Postural DisordersNCT07757932
Effects of a Wearable Postural Feedback Device on Scapular Muscle Endurance, Trunk Proprioception and Postural Awareness in Sedentary Office Workers
A study testing Wearable Postural Feedback Device in people with Postural Disorders and Sedentary Behavior, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of a wearable postural feedback device on scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness in sedentary office workers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Postural Disorders, Sedentary Behavior
- What is being tested?
- Wearable Postural Feedback Device
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 20 Feb 2026to 5 Sep 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 25 to 45 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged between 25 and 45 years. Sedentary lifestyle (<600 MET-min/week) determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
- Working in a desk-based occupation for at least 6 hours per day. Willing to use the wearable postural feedback device (intervention group). Able to provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of scapular or spinal surgery or trauma. Presence of neurological or vestibular disorders. Spinal deformity. Dermatological conditions preventing the use of a wearable device. Chronic systemic diseases affecting posture or musculoskeletal function. Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences Ankara
Ankara
About this study
Official title: Effects of a Wearable Postural Feedback Device on Scapular Muscle Endurance, Trunk Proprioception and Postural Awareness in Sedentary Office Workers: Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aims to investigate the effects of a wearable postural feedback device on scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness in sedentary office workers. A total of 70 sedentary office workers aged 25-45 years will be randomly allocated to either the wearable postural feedback device group or the control group using block randomization. Participants in the intervention group will use the wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60 minutes per day), while the control group will maintain their usual working routine without receiving any intervention. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and at the end of a 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
The primary outcome measures are scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness. The primary research question is whether the use of a wearable postural feedback device improves these outcomes in sedentary office workers compared with no intervention. It is hypothesized that participants using the wearable postural feedback device will demonstrate greater improvements in scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness than those in the control group.
Read the detailed description
Sedentary behavior and prolonged office work have become increasingly common with the widespread use of computers and desk-based occupations. Prolonged sitting and sustained poor posture are associated with musculoskeletal disorders, particularly forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and increased thoracic kyphosis. These postural alterations may contribute to reduced scapular muscle endurance, impaired trunk proprioception, decreased postural awareness, and altered spinal alignment, ultimately affecting physical function and quality of life.
Wearable postural feedback devices have emerged as a promising strategy for promoting correct posture by providing real-time vibrotactile feedback whenever the user deviates from a predefined neutral posture. Previous studies have demonstrated that these devices may improve postural behavior and increase postural awareness. However, most published studies have been conducted in laboratory settings or have primarily focused on subjective outcomes and short-term postural changes. Evidence regarding their effects on objective neuromuscular outcomes, including scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, and thoracic spinal alignment, in sedentary office workers remains limited.
This study is designed as a single-blind, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a wearable postural feedback device on scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness in sedentary office workers. 64 participants aged 25-45 years will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group using block randomization. Participants in the intervention group will use the wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60 minutes per day), while participants in the control group will continue their usual work routine without receiving any intervention.
Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and following a 4-week follow-up period (Week 16). Scapular muscle endurance will be evaluated using the Scapular Muscle Endurance Test, trunk proprioception will be assessed using the Active Trunk Reposition Sense Test with the GYKO inertial sensor, thoracic kyphosis angle will be measured using the Commander® Echo Wireless Inclinometer device, and postural awareness will be assessed using the Postural Awareness Scale.
