Occupational DiseasesNCT06843759
Effectiveness of Pilates Exercises Applied to Violinists With Nonspecific Neck Pain
A study testing mat pilates and reformer pilates in people with Occupational Diseases and Neck Pain, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Nonspecific neck pain is common among violinists because of the sustained asymmetric posture required to hold the instrument. This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 12-week Mat Pilates program with a 12-week Reformer Pilates program on pain intensity, neck disability, neck pain-related disability… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Occupational Diseases, Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- mat pilates and reformer pilates
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2025to 10 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-50 years
- Professional violin training (student or professional violinist)
- Nonspecific neck pain present for at least 3 months
- Neck pain intensity > 3 on a 0-10 visual analogue scale
- No upper-extremity or spinal surgery within the previous 6 months
- Written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Psychological or physical impairment precluding regular exercise
- Diagnosed mental disorder
- Regular medication use
- Active infection
- Medical condition contraindicating physical activity
- Specific cause of neck pain (e.g., radiculopathy, trauma, inflammatory or neoplastic disease)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Pilates Exercises Applied to Violinists With Nonspecific Neck Pain : Randomized Controlled Trial
Nonspecific neck pain is common among violinists because of the sustained asymmetric posture required to hold the instrument. This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 12-week Mat Pilates program with a 12-week Reformer Pilates program on pain intensity, neck disability, neck pain-related disability and upper-extremity function in violinists aged 18-50 years with nonspecific neck pain. Thirty participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates. Both programs were delivered twice weekly in supervised group sessions of 45 minutes for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks by an assessor blinded to group allocation.
Read the detailed description
Participants were recruited from violinists attending a private physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre in Istanbul, Türkiye. Eligible participants had nonspecific neck pain for at least 3 months with a pain intensity above 3/10 on a visual analogue scale. Randomization was performed by an independent researcher using block randomization (Random Allocation Software); allocation was concealed in sealed opaque envelopes opened after baseline assessment. Both groups received a theoretical briefing on the six Pilates principles (centering, control, breathing, precision, concentration, flow) before starting. Each 45-minute session comprised a 5-minute warm-up, a 35-minute main exercise phase and a 5-minute cool-down/stretching phase; exercises were performed for 12 repetitions with 30-second rest intervals. The Mat Pilates group performed body-weight exercises on a mat (spine stretch, hundreds, swan, mini swan, swimming, arm opening, spine rotation, shoulder rotation, arms up). The Reformer Pilates group performed exercises on a reformer apparatus in supine, seated and kneeling positions (toes, heels, walking, hundreds, triceps, side arms, forward rowing, PNF pattern, spine rotation, mermaid, mermaid with rotation, spine stretch); spring resistance was individually set at a level the participant could perform without strain and adjusted as tolerated. All sessions were supervised by a physiotherapist who corrected technique with verbal, tactile and visual cues. Participants were asked not to undertake other structured physical activity during the study period and received weekly reminder messages. Outcome assessment was performed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at the end of week 12.
- Conditions
- Occupational Diseases, Neck Pain
- Being tested
- mat pilates, reformer pilates
- Keywords
- violinist
- Medical subject headings
- Occupational Diseases, Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
mat pilatesOther
Supervised group Pilates exercises on a mat: spine stretch (warm-up), hundreds, swan, mini swan, swimming, arm opening, spine rotation, shoulder rotation, arms up, mermaid (cool-down). 12 repetitions per exercise, 30-s rest between exercises, 45 min per session, twice weekly for 12 weeks.
