Burnout SyndromeNCT07456527
Evaluating the Impact of Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy on Burnout Syndrome Among University Students.
A study testing Standard Physical Therapy and Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy in people with Burnout Syndrome, run by University of Health Sciences Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a mindfulness-based physical therapy intervention can reduce burnout syndrome and improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years who are experiencing burnout symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Burnout Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Standard Physical Therapy and Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 55 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 3 Jan 2026to 20 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- University Students aged 18-30 years enrolled in an undergraduate Allied Health Sciences program.
- Reporting burnout symptoms as assessed by the School Burnout Inventory (SBI).
- Having musculoskeletal pain in at least one body region during the past 7 days or past 12 months (Assessed by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire).
- Having decline in the quality of life in at least one domain (physical, psychological, social, or environmental) (Assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire).
Who cannot join
- Current diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder or taking any medicine.
- Current participation in another mindfulness, yoga or meditation intervention.
- Musculoskeletal injury requiring surgical or medical care.
- Student who has had major life upheavals recently, such as a family member loss.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a mindfulness-based physical therapy intervention can reduce burnout syndrome and improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years who are experiencing burnout symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and reduced quality of life.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Does a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program reduce burnout symptoms compared to standard physical therapy alone?
- Does MBPT improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life compared to standard physical therapy alone?
Researchers will compare a Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy intervention group to a control group receiving a standardized physical therapy program to determine whether the addition of mindfulness techniques results in greater improvements in burnout, pain, and quality of life.
Participants will:
- Be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.
- Attend supervised 60-minute sessions three times per week for six weeks (total of 18 sessions).
- Receive a standardized baseline physical therapy program consisting of full-body active range of motion and general mobility exercises within pain-free limits.
- If assigned to the intervention group, receive structured mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, posture correction, stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, and group reflection during each session.
- Complete 10-15 minutes of daily home mindfulness practice (intervention group only).
- Complete validated questionnaires at baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention.
Read the detailed description
Burnout and musculoskeletal pain are common issues affecting university students, often resulting from prolonged stress, poor posture, and high academic demands. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and improve mental well-being. Physical therapy interventions, including exercise and rehabilitative techniques, target musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations. Combining mindfulness with physical therapy may provide a holistic, non-invasive approach to improving both mental and physical health in students.
This study evaluates the impact of a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program on burnout syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years. Participants will engage in a six-week program supervised by trained professionals, incorporating mindfulness exercises, stretching, posture correction, progressive muscle relaxation, and home practice. The control group will receive standard physical therapy, allowing the study to assess the additional benefits of the mindfulness component.
The findings of this trial may provide evidence for a low-cost, integrative intervention that universities can implement to support student health and wellness. If effective, MBPT could serve as a model for combined mind-body programs, helping to reduce burnout, improve functional capacity, and enhance quality of life, potentially contributing to better academic performance and long-term health outcomes. This research addresses a gap in the literature on combined mindfulness and physical therapy interventions for university populations and may inform the development of future student wellness initiatives.
- Conditions
- Burnout Syndrome
- Being tested
- Standard Physical Therapy, Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy, MBPT, Mindfulness, Mindfulness interventions, Physical Therapy, Burnout, Burnout Syndrome, Musculoskeletal pain, Quality of life, University students, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Medical subject headings
- Burnout, Psychological, Musculoskeletal Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Standard Physical TherapyBehavioural
A supervised physical therapy program consisting of full-body active range of motion and general mobility exercises, including shoulder rolls, arm swings, and pelvic tilts, performed within pain-free limits.
