Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risk, Postural ControlNCT07326527
Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Breathing Training for Ergonomic Risk and Fatigue in Flute Students
A study testing Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program in people with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risk, Postural Control and Postural Awareness, run by Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of an eight-week tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on work-related ergonomic risk and cervical somatosensory function in flute students. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 28 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risk, Postural Control, Postural Awareness
- What is being tested?
- Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 5 Nov 2024to 30 May 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 28 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged between 18 and 28 years
- Enrolled as a student in the Department of Music at the Faculty of Fine Arts or Faculty of Education
- Has been playing the flute for at least 3 years
- Willing to participate in the study and able to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- History of upper extremity surgery
- Presence of any diagnosed neurological disorder
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Presence of an acute musculoskeletal injury that could affect performance
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
Alanya, Antalya, 07425
About this study
Official title: Effects of a Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Breathing Program on Ergonomic Risk, Sensorimotor Function, and Fatigue in Flute Students: A Randomized Controlled Study
This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of an eight-week tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on work-related ergonomic risk and cervical somatosensory function in flute students. A total of 30 undergraduate flute students were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group.
Participants in the intervention group received a structured tele-rehabilitation program focusing on postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices for eight weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the study period.
Read more
Primary outcomes include work-related ergonomic risk assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and cervical somatosensory function evaluated through cervical joint position sense (horizontal, vertical, and global error). Secondary outcomes include deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, perceived fatigue, postural awareness, and musical performance anxiety.
Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after the eight-week intervention period. The study aims to determine whether a tele-based postural awareness and breathing intervention can effectively reduce ergonomic risk and improve sensorimotor function in flute students who are exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures during instrument practice.
Read the detailed description
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on ergonomic risk, cervical somatosensory function, and selected secondary outcomes in flute students.
Thirty undergraduate flute students enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Music, were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Participants were required to have regular flute practice and no history of neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the cervical region.
The intervention group participated in an eight-week tele-rehabilitation program consisting of postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices. Sessions were delivered remotely and focused on improving postural alignment, body awareness, controlled breathing, and sensorimotor control relevant to prolonged instrument practice. The control group did not receive any intervention during the study period and continued their usual daily activities.
Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the eight-week intervention period. Primary outcome measures included work-related ergonomic risk, assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and cervical somatosensory function, evaluated through cervical joint position sense testing in horizontal, vertical, and global directions. Secondary outcome measures included deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, perceived fatigue assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, postural awareness, and musical performance anxiety assessed using a validated questionnaire.
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a tele-based postural awareness and breathing intervention in reducing ergonomic risk and improving sensorimotor function in flute students exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures during musical practice.
- Being tested
- No Intervention, Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program
- Keywords
- Tele-rehabilitation, Postural Awareness, Ergonomic Risk, Cervical Proprioception, Musicians
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
No InterventionOther
Participants do not receive any intervention and continue their usual daily activities and regular
Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing ProgramBehavioural
An 8-week tele-rehabilitation program delivered remotely, focusing on postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| No Intervention / Usual Activity | Active comparator | Participants do not receive any intervention and continue their usual daily activities and regular flute practice during the 8-week study period. Receives: Other: No Intervention |
| Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program | Experimental | Behavioral: Participants receive an 8-week tele-based program including postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices delivered remotely. Receives: Behavioral: Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Total RULA Score and RULA B Score
Postural ergonomic risk is assessed during flute performance using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), which evaluates neck, trunk, and upper limb posture. The total RULA score ranges from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater ergonomic risk.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Cervical Somatosensory Function (Joint Position Sense - JPS)
Cervical joint position sense is assessed using a laser-pointer repositioning method during flexion, extension, and rotation movements. Horizontal, vertical, and global angular errors are calculated. Higher error values indicate reduced proprioceptive accuracy.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PAFÖ) total score
A self-reported scale assessing postural habits and postural awareness across four domains: posture habit and awareness, awareness of posture-disturbing factors, position awareness, and ergonomic awareness. Higher scores indicate better postural awareness.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance
Participants maintain a chin-tuck with slight head lift in supine position. The duration the position is maintained without compensation is recorded in seconds.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Modified Borg Scale score
Fatigue is assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, which measures perceived exertion and fatigue following classes, rehearsals, and performances.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) total score
A validated 25-item questionnaire assessing musical performance anxiety across psychological, somatic, and control-related domains. Higher scores indicate greater performance anxiety.Total score on the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (range 0-240), where higher scores indicate greater performance anxiety.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Jan 2026
- Study start5 Nov 2024
- Primary completion15 Jan 2025
- Study completion30 May 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risk, Postural ControlStudies 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
- Model description
- Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial) Allocation: Randomized Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: None (Open Label) Primary Purpose: Prevention Number of Arms: 2
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ayça Araci, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07326527
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 22.12.2025
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 2 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because the study involves small sample sizes and includes sensitive personal, performance, and health-related information. Data sharing could increase the risk of participant identification. In accordance with the approval of the institutional ethics committee and applicable data protection regulations, the data will be used only by the research team for the purposes of this study.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of a Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Breathing Program on Ergonomic Risk, Sensorimotor Function, and Fatigue in Flute Students: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07326527
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 22.12.2025
- Keywords
- Tele-rehabilitation, Postural Awareness, Ergonomic Risk, Cervical Proprioception, Musicians
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 May 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Jan 2026 (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.