reformer pilatesOther
Supervised group Pilates exercises on a reformer apparatus: toes, heels, walking, hundreds, triceps, side arms, forward rowing, PNF pattern, spine rotation, mermaid, mermaid with rotation, spine stretch. Spring resistance individually set at a level performed without strain. 12 repetitions per exercise, 30-s rest between exercises, 45 min per session, twice weekly for 12 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mat Pilates | Active comparator | 12-week supervised Mat Pilates program, 2 sessions/week, 45 min/session, performed on a mat using body weight only. Receives: Other: mat pilates |
| Reformer Pilates | Experimental | 12-week supervised Reformer Pilates program, 2 sessions/week, 45 min/session, performed on a reformer apparatus with individually adjusted spring resistance. Receives: Other: reformer pilates |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in neck pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS)
Neck pain intensity rated on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in neck pain-related disability (Neck Pain and Disability Scale, NPDS)
20-item scale, each item scored 0-5; total score 0-100. Higher scores indicate greater pain and disability. Turkish version (Bicer et al., 2004).
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in upper-extremity disability/symptoms (DASH Disability/Symptom score)
30-item Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; score 0-100, higher scores indicate greater disability. Turkish version (Düger et al., 2006).
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in work-related upper-extremity disability (DASH Work module)
4-item optional module; score 0-100, higher scores indicate greater work-related limitation.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in music-related upper-extremity disability (DASH Sports/Performing Arts module)
4-item optional module completed for violin playing; score 0-100, higher scores indicate greater limitation during performance.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Feb 2025
- Study start1 Mar 2025
- Primary completion1 Jun 2025
- Study completion10 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Occupational DiseasesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Doç.Dr.Ömer Şevgin, Uskudar University
- Investigators
- Sümeyye Postacı, Study chair, Uskudar University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06843759
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Uskudar21
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 30 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: De-identified individual participant data may be made available from the principal investigator on reasonable request.
Publications
Steinmetz A, Claus A, Hodges PW, Jull GA. Neck muscle function in violinists/violists with and without neck pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Apr;35(4):1045-51. doi: 10.1007/s10067-015-3000-4. Epub 2015 Jul 15.
PubMed 26175099Prada V, Mori L, Prato E, Hamedani M, Accogli S, Grandis M, Schenone A. Comparison of Strength and Dexterity in Professional and Student Violinists: Setting Foundations to Guide Rehabilitation. Med Probl Perform Art. 2020 Sep;35(3):130-137. doi: 10.21091/mppa.2020.3021.
PubMed 32870964Kuo YL, Lee TH, Tsai YJ. Evaluation of a Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program for Pain, Disability, and Physical Impairments in University Violinists with Nonspecific Neck Pain. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 28;17(15):5430. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17155430.
PubMed 32731521Chi JY, Halaki M, Ackermann BJ. Ergonomics in violin and piano playing: A systematic review. Appl Ergon. 2020 Oct;88:103143. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103143. Epub 2020 May 22.
PubMed 32678769
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Pilates Exercises Applied to Violinists With Nonspecific Neck Pain : Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06843759
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Uskudar21
- Conditions
- Occupational Diseases, Neck Pain
- Keywords
- violinist
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 25 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Nonspecific neck pain is common among violinists because of the sustained asymmetric posture required to hold the instrument. This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 12-week Mat Pilates program with a 12-week Reformer Pilates program on pain intensity, neck disability, neck pain-related disability and upper-extremity function in violinists aged 18-50 years with nonspecific neck pain. Thirty participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates. Both programs were delivered twice weekly in supervised group sessions of 45 minutes for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks by an assessor blinded to group allocation.