Mindfulness Based Physical TherapyBehavioural
Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy is a structured program combining supervised physical therapy exercises with mindfulness practices. The intervention includes guided mindfulness meditation (body scan and breath awareness), diaphragmatic and paced breathing exercises, posture correction and ergonomic education, gentle stretching of the neck, shoulders, and back, and progressive muscle relaxation. Sessions are delivered three times per week for six weeks under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist. Participants are also instructed to complete daily home practice incorporating mindfulness and stretching techniques.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Physical Therapy (Control Group) | Active comparator | The control group will receive a standardized baseline physical therapy program consisting of supervised full-body active range of motion exercises and general mobility exercises (shoulder rolls, arm swings, and pelvic tilts) throughout the study duration. All exercises will be performed within pain-free limit Receives: Behavioral: Standard Physical Therapy |
| Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) | Experimental | The intervention group will undergo a standardized baseline physical therapy program followed by a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program delivered over six consecutive weeks, three supervised 60-minute sessions per week, under the guidance of a registered physical therapist. Participants will also be instructed to perform daily home practice for 10-15 minutes. Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Burnout Score
The primary outcome is the change in student burnout, measured with the School Burnout Inventory (SBI), which evaluates three domains: exhaustion related to study demands, cynicism toward academic work, and sense of inadequacy as a student. Higher scores indicate greater burnout. The School Burnout Inventory is a nine item scale, that utilizes a 6- point Likert scale, resulting in a minimum total score of 9 and a maximum total score of 54. The study will assess the mean subscale scores at baseline and Week 6. A decrease in scores indicates a reduction in burnout symptoms following the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Reduction in Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain will be evaluated using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), which assesses the presence and location of musculoskeletal pain or discomfort over the past 7 days and past 12 months. It is primarily a categorical screening tool reporting prevalence as "Yes" or "No" for symptoms in nine anatomical regions. Pain levels will be recorded at baseline and Week 6. A reduction in reported symptoms will indicate improvement due to the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Improvement in Quality of Life
Quality of life will be assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), which measures physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. It is a 26 item scale in which raw scores are typically transformed into a linear scale ranging from 0 (minimum value) to 100 (maximum value). Higher scores indicate better quality of life. Scores will be collected at baseline and Week 6. An increase in domain scores will indicate improvement following the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Mar 2026
- Study start3 Jan 2026
- Primary completion30 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Apr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Burnout SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Health Sciences LahoreThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- This study uses a parallel-group randomized controlled design. Participants are randomly assigned to either a Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) intervention group or a control group receiving standard physical therapy. The intervention is delivered over six weeks, three sessions per week, and outcomes are assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study is assessor-blinded to reduce measurement bias.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 55 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Health Sciences Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fansub Choudhary, University of Health Sciences Lahore
- Investigators
- Fansub Choudhary, Principal investigator, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07456527
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UHS/USERC-26/SEC/98
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluating the Impact of Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy on Burnout Syndrome Among University Students.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07456527
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UHS/USERC-26/SEC/98
- Conditions
- Burnout Syndrome
- Keywords
- Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy, MBPT, Mindfulness, Mindfulness interventions, Physical Therapy, Burnout, Burnout Syndrome, Musculoskeletal pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 55 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Health Sciences LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Mar 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.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a mindfulness-based physical therapy intervention can reduce burnout syndrome and improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years who are experiencing burnout symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and reduced quality of life.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program reduce burnout symptoms compared to standard physical therapy alone?
- Does MBPT improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life compared to standard physical therapy alone?
Researchers will compare a Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy intervention group to a control group receiving a standardized physical therapy program to determine whether the addition of mindfulness techniques results in greater improvements in burnout, pain, and quality of life.
Participants will:
- Be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.
- Attend supervised 60-minute sessions three times per week for six weeks (total of 18 sessions).
- Receive a standardized baseline physical therapy program consisting of full-body active range of motion and general mobility exercises within pain-free limits.
- If assigned to the intervention group, receive structured mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, posture correction, stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, and group reflection during each session.
- Complete 10-15 minutes of daily home mindfulness practice (intervention group only).
- Complete validated questionnaires at baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention.
Detailed description
Burnout and musculoskeletal pain are common issues affecting university students, often resulting from prolonged stress, poor posture, and high academic demands. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and improve mental well-being. Physical therapy interventions, including exercise and rehabilitative techniques, target musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations. Combining mindfulness with physical therapy may provide a holistic, non-invasive approach to improving both mental and physical health in students.
