Musculoskeletal PainPOSTURE-SCREENNCT07380048
Postural Reeducation to Improve Spinal Posture and Pain in Adolescents Who Use Digital Screens
A study testing Postural Reeducation Program in people with Musculoskeletal Pain, run by University of Vigo at 1 site in Portugal.
Trial summary
This study evaluated whether a postural reeducation program could improve spinal posture and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents who frequently use digital devices. Prolonged screen use is common among students and is often associated with inadequate sitting or standing postures, which may increase back and… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 15 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- What is being tested?
- Postural Reeducation Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 187 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePortugal
- Study dates
- 22 Jan 2024to 10 May 2024
- 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 13 to 15 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Age between 13 and 15 years.
- Students enrolled in lower secondary education.
- Regular participation in Physical Education classes.
- Absence of recent musculoskeletal injuries.
- Absence of medical conditions limiting physical activity.
- Completion of the baseline questionnaire.
- Written informed consent signed by legal guardians.
Who cannot join
- Special educational needs preventing participation in the intervention.
- Medical contraindication for participation in Physical Education classes.
- Recent musculoskeletal injury or condition limiting exercise participation.
- Lack of informed consent.
- Failure to complete baseline or post-intervention assessments.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Portugal1 site
Agrupamento de Escolas D. Maria II
Vila Nova de Famalicão, 4760
About this study
Official title: Postural Reeducation: Effects On Spinal Posture And Pain In Adolescents Using Digital Screens
This study evaluated whether a postural reeducation program could improve spinal posture and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents who frequently use digital devices. Prolonged screen use is common among students and is often associated with inadequate sitting or standing postures, which may increase back and neck pain.
A total of 187 adolescents participated in the study. Students were assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a 12-week intervention integrated into the warm-up phase of Physical Education classes, while the control group continued with the usual warm-up used in these classes. The experimental group performed two sessions per week, each lasting 15 minutes, at the beginning of the class. Initially, students completed strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle. From the third week onward, active global stretching postures were added to improve flexibility and postural control.
Read more
Spinal posture was assessed at baseline and after the intervention using a noninvasive device (SpinalMouse®). Pain and postural habits were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Adolescents who participated in the postural reeducation program showed improvements in postural alignment and functional mobility, as well as reductions in back and neck pain, compared with the control group.
This study suggests that a brief school-based postural reeducation program may be an effective preventive strategy to promote spinal health and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents.
Read the detailed description
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a school-based postural reeducation program on spinal posture, functional mobility, and musculoskeletal pain in adolescents enrolled in lower secondary education (middle school level) who frequently use digital devices. Prolonged use of mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices is highly prevalent in this population and is associated with inadequate sitting and standing postures, increased thoracic kyphosis, and greater prevalence of neck and back pain. Preventive strategies implemented in school settings may help mitigate these negative musculoskeletal outcomes.
The primary objective of this study is to determine whether a 12-week intervention using a protocol based on strength and mobility exercises, combined with self-postures from the Global Active Stretching method and grounded in the principles of Global Postural Reeducation, integrated into Physical Education (PE) classes, improves spinal alignment and reduces pain perception in adolescents. Secondary objectives include assessing changes in postural habits related to digital device use and spinal mobility.
This study employed a repeated-measures pretest-posttest quasi-experimental controlled design with two groups parallel: an experimental group receiving the intervention and a control group continuing the usual PE warm-up. A total of 187 adolescents participated. During the first week, baseline assessment was performed, including spinal posture evaluation and questionnaire administration. The intervention program was then delivered over 12 consecutive weeks.
The intervention was implemented at the beginning of PE classes and consisted of two 15-minute sessions per week. The sessions included strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle based on the protocol proposed by Feng et al. (2018). In addition, active global stretching postures from the Souchard Active Global Stretching (AGS) method were progressively introduced to improve flexibility and postural control.
Spinal morphology in the sagittal plane was assessed at pretest and posttest using the non-invasive SpinalMouse® device. Postural habits and musculoskeletal pain were assessed using the validated Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Children and Adolescents (BackPEI-CA) questionnaire. All measurements were conducted under standardized conditions to ensure internal validity.
Participation involves minimal risk, limited mainly to temporary muscular discomfort during exercise performance. Potential benefits include improved postural awareness, spinal alignment, mobility, and musculoskeletal health.
This study is expected to contribute evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of brief school-based postural reeducation programs as a low-cost preventive strategy to promote spinal health in adolescents.
