desk-bound individuals could fill a significant gap in the literature. In this context, it is believed that the planned study will contribute to a better understanding of the possible relationships between migraine and musculoskeletal symptoms, help develop protective and rehabilitative approaches to the work environment, and benefit individuals exposed to musculoskeletal risks in desk-bound work, within the scope of Sustainable Development Goals 3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The aim of this study is to compare central sensitization, work-related stress levels, and musculoskeletal symptoms in desk-based workers according to the presence of migraine and to examine the relationships among these variables.

The Effects of Core Stabilization on Desk Workers With Postural Disorders

This study aimed to investigate the effects of core, thoracic and hip mobility exercises on trunk stabilization and postural improvement in desk workers with postural disorders.

A Structured Method for Systematic and Integrated Occupational Safety and Health and Patient Safety Management Systems

The evidence unequivocally supports the association between work environment and patient safety. The negative impact of working conditions on both employee health and quality of care highlights the potential benefits of integrating these areas. It is therefore suggested that integrated systematic occupational health and patient safety management are crucial in managing the challenges faced by healthcare services today. The project aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a structured method for systematic and integrated occupational safety and health and patient safety management systems (SIOHPS). A process evaluation will be conducted alongside the main study to determine the intervention's specific outcomes and provide transferable guidance to a wider context. The intervention is designed to support both systematic occupational health and patient safety management systems using a Safety II-perspective. The intervention is comprised of several core components, including education to staff, support-functions and management, daily team reflections; as well as audit and feedback. A stepped wedge cluster-controlled design (SWD) will be used, with workplaces as clusters. The SWD will consist of three steps, with four clusters crossing over from the control to the intervention group at each step. All clusters will start as controls. At least twelve healthcare units with at least thirty employees per workplace from two different regions in Sweden will participate in the intervention. Workplaces that provide round-the-clock care are invited to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria are units with plans to implement any other occupational health and/or patient safety improvement work during the project period. At the individual level, inclusion criteria for employees include at least 50% of full-time work at the workplace. The SIOHPS project will contribute to the existing theory on safety culture interventions by considering the integration of these areas. The goal is to contribute to a safe environment for both employees and patients.