This study aims to provide high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of wearable postural feedback technology in improving neuromuscular function and spinal posture among sedentary office workers. The findings may contribute to the development of evidence-based workplace rehabilitation and ergonomic intervention strategies for the prevention and management of posture-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Conditions
- Postural Disorders, Sedentary Behavior
- Being tested
- Wearable Postural Feedback Device
- Keywords
- Wearable Postural Feedback Device, Office Workers, Scapular Muscle Endurance, Trunk Proprioception, Thoracic Kyphosis, Postural Awareness
- Medical subject headings
- Sedentary Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Wearable Postural Feedback DeviceDevice
Participants assigned to the intervention group will use a wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks, 5 days per week, 60 minutes per day during working hours. During the first week, device use will be gradually increased (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes/day) to facilitate adaptation, followed by 60 minutes/day for the remaining 11 weeks. The device is individually calibrated to each participant's neutral posture and provides real-time vibrotactile feedback whenever a deviation from the calibrated posture is detected, promoting immediate postural correction during daily work activities.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Wearable Postural Feedback Device Group | Experimental | Device: Wearable Postural Feedback Device Participants will use a wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks, 5 days per week, 60 minutes per day during working hours. During the first week, device use will be gradually increased (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes/day) to improve adherence, followed by 60 minutes/day for the remaining 11 weeks. The device provides real-time vibrotactile feedback when participants deviate from their calibrated neutral posture. Outcome measures, including scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness, will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16). Receives: Device: Wearable Postural Feedback Device |
| No Intervention: Control Group | No intervention | Participants assigned to the control group will continue their usual work routine without receiving the wearable postural feedback device or any additional intervention. Outcome measures, including scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness, will be assessed at the same time points as the intervention group (baseline, Week 12, and Week 16). |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Scapular Muscle Endurance
Scapular muscle endurance will be assessed using the Scapular Muscle Endurance (SME) Test. Participants will stand with both shoulders and elbows positioned at 90° of flexion while maintaining the scapulae in a neutral position. A handheld dynamometer will be used to apply a constant force of 1 kg (10 N). Participants will maintain the test position as long as possible. The test will be terminated if the force cannot be maintained, the upper extremity position changes, the supporting bar falls, or the participant reports pain. Performance will be recorded in seconds, with longer durations indicating greater scapular muscle endurance.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Trunk Proprioception
Trunk proprioception will be assessed using the Active Trunk Reposition Sense Test with the GYKO inertial sensor. The sensor will be positioned at the thoracolumbar region according to the standardized protocol. Participants, with their eyes closed, will actively reproduce a previously demonstrated trunk position. The absolute repositioning error will be recorded in degrees (°). Lower values indicate better trunk proprioception.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle
Thoracic kyphosis angle will be assessed using the Commander® Echo Wireless Inclinometer (JTECH Medical, USA). Measurements will be performed according to a standardized thoracic spine assessment protocol. Thoracic kyphosis angle will be recorded in degrees (°). Lower values indicate a reduction in thoracic kyphosis and improved thoracic spinal alignment.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Postural Awareness
Postural awareness will be assessed using the Postural Awareness Scale (PAS). The PAS is an 11-item self-reported questionnaire with a total score ranging from 11 to 77. Higher scores indicate greater postural awareness
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Aug 2026
- Study start20 Feb 2026
- Primary completion20 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postural DisordersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Saglik Bilimleri UniversitesiThe 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Seda Uluşahin, Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07757932
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-301
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) at this time.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of a Wearable Postural Feedback Device on Scapular Muscle Endurance, Trunk Proprioception and Postural Awareness in Sedentary Office Workers: Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07757932
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-301
- Conditions
- Postural Disorders, Sedentary Behavior
- Keywords
- Wearable Postural Feedback Device, Office Workers, Scapular Muscle Endurance, Trunk Proprioception, Thoracic Kyphosis, Postural Awareness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri UniversitesiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Aug 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 aims to investigate the effects of a wearable postural feedback device on scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness in sedentary office workers. A total of 70 sedentary office workers aged 25-45 years will be randomly allocated to either the wearable postural feedback device group or the control group using block randomization. Participants in the intervention group will use the wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60 minutes per day), while the control group will maintain their usual working routine without receiving any intervention. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and at the end of a 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
The primary outcome measures are scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness. The primary research question is whether the use of a wearable postural feedback device improves these outcomes in sedentary office workers compared with no intervention. It is hypothesized that participants using the wearable postural feedback device will demonstrate greater improvements in scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness than those in the control group.
Detailed description
Sedentary behavior and prolonged office work have become increasingly common with the widespread use of computers and desk-based occupations. Prolonged sitting and sustained poor posture are associated with musculoskeletal disorders, particularly forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and increased thoracic kyphosis. These postural alterations may contribute to reduced scapular muscle endurance, impaired trunk proprioception, decreased postural awareness, and altered spinal alignment, ultimately affecting physical function and quality of life.
Wearable postural feedback devices have emerged as a promising strategy for promoting correct posture by providing real-time vibrotactile feedback whenever the user deviates from a predefined neutral posture. Previous studies have demonstrated that these devices may improve postural behavior and increase postural awareness. However, most published studies have been conducted in laboratory settings or have primarily focused on subjective outcomes and short-term postural changes. Evidence regarding their effects on objective neuromuscular outcomes, including scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, and thoracic spinal alignment, in sedentary office workers remains limited.
