Clinical Research Directory

Skin Cancer Among Outdoor Workers

This observational study examines skin cancer among workers who may have prolonged occupational exposure to sunlight. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is an important risk factor for several types of skin cancer, particularly among people who work outdoors for many years. The study will use routinely collected administrative and medical data to describe the characteristics of workers with recognized skin cancer, including age, sex, geographic region, type of skin cancer, occupational characteristics, and disability-related outcomes. Trends over time and differences between population groups will also be evaluated when the available data permit. The purpose of the study is to better understand the burden of skin cancer associated with occupational sun exposure and to identify groups of workers who may be at increased risk. The findings may help support improved prevention, earlier detection, workplace sun-protection measures, and occupational health policies for outdoor workers.

Eastern Principles Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Injury Prevention Among Nurses and Nursing Aides

This clinical trial will evaluate the effectivness of an Eastern Principles Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (EPACT) relative to an estabished traditional Western-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (ACT) and a no treatment control group. The participants for the study will be nurses and nursing aides (NNAs) who work in long-term care settings in the USA and Thailand. The primary dependent variables are work-related injuries, work stress and burnout, wellbeing, musculoskeletal symptoms, time off from work due to injury. High frequency heart rate variability will also be investigated as a predictor of responsiveness to the interventions. The study has three primary aims: 1. To compare the EPACT NNA intervention to an established traditional Western ACT NNA intervention and a no-treatment control group. 2. To identify predictors of ACT NNA and EPACT NNA responsiveness to the interventions and injury likelihood across time. 3. To assess EPACT NNA's feasibility and effectiveness across cultures. USA participants working in Ohio will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: EPACT NNA (n = 80), ACT NNA (n = 80), or a no treatment control group (n = 80). All participants will participate in an assessment session where study questnnaires are completed and a baseline high frequency HRV measurement is collected. Subsequent to the assessment, the EPACT NNA and ACT NNA participants will attend two 2.5 hour sessions spaced one week apart. The control group will have no further in-person meetings with the researchers. One-month after completing the intervention (4 weeks after the baseline assessment) a follow-up survey will be sent to participants for the first follow-up. Three months after baseline, the second follow-up survey will be sent to participants. The surveys assess demographic characteristics, organizational variables, work-related injuries, work stress, and well-being. A second RCT study will be conducted in Thailand comparing EPACT NNA (n = 40) to a no-treatment control group (n = 40) among nurses and nursing aides working in healthcare settings. The same outcome measures and procedures will be used. This research aims to develop a culturally-informed, evidence-based intervention that integrates both Western and Eastern mindfulness principles to address the high rates of work-related injuries among NNAs.

Investigation of Musculoskeletal System Disorders Seen in Automotive Industry Workers

The aim of this study is to examine the musculoskeletal disorders seen in automotive industry workers.

Effectiveness of Specific Strength Training Combined With Static Stretching of the Posterior Neck in Office Workers With Chronic Neck Pain: A Clinical Trial

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of strength training combined with stretching compared to specific strength training in office workers with chronic neck pain. Methods: A single blind randomized clinical trial will be conducted. Participants will be adult of both sexes with sedentary office work and chronic neck pain. The intervention will consist of a strength training program for the neck and shoulder muscles combined with static stretching of the neck, while the comparison group will only perform strength training. In addition, both groups will receive ergonomics guidelines. Short-term, medium-term, and long-term evaluations will be performed using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK).