Healthy ChildrenNCT07860983
Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes of 16-Week Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program
A study testing Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program in people with Healthy Children, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The overall goal of the project is to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of primary school-aged children by incorporating short exercises-practicable within the classroom setting right at their desks-into their daily routines, thereby supporting their body awareness, flexibility, postural control, focus… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 6 to 12 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Children
- What is being tested?
- Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 130 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2026to 30 Mar 2027
- 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 6 to 12 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Volunteers who are between the ages of 6 and 12,
- Attend schools affiliated with the Kartal District Directorate of National Education,
- and-after the purpose of the research and the procedures have been explained to the students and their families-agree to participate on a voluntary basis and sign the informed consent form.
Who cannot join
- Children who have any condition preventing them from completing self-report scales during the assessment (inability to understand the forms, physical impairment, lack of literacy skills) Who have sustained an upper or lower extremity injury within the last 6 months, Who have undergone upper or lower extremity surgery within the last 6 months, Who have any soft tissue disease, Who are diagnosed with a serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hematological system disease following a specialist physician examination Who have known spinal problems such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or kyphoscoliosis Who have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder Who have a history of epilepsy or severe head trauma Or who use psychotropic medication will not be included in the project
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
İstanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi
Istanbul, Kartal, 34862
About this study
Official title: Changes in Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes Following a 16-Week Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program in Primary School Children
The overall goal of the project is to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of primary school-aged children by incorporating short exercises-practicable within the classroom setting right at their desks-into their daily routines, thereby supporting their body awareness, flexibility, postural control, focus, and stress-coping skills.
Furthermore, the project aims to instill a habit of morning exercise among school-aged children and to determine the impact of this habit on flexibility, body image, pain, general well-being, and school burnout.
Read the detailed description
A marked decline in physical activity levels among children has been observed in recent years; this reduction adversely affects not only physical health but also mental, cognitive, and social development. Factors such as urbanization, the loss of play areas, and the widespread use of digital screens restrict children's opportunities for movement and contribute to a range of issues, including obesity, postural disorders, musculoskeletal problems, concentration difficulties, and stress.
The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children aged 5 to 17. Research indicates that this level of activity supports fundamental physical attributes-such as muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and posture-while also improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of obesity, and strengthening bone health. Furthermore, physical activity has been shown to enhance children's mental well-being, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost self-confidence, and foster a positive body image. Short bouts of morning exercise have been found to improve children's overall mood and help them start the day feeling energized, while also enhancing their motivation to learn and their concentration skills. Furthermore, it has been emphasized that physical activities performed in the morning strengthen the brain's white matter structure and make children happier. Given that children spend the majority of their day at school-and largely at their desks-integrating school-based exercises into their daily routine is of critical importance. Short, structured exercise programs implemented in schools enhance children's adjustment to lessons, attention skills, and cognitive flexibility, while also improving overall learning outcomes.
Current literature confirms that such school-based exercises have positive effects on both physical fitness and psychological development.
The fact that school-based exercises do not require large spaces or specialized equipment enhances the inclusivity and sustainability of the programs. Exercises performed at students' desks enable participation by all students, thereby supporting physical and psychosocial development.
Physical activity boosts not only health indicators but also self-esteem, social adjustment, and life satisfaction in children. Establishing a routine of morning exercises at school also fosters the development of life skills such as empathy, cooperation, and emotional resilience. Making physical activity a routine at an early age lays the foundation for lifelong healthy behaviors.
Studies conducted in our country involving primary and secondary school students have generally been screening studies; there is no research that specifically pioneers the investigation of morning exercises and their effectiveness.
This project was planned to incorporate short exercises-which can be performed at their own desks within the classroom-into the daily routine, with the aim of supporting school-age children's skills in body awareness, flexibility, postural control, focus, and stress management.
- Conditions
- Healthy Children
- Being tested
- Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program
- Keywords
- active breaks, school-based intervention, well-being, body image, pain, school burnout
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Burnout, Psychological
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Classroom-Based Morning Exercise ProgramOther
Exercises generally consist of movements that can be done sitting at a desk or standing next to a desk, and do not require equipment. It includes exercises for warming up, stretching, strengthening, balance and relaxation, lasting 10-15 minutes and suitable for daily use.
It starts with a deep breathing exercise, continues with basic strength and flexibility exercises that mobilize the body, and ends with a deep breathing exercise again. Exercises that can be performed both sitting and standing are presented together.
