Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
An experimental study, which will aim to compare changes of trunk mechanical properties and neuromuscular control following spinal flexion exposure in crane operators and control subjects.
Our experimental study will include 40 participants, more specifically 15 crane operators and 15 control subjects. All participants will complete a 60-min protocol of intermittent trunk flexion. Measurements of trunk mechanical properties and neuromuscular control will be performed prior to and following the 60-min protocol.
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crane operators | Experimental | Individuals employed as crane operators in Port of Koper. |
|
| Control subjects | Active Comparator | Individuals who spend more than half of their occupation time standing. |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repeated trunk flexion | Other | A 60-min intermittent trunk flexion protocol. Participants will sit on a standard height sit, with their knees bent at approximately 90° with their hands crossed on their chest. They will perform 40 sets of 60 s of maintaining a flexed position, interspersed with 30 s of rest. Participants will achieve the flexed position by tilting the pelvis posteriorly and leaning forward. During rest, participants will sit up straight without leaning on the support. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in muscle stiffness | Muscle stiffness will be measured using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography during prone lying and forward stooping. Erector spinae and multifidus muscle stiffness will be expressed as the shear modulus value in kilopascals. | 90 minutes |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in range of motion | Trunk flexion range of motion will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse in maximal trunk flexion while standing. | 90 minutes |
| Change in length of the spine | The length of spine will be measured on a custom-developed stadiometer, with the participants in a seated position. |
Not provided
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Only male participants will be included, due to gender specificity of crane operators.
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Matej Voglar, PhD | University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences | Izola | Primorska | 6310 | Slovenia |
Coded individual data will be uploaded on public scientific data repository.
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Cross-sectional study
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
|
| 90 minutes |
| Change in muscle activity | Muscle activity will be measured using electromyography during standing, a forward stoop hold and during maximal trunk flexion. | 90 minutes |
| Change in lumbar lordosis angle | The lumbar lordosis angle will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse during upright standing. | 90 minutes |
| Change in trunk extension maximal strength | Isometric trunk extension peak torque will be assessed on a trunk dynamometer. | 90 minutes |