Detailed description
Participants were recruited from violinists attending a private physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre in Istanbul, Türkiye. Eligible participants had nonspecific neck pain for at least 3 months with a pain intensity above 3/10 on a visual analogue scale. Randomization was performed by an independent researcher using block randomization (Random Allocation Software); allocation was concealed in sealed opaque envelopes opened after baseline assessment. Both groups received a theoretical briefing on the six Pilates principles (centering, control, breathing, precision, concentration, flow) before starting. Each 45-minute session comprised a 5-minute warm-up, a 35-minute main exercise phase and a 5-minute cool-down/stretching phase; exercises were performed for 12 repetitions with 30-second rest intervals. The Mat Pilates group performed body-weight exercises on a mat (spine stretch, hundreds, swan, mini swan, swimming, arm opening, spine rotation, shoulder rotation, arms up). The Reformer Pilates group performed exercises on a reformer apparatus in supine, seated and kneeling positions (toes, heels, walking, hundreds, triceps, side arms, forward rowing, PNF pattern, spine rotation, mermaid, mermaid with rotation, spine stretch); spring resistance was individually set at a level the participant could perform without strain and adjusted as tolerated. All sessions were supervised by a physiotherapist who corrected technique with verbal, tactile and visual cues. Participants were asked not to undertake other structured physical activity during the study period and received weekly reminder messages. Outcome assessment was performed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at the end of week 12.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mat Pilates | Active comparator | Other: mat pilates12-week supervised Mat Pilates program, 2 sessions/week, 45 min/session, performed on a mat using body weight only. |
| Reformer Pilates | Experimental | Other: reformer pilates12-week supervised Reformer Pilates program, 2 sessions/week, 45 min/session, performed on a reformer apparatus with individually adjusted spring resistance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18-50 years
- Professional violin training (student or professional violinist)
- Nonspecific neck pain present for at least 3 months
- Neck pain intensity > 3 on a 0-10 visual analogue scale
- No upper-extremity or spinal surgery within the previous 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Psychological or physical impairment precluding regular exercise
- Diagnosed mental disorder
- Regular medication use
- Active infection
- Medical condition contraindicating physical activity
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| mat pilatesSupervised group Pilates exercises on a mat: spine stretch (warm-up), hundreds, swan, mini swan, swimming, arm opening, spine rotation, shoulder rotation, arms up, mermaid (cool-down). 12 repetitions per exercise, 30-s rest between exercises, 45 min per session, twice weekly for 12 weeks. | Other | Mat Pilates |
| reformer pilatesSupervised group Pilates exercises on a reformer apparatus: toes, heels, walking, hundreds, triceps, side arms, forward rowing, PNF pattern, spine rotation, mermaid, mermaid with rotation, spine stretch. Spring resistance individually set at a level performed without strain. 12 repetitions per exercise, 30-s rest between exercises, 45 min per session, twice weekly for 12 weeks. | Other | Reformer Pilates |
Primary outcome
Change in neck pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Neck pain intensity rated on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in neck pain-related disability (Neck Pain and Disability Scale, NPDS)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in upper-extremity disability/symptoms (DASH Disability/Symptom score)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in work-related upper-extremity disability (DASH Work module)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in music-related upper-extremity disability (DASH Sports/Performing Arts module)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 26175099Steinmetz A, Claus A, Hodges PW, Jull GA. Neck muscle function in violinists/violists with and without neck pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Apr;35(4):1045-51. doi: 10.1007/s10067-015-3000-4. Epub 2015 Jul 15.
- Background: PubMed 32870964Prada V, Mori L, Prato E, Hamedani M, Accogli S, Grandis M, Schenone A. Comparison of Strength and Dexterity in Professional and Student Violinists: Setting Foundations to Guide Rehabilitation. Med Probl Perform Art. 2020 Sep;35(3):130-137. doi: 10.21091/mppa.2020.3021.
- Background: PubMed 32731521Kuo YL, Lee TH, Tsai YJ. Evaluation of a Cervical Stabilization Exercise Program for Pain, Disability, and Physical Impairments in University Violinists with Nonspecific Neck Pain. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 28;17(15):5430. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17155430.
- Background: PubMed 32678769Chi JY, Halaki M, Ackermann BJ. Ergonomics in violin and piano playing: A systematic review. Appl Ergon. 2020 Oct;88:103143. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103143. Epub 2020 May 22.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. De-identified individual participant data may be made available from the principal investigator on reasonable request.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Sümeyye Postacı study chair
Uskudar University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing mat pilates and reformer pilates in people with Occupational Diseases and Neck Pain, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in neck pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) (time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06843759, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Oct 2026.