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Being tested
- Postural Reeducation Program
- Keywords
- Adolescent, Body Posture, Physical Education, Global Postural Reeducation, Back Pain, Electronic Devices
- Medical subject headings
- Musculoskeletal Pain, Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Postural Reeducation ProgramBehavioural
Also called Active Global Stretching, School physical education postural program
Behavioral: Postural Reeducation program The intervention consists of a 12-week school-based program integrated into Physical Education classes. Students perform two 15-minute sessions per week including strengthening and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle, followed by active global stretching postures aimed at improving flexibility and postural control.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 - Experimental | Experimental | Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive a 12-week postural reeducation program integrated into Physical Education classes. The program includes strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle and active global stretching postures designed to improve flexibility and postural control. Sessions are delivered twice per week for 15 minutes at the beginning of the class. Receives: Behavioral: Postural Reeducation Program |
| Arm 2 - Control | No intervention | Participants assigned to the control group will follow their usual Physical Education classes and standard warm-up routines. They will not receive any specific postural reeducation program or additional structured exercises beyond the regular school curriculum. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in sagittal spinal curvature (thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis)
Sagittal spinal posture will be assessed using the Spinal Mouse® device at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 14 weeks (post-intervention). Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles will be recorded in degrees (°). The outcome will be expressed as the difference in angular values between baseline and post-intervention and compared between the intervention and control groups.
Measured: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in thoracic and lumbar range of motion
Thoracic and lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using the Spinal Mouse® device at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 14 weeks (post-intervention), during maximum trunk flexion. ROM will be recorded as a global angular value in degrees (°). The outcome will be expressed as the difference in angular values between baseline and post-intervention and compared between the intervention and control groups.
Measured: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in low back pain intensity (BackPEI-CA)
Low back pain intensity will be assessed using the Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Children and Adolescents (BackPEI-CA) at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 14 weeks (post-intervention). Pain intensity will be reported as a questionnaire score. The outcome will be expressed as the change in score between baseline and post-intervention and compared between the intervention and control groups.
Measured: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Feb 2026
- Study start22 Jan 2024
- Primary completion10 May 2024
- Study completion10 May 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Musculoskeletal PainStudies 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to two parallel groups: an experimental group receiving a 12-week postural reeducation program and a control group performing the usual Physical Education warm-up. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 187 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Vigo
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ercília Patricia Oliveira Costa, University of Vigo
- Investigators
- Águeda Gutiérrez-Sánchez, PhD, Study director, University of Vigo - Faculty of Education and Sport SciencesErcília Oliveira-Costa, PhD Student, Principal investigator, University of Vigo - Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07380048
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 04-181233
- Acronym
- POSTURE-SCREEN
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 13 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 minors and contains sensitive health-related information. Data will be used exclusively for research purposes within the project team, in accordance with institutional and ethical approvals.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Postural Reeducation: Effects On Spinal Posture And Pain In Adolescents Using Digital Screens
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07380048
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- POSTURE-SCREEN / 04-181233
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Keywords
- Adolescent, Body Posture, Physical Education, Global Postural Reeducation, Back Pain, Electronic Devices
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 187 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of VigoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 May 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 May 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Feb 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 study evaluated whether a postural reeducation program could improve spinal posture and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents who frequently use digital devices. Prolonged screen use is common among students and is often associated with inadequate sitting or standing postures, which may increase back and neck pain.
A total of 187 adolescents participated in the study. Students were assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a 12-week intervention integrated into the warm-up phase of Physical Education classes, while the control group continued with the usual warm-up used in these classes. The experimental group performed two sessions per week, each lasting 15 minutes, at the beginning of the class. Initially, students completed strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle. From the third week onward, active global stretching postures were added to improve flexibility and postural control.
Spinal posture was assessed at baseline and after the intervention using a noninvasive device (SpinalMouse®). Pain and postural habits were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Adolescents who participated in the postural reeducation program showed improvements in postural alignment and functional mobility, as well as reductions in back and neck pain, compared with the control group.
This study suggests that a brief school-based postural reeducation program may be an effective preventive strategy to promote spinal health and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents.
Detailed description
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a school-based postural reeducation program on spinal posture, functional mobility, and musculoskeletal pain in adolescents enrolled in lower secondary education (middle school level) who frequently use digital devices. Prolonged use of mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices is highly prevalent in this population and is associated with inadequate sitting and standing postures, increased thoracic kyphosis, and greater prevalence of neck and back pain. Preventive strategies implemented in school settings may help mitigate these negative musculoskeletal outcomes.
The primary objective of this study is to determine whether a 12-week intervention using a protocol based on strength and mobility exercises, combined with self-postures from the Global Active Stretching method and grounded in the principles of Global Postural Reeducation, integrated into Physical Education (PE) classes, improves spinal alignment and reduces pain perception in adolescents. Secondary objectives include assessing changes in postural habits related to digital device use and spinal mobility.