This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of an eight-week tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on work-related ergonomic risk and cervical somatosensory function in flute students. A total of 30 undergraduate flute students were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group.
Participants in the intervention group received a structured tele-rehabilitation program focusing on postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices for eight weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the study period.
Primary outcomes include work-related ergonomic risk assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and cervical somatosensory function evaluated through cervical joint position sense (horizontal, vertical, and global error). Secondary outcomes include deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, perceived fatigue, postural awareness, and musical performance anxiety.
Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after the eight-week intervention period. The study aims to determine whether a tele-based postural awareness and breathing intervention can effectively reduce ergonomic risk and improve sensorimotor function in flute students who are exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures during instrument practice.
Detailed description
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on ergonomic risk, cervical somatosensory function, and selected secondary outcomes in flute students.
Thirty undergraduate flute students enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Music, were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Participants were required to have regular flute practice and no history of neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the cervical region.
The intervention group participated in an eight-week tele-rehabilitation program consisting of postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices. Sessions were delivered remotely and focused on improving postural alignment, body awareness, controlled breathing, and sensorimotor control relevant to prolonged instrument practice. The control group did not receive any intervention during the study period and continued their usual daily activities.
Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the eight-week intervention period. Primary outcome measures included work-related ergonomic risk, assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and cervical somatosensory function, evaluated through cervical joint position sense testing in horizontal, vertical, and global directions. Secondary outcome measures included deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, perceived fatigue assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, postural awareness, and musical performance anxiety assessed using a validated questionnaire.
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a tele-based postural awareness and breathing intervention in reducing ergonomic risk and improving sensorimotor function in flute students exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures during musical practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial) Allocation: Randomized Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: None (Open Label) Primary Purpose: Prevention Number of Arms: 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| No Intervention / Usual Activity | Active comparator | Other: No InterventionParticipants do not receive any intervention and continue their usual daily activities and regular flute practice during the 8-week study period. |
| Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program | Experimental | Behavioral: Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing ProgramBehavioral: Participants receive an 8-week tele-based program including postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices delivered remotely. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 28 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Aged between 18 and 28 years
- Enrolled as a student in the Department of Music at the Faculty of Fine Arts or Faculty of Education
- Has been playing the flute for at least 3 years
- Willing to participate in the study and able to provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of upper extremity surgery
- Presence of any diagnosed neurological disorder
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Presence of an acute musculoskeletal injury that could affect performance
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 |
|---|---|---|
| No InterventionParticipants do not receive any intervention and continue their usual daily activities and regular | Other | No Intervention / Usual Activity |
| Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing ProgramAn 8-week tele-rehabilitation program delivered remotely, focusing on postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices. | Behavioural | Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program |
Primary outcome
Total RULA Score and RULA B Score
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Postural ergonomic risk is assessed during flute performance using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), which evaluates neck, trunk, and upper limb posture. The total RULA score ranges from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater ergonomic risk.
Cervical Somatosensory Function (Joint Position Sense - JPS)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Cervical joint position sense is assessed using a laser-pointer repositioning method during flexion, extension, and rotation movements. Horizontal, vertical, and global angular errors are calculated. Higher error values indicate reduced proprioceptive accuracy.
4 secondary outcomes
Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PAFÖ) total score
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Endurance
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Modified Borg Scale score
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) total score
Time frame: Baseline and 8 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 2 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because the study involves small sample sizes and includes sensitive personal, performance, and health-related information. Data sharing could increase the risk of participant identification. In accordance with the approval of the institutional ethics committee and applicable data protection regulations, the data will be used only by the research team for the purposes of this study.
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Pranayama-Based Breathing Program in people with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risk, Postural Control and Postural Awareness, run by Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat 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 4 inclusion and 4 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 2 Feb 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?
Total RULA Score and RULA B Score (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 2 Feb 2026.