During the transitions between movements, small exercises such as "waving the hands" are also included as a break.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Primary school-aged children | Experimental | healthy primary school-aged children Receives: Other: Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
FACES Pain Scale
Pain assessment in children will be conducted using the Faces (FACES) Pain Scale. This is a visual scale developed to assess pain intensity, particularly in individuals-such as children-who cannot clearly express themselves verbally (Hicks, von Baeyer et al. 2001). The scale features a total of six facial images, progressing from a happy expression to expressions indicating increasing levels of pain. Children rate their pain by selecting the face that best represents how they feel. Widely used for children aged three and older, this scale is a trusted choice in clinical and field studies due to its ease of understanding and rapid administration. Researchers will show the children the various facial images on the scale and ask them to select the face that best reflects their state, thereby determining the pain score.
Measured: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Sit and Reach Test
The Sit-and-Reach Test is a common and practical physical fitness test used to evaluate the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles, particularly in children (Şahiner and Balcı 2010). Due to its ease of administration, minimal equipment requirements, and practicality, it is ideal for the mass assessment of flexibility in school-aged children. During the test, children sit barefoot on a flat surface, extend their legs forward, and place the soles of their feet firmly against the test box or platform. They are asked to reach forward as far as possible with their hands stacked on top of each other, without bending their knees; the maximum distance reached is measured and recorded in centimeters. The test will be conducted using the sit-and-reach test apparatus located in the laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul Medeniyet University's Faculty of Health Sciences.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
Children Body Image Scale
The scale is a psychometric assessment tool used to measure body image, body satisfaction, and body-related feelings or attitudes in children (Collins 1991). It typically utilizes images of gender-appropriate body silhouettes, and children are asked to select the silhouette that most closely resembles their own body and the one representing the body they would like to have. Body dissatisfaction is then assessed by scoring the discrepancy between the perceived current body and the ideal body. During the administration of the scale, children are shown a series of silhouettes arranged according to age and gender. The researcher asks questions such as "Which body looks most like yours?" and "Which body would you like to have?" to prompt the child to select one silhouette from each row, and the difference between the two is scored.
Measured: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
WHO-5 Well-Being Index
The assessment of the children's general well-being will be conducted using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index is a short, 5-item self-report scale developed by the World Health Organization to assess individuals' psychological well-being over the past two weeks (Sischka, Martin et al. 2025). Each item is scored from 0 (at no time) to 5 (all the time), yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 25. A higher score indicates better psychological well-being. Using this index, children will be asked how well they have felt over the past two weeks and to rate their feelings.
Measured: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
School Burnout Scale
Participants' school burnout will be assessed using the School Burnout Scale. In its original form, the scale is a 5-point Likert-type, self-report instrument consisting of 10 items and three sub-dimensions. It was developed by Salmela-Aro et al. in 2009 to determine the school burnout levels of primary and secondary school students and was adapted to Turkish culture by Seçer et al. (2013). Regarding the distribution of items across factors, items 1, 4, 7, and 9 fall under the emotional exhaustion dimension; items 2, 5, and 6 fall under the cynicism sub-dimension; and items 3 and 8 fall under the low sense of personal accomplishment sub-dimension. Participants will be asked to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with statements concerning their motivation regarding lessons and school, and their responses will be recorded.
Measured: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2026
- Primary completion1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy ChildrenStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istanbul University - CerrahpasaThe 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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- a single group primary school-aged children with no pathology
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 130 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gokce Leblebici, Istanbul Medeniyet University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07860983
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IUC-IMU
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- 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 19 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Changes in Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes Following a 16-Week Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program in Primary School Children
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07860983
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IUC-IMU
- Conditions
- Healthy Children
- Keywords
- active breaks, school-based intervention, well-being, body image, pain, school burnout
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 130 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Oct 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 overall goal of the project is to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of primary school-aged children by incorporating short exercises-practicable within the classroom setting right at their desks-into their daily routines, thereby supporting their body awareness, flexibility, postural control, focus, and stress-coping skills.
Furthermore, the project aims to instill a habit of morning exercise among school-aged children and to determine the impact of this habit on flexibility, body image, pain, general well-being, and school burnout.
Detailed description
A marked decline in physical activity levels among children has been observed in recent years; this reduction adversely affects not only physical health but also mental, cognitive, and social development. Factors such as urbanization, the loss of play areas, and the widespread use of digital screens restrict children's opportunities for movement and contribute to a range of issues, including obesity, postural disorders, musculoskeletal problems, concentration difficulties, and stress.