This study employed a repeated-measures pretest-posttest quasi-experimental controlled design with two groups parallel: an experimental group receiving the intervention and a control group continuing the usual PE warm-up. A total of 187 adolescents participated. During the first week, baseline assessment was performed, including spinal posture evaluation and questionnaire administration. The intervention program was then delivered over 12 consecutive weeks.
The intervention was implemented at the beginning of PE classes and consisted of two 15-minute sessions per week. The sessions included strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle based on the protocol proposed by Feng et al. (2018). In addition, active global stretching postures from the Souchard Active Global Stretching (AGS) method were progressively introduced to improve flexibility and postural control.
Spinal morphology in the sagittal plane was assessed at pretest and posttest using the non-invasive SpinalMouse® device. Postural habits and musculoskeletal pain were assessed using the validated Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Children and Adolescents (BackPEI-CA) questionnaire. All measurements were conducted under standardized conditions to ensure internal validity.
Participation involves minimal risk, limited mainly to temporary muscular discomfort during exercise performance. Potential benefits include improved postural awareness, spinal alignment, mobility, and musculoskeletal health.
This study is expected to contribute evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of brief school-based postural reeducation programs as a low-cost preventive strategy to promote spinal health in adolescents.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to two parallel groups: an experimental group receiving a 12-week postural reeducation program and a control group performing the usual Physical Education warm-up. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 - Experimental | Experimental | Behavioral: Postural Reeducation ProgramParticipants assigned to the experimental group will receive a 12-week postural reeducation program integrated into Physical Education classes. The program includes strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle and active global stretching postures designed to improve flexibility and postural control. Sessions are delivered twice per week for 15 minutes at the beginning of the class. |
| Arm 2 - Control | No intervention | –Participants assigned to the control group will follow their usual Physical Education classes and standard warm-up routines. They will not receive any specific postural reeducation program or additional structured exercises beyond the regular school curriculum. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 15 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Age between 13 and 15 years.
- Students enrolled in lower secondary education.
- Regular participation in Physical Education classes.
- Absence of recent musculoskeletal injuries.
- Absence of medical conditions limiting physical activity.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Special educational needs preventing participation in the intervention.
- Medical contraindication for participation in Physical Education classes.
- Recent musculoskeletal injury or condition limiting exercise participation.
- Lack of informed consent.
- Failure to complete baseline or post-intervention assessments.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Postural Reeducation ProgramAlso: Active Global Stretching, School physical education postural programBehavioral: Postural Reeducation program The intervention consists of a 12-week school-based program integrated into Physical Education classes. Students perform two 15-minute sessions per week including strengthening and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle, followed by active global stretching postures aimed at improving flexibility and postural control. | Behavioural | Arm 1 - Experimental |
Primary outcome
Change in sagittal spinal curvature (thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis)
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)
Sagittal spinal posture will be assessed using the Spinal Mouse® device at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 14 weeks (post-intervention). Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles will be recorded in degrees (°). The outcome will be expressed as the difference in angular values between baseline and post-intervention and compared between the intervention and control groups.
Change in thoracic and lumbar range of motion
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)
Thoracic and lumbar range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using the Spinal Mouse® device at baseline (pre-intervention) and after 14 weeks (post-intervention), during maximum trunk flexion. ROM will be recorded as a global angular value in degrees (°). The outcome will be expressed as the difference in angular values between baseline and post-intervention and compared between the intervention and control groups.
1 secondary outcome
Change in low back pain intensity (BackPEI-CA)
Time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)
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 13 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because the study involves minors and contains sensitive health-related information. Data will be used exclusively for research purposes within the project team, in accordance with institutional and ethical approvals.
Related trials for Musculoskeletal Pain
Recruiting
Effects of Cervicothoracic Mobilization in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Recruiting
Effects of Telerehabilitation Versus Supervised Rehabilitation Protocol on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Recovery in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome
Recruiting
Hybrid mHealth and Telerehabilitation vs Conventional Physiotherapy for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Active, not recruiting
Objective Measurement of Pain Regulation in Individuals Who Have Received Internet-delivered Exposure-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Fibromyalgia
RecruitingPhase 4
Efficacy of Ketorolac for Postoperative Pain Management in Hip Arthroscopy
Femoracetabular Impingement, Hip Arthroscopy
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.
Águeda Gutiérrez-Sánchez, PhD study director
University of Vigo - Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences
Ercília Oliveira-Costa, PhD Student principal investigator
University of Vigo - Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Postural Reeducation Program in people with Musculoskeletal Pain, run by University of Vigo at 1 site in Portugal.
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 7 inclusion and 5 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 13 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 Portugal. 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 sagittal spinal curvature (thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis) (time frame: Baseline and 14 weeks (post-intervention)). 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 13 Feb 2026.