This study evaluates the impact of a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program on burnout syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years. Participants will engage in a six-week program supervised by trained professionals, incorporating mindfulness exercises, stretching, posture correction, progressive muscle relaxation, and home practice. The control group will receive standard physical therapy, allowing the study to assess the additional benefits of the mindfulness component.
The findings of this trial may provide evidence for a low-cost, integrative intervention that universities can implement to support student health and wellness. If effective, MBPT could serve as a model for combined mind-body programs, helping to reduce burnout, improve functional capacity, and enhance quality of life, potentially contributing to better academic performance and long-term health outcomes. This research addresses a gap in the literature on combined mindfulness and physical therapy interventions for university populations and may inform the development of future student wellness initiatives.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study uses a parallel-group randomized controlled design. Participants are randomly assigned to either a Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) intervention group or a control group receiving standard physical therapy. The intervention is delivered over six weeks, three sessions per week, and outcomes are assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study is assessor-blinded to reduce measurement bias.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Physical Therapy (Control Group) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Standard Physical TherapyThe control group will receive a standardized baseline physical therapy program consisting of supervised full-body active range of motion exercises and general mobility exercises (shoulder rolls, arm swings, and pelvic tilts) throughout the study duration. All exercises will be performed within pain-free limit |
| Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Physical TherapyThe intervention group will undergo a standardized baseline physical therapy program followed by a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program delivered over six consecutive weeks, three supervised 60-minute sessions per week, under the guidance of a registered physical therapist. Participants will also be instructed to perform daily home practice for 10-15 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- University Students aged 18-30 years enrolled in an undergraduate Allied Health Sciences program.
- Reporting burnout symptoms as assessed by the School Burnout Inventory (SBI).
- Having musculoskeletal pain in at least one body region during the past 7 days or past 12 months (Assessed by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire).
- Having decline in the quality of life in at least one domain (physical, psychological, social, or environmental) (Assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire).
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Current diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder or taking any medicine.
- Current participation in another mindfulness, yoga or meditation intervention.
- Musculoskeletal injury requiring surgical or medical care.
- Student who has had major life upheavals recently, such as a family member loss.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Physical TherapyA supervised physical therapy program consisting of full-body active range of motion and general mobility exercises, including shoulder rolls, arm swings, and pelvic tilts, performed within pain-free limits. | Behavioural | Standard Physical Therapy (Control Group) |
| Mindfulness Based Physical TherapyMindfulness Based Physical Therapy is a structured program combining supervised physical therapy exercises with mindfulness practices. The intervention includes guided mindfulness meditation (body scan and breath awareness), diaphragmatic and paced breathing exercises, posture correction and ergonomic education, gentle stretching of the neck, shoulders, and back, and progressive muscle relaxation. Sessions are delivered three times per week for six weeks under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist. Participants are also instructed to complete daily home practice incorporating mindfulness and stretching techniques. | Behavioural | Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) |
Primary outcome
Change in Burnout Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
The primary outcome is the change in student burnout, measured with the School Burnout Inventory (SBI), which evaluates three domains: exhaustion related to study demands, cynicism toward academic work, and sense of inadequacy as a student. Higher scores indicate greater burnout. The School Burnout Inventory is a nine item scale, that utilizes a 6- point Likert scale, resulting in a minimum total score of 9 and a maximum total score of 54. The study will assess the mean subscale scores at baseline and Week 6. A decrease in scores indicates a reduction in burnout symptoms following the intervention.
2 secondary outcomes
Reduction in Musculoskeletal Pain
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Improvement in Quality of Life
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
Fansub Choudhary principal investigator
University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Standard Physical Therapy and Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy in people with Burnout Syndrome, run by University of Health Sciences Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Apr 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 Pakistan. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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 Burnout Score (time frame: Baseline and Week 6 (post-intervention)). 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 Apr 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.