This study is designed as a single-blind, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a wearable postural feedback device on scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness in sedentary office workers. 64 participants aged 25-45 years will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group using block randomization. Participants in the intervention group will use the wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60 minutes per day), while participants in the control group will continue their usual work routine without receiving any intervention.
Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and following a 4-week follow-up period (Week 16). Scapular muscle endurance will be evaluated using the Scapular Muscle Endurance Test, trunk proprioception will be assessed using the Active Trunk Reposition Sense Test with the GYKO inertial sensor, thoracic kyphosis angle will be measured using the Commander® Echo Wireless Inclinometer device, and postural awareness will be assessed using the Postural Awareness Scale.
This study aims to provide high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of wearable postural feedback technology in improving neuromuscular function and spinal posture among sedentary office workers. The findings may contribute to the development of evidence-based workplace rehabilitation and ergonomic intervention strategies for the prevention and management of posture-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Wearable Postural Feedback Device Group | Experimental | Device: Wearable Postural Feedback DeviceDevice: Wearable Postural Feedback Device Participants will use a wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks, 5 days per week, 60 minutes per day during working hours. During the first week, device use will be gradually increased (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes/day) to improve adherence, followed by 60 minutes/day for the remaining 11 weeks. The device provides real-time vibrotactile feedback when participants deviate from their calibrated neutral posture. Outcome measures, including scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness, will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16). |
| No Intervention: Control Group | No intervention | –Participants assigned to the control group will continue their usual work routine without receiving the wearable postural feedback device or any additional intervention. Outcome measures, including scapular muscle endurance, trunk proprioception, thoracic kyphosis angle, and postural awareness, will be assessed at the same time points as the intervention group (baseline, Week 12, and Week 16). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Aged between 25 and 45 years. Sedentary lifestyle (<600 MET-min/week) determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
- Working in a desk-based occupation for at least 6 hours per day. Willing to use the wearable postural feedback device (intervention group). Able to provide written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- History of scapular or spinal surgery or trauma. Presence of neurological or vestibular disorders. Spinal deformity. Dermatological conditions preventing the use of a wearable device. Chronic systemic diseases affecting posture or musculoskeletal function. Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wearable Postural Feedback DeviceParticipants assigned to the intervention group will use a wearable postural feedback device for 12 weeks, 5 days per week, 60 minutes per day during working hours. During the first week, device use will be gradually increased (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes/day) to facilitate adaptation, followed by 60 minutes/day for the remaining 11 weeks. The device is individually calibrated to each participant's neutral posture and provides real-time vibrotactile feedback whenever a deviation from the calibrated posture is detected, promoting immediate postural correction during daily work activities. | Device | Wearable Postural Feedback Device Group |
Primary outcome
Scapular Muscle Endurance
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Scapular muscle endurance will be assessed using the Scapular Muscle Endurance (SME) Test. Participants will stand with both shoulders and elbows positioned at 90° of flexion while maintaining the scapulae in a neutral position. A handheld dynamometer will be used to apply a constant force of 1 kg (10 N). Participants will maintain the test position as long as possible. The test will be terminated if the force cannot be maintained, the upper extremity position changes, the supporting bar falls, or the participant reports pain. Performance will be recorded in seconds, with longer durations indicating greater scapular muscle endurance.
Trunk Proprioception
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Trunk proprioception will be assessed using the Active Trunk Reposition Sense Test with the GYKO inertial sensor. The sensor will be positioned at the thoracolumbar region according to the standardized protocol. Participants, with their eyes closed, will actively reproduce a previously demonstrated trunk position. The absolute repositioning error will be recorded in degrees (°). Lower values indicate better trunk proprioception.
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Thoracic kyphosis angle will be assessed using the Commander® Echo Wireless Inclinometer (JTECH Medical, USA). Measurements will be performed according to a standardized thoracic spine assessment protocol. Thoracic kyphosis angle will be recorded in degrees (°). Lower values indicate a reduction in thoracic kyphosis and improved thoracic spinal alignment.
Postural Awareness
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).
Postural awareness will be assessed using the Postural Awareness Scale (PAS). The PAS is an 11-item self-reported questionnaire with a total score ranging from 11 to 77. Higher scores indicate greater postural awareness
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 11 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) at this time.
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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.
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 Wearable Postural Feedback Device in people with Postural Disorders and Sedentary Behavior, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi 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 2 inclusion and 1 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 11 Aug 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?
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?
Scapular Muscle Endurance (time frame: Baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention (Week 12), and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period (Week 16).). The study lists 4 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 11 Aug 2026.