The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children aged 5 to 17. Research indicates that this level of activity supports fundamental physical attributes-such as muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and posture-while also improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of obesity, and strengthening bone health. Furthermore, physical activity has been shown to enhance children's mental well-being, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost self-confidence, and foster a positive body image. Short bouts of morning exercise have been found to improve children's overall mood and help them start the day feeling energized, while also enhancing their motivation to learn and their concentration skills. Furthermore, it has been emphasized that physical activities performed in the morning strengthen the brain's white matter structure and make children happier. Given that children spend the majority of their day at school-and largely at their desks-integrating school-based exercises into their daily routine is of critical importance. Short, structured exercise programs implemented in schools enhance children's adjustment to lessons, attention skills, and cognitive flexibility, while also improving overall learning outcomes.
Current literature confirms that such school-based exercises have positive effects on both physical fitness and psychological development.
The fact that school-based exercises do not require large spaces or specialized equipment enhances the inclusivity and sustainability of the programs. Exercises performed at students' desks enable participation by all students, thereby supporting physical and psychosocial development.
Physical activity boosts not only health indicators but also self-esteem, social adjustment, and life satisfaction in children. Establishing a routine of morning exercises at school also fosters the development of life skills such as empathy, cooperation, and emotional resilience. Making physical activity a routine at an early age lays the foundation for lifelong healthy behaviors.
Studies conducted in our country involving primary and secondary school students have generally been screening studies; there is no research that specifically pioneers the investigation of morning exercises and their effectiveness.
This project was planned to incorporate short exercises-which can be performed at their own desks within the classroom-into the daily routine, with the aim of supporting school-age children's skills in body awareness, flexibility, postural control, focus, and stress management.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- a single group primary school-aged children with no pathology
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Primary school-aged children | Experimental | Other: Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Programhealthy primary school-aged children |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 6 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Volunteers who are between the ages of 6 and 12,
- Attend schools affiliated with the Kartal District Directorate of National Education,
- and-after the purpose of the research and the procedures have been explained to the students and their families-agree to participate on a voluntary basis and sign the informed consent form.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Children who have any condition preventing them from completing self-report scales during the assessment (inability to understand the forms, physical impairment, lack of literacy skills) Who have sustained an upper or lower extremity injury within the last 6 months, Who have undergone upper or lower extremity surgery within the last 6 months, Who have any soft tissue disease, Who are diagnosed with a serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hematological system disease following a specialist physician examination Who have known spinal problems such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or kyphoscoliosis Who have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder Who have a history of epilepsy or severe head trauma Or who use psychotropic medication will not be included in the project
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom-Based Morning Exercise ProgramExercises generally consist of movements that can be done sitting at a desk or standing next to a desk, and do not require equipment. It includes exercises for warming up, stretching, strengthening, balance and relaxation, lasting 10-15 minutes and suitable for daily use. It starts with a deep breathing exercise, continues with basic strength and flexibility exercises that mobilize the body, and ends with a deep breathing exercise again. Exercises that can be performed both sitting and standing are presented together. During the transitions between movements, small exercises such as "waving the hands" are also included as a break. | Other | Primary school-aged children |
Primary outcome
FACES Pain Scale
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
Pain assessment in children will be conducted using the Faces (FACES) Pain Scale. This is a visual scale developed to assess pain intensity, particularly in individuals-such as children-who cannot clearly express themselves verbally (Hicks, von Baeyer et al. 2001). The scale features a total of six facial images, progressing from a happy expression to expressions indicating increasing levels of pain. Children rate their pain by selecting the face that best represents how they feel. Widely used for children aged three and older, this scale is a trusted choice in clinical and field studies due to its ease of understanding and rapid administration. Researchers will show the children the various facial images on the scale and ask them to select the face that best reflects their state, thereby determining the pain score.
4 secondary outcomes
Sit and Reach Test
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
Children Body Image Scale
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
WHO-5 Well-Being Index
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
School Burnout Scale
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks
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 19 Oct 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.
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 Classroom-Based Morning Exercise Program in people with Healthy Children, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa 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 3 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
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?
FACES Pain Scale (time frame: from enrollment to the end of the program at 16 weeks). 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 19 Oct 2026.