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NCT Number: NCT07248514

Effect of Pillates on Children With Backpack Syndrome

This randomized clinical trial focuses on a sample of 139 of children diagnosed with backpack syndrome, assessing both subjective pain levels and objective measures of trunk muscle endurance before and after a structured Pilates intervention. The Pilates regimen is designed to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and promote better posture, all of which are critical for mitigating the adverse effects associated with heavy backpack use.Data will be collected from North Star School Allama Iqbal town,Lahore,Standard Grammar School, Allama iqbal town ,Kips School, Allama iqbal town,Ali School System, Allama Iqbal Town Using standardized pain assessment scales(VAS) and endurance tests(Modified Biering-Sørensen Test), the effect of pilates on pain and trunk endurance will concluded and the data will analysed with spss 23

Recruiting

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Key information

Conditions

Child, Only

Age range

12 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

The research titled "Effects of Pilates on Pain and Trunk Muscle Endurance in Children with Backpack Syndrome" investigates the impact of Pilates exercises on alleviating pain and enhancing trunk muscle endurance in children affected by backpack syndrome. Backpack syndrome refers to musculoskeletal discomfort resulting from improper backpack use, often seen in school-aged children who carry heavy loads, leading to poor posture and potential long-term health issues.

This randomized clinical trial focuses on a sample of 139 of children diagnosed with backpack syndrome, assessing both subjective pain levels and objective measures of trunk muscle endurance before and after a structured Pilates intervention. The Pilates regimen is designed to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and promote better posture, all of which are critical for mitigating the adverse effects associated with heavy backpack use.Data will be collected from North Star School Allama Iqbal town,Lahore,Standard Grammar School, Allama iqbal town ,Kips School, Allama iqbal town,Ali School System, Allama Iqbal Town Using standardized pain assessment scales(VAS) and endurance tests(Modified Biering-Sørensen Test), the effect of pilates on pain and trunk endurance will concluded and the data will analysed with spss 23.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 12-16 years.
  • Being Systemically healthy
  • Being physically active and participating in ordinary assessments(4)
  • Children with musculoskeletal backpain
  • Children with hyper thoracic kyphosis i.e. excessive antero-posterior curvature of the thoracic spine of greater than 40°
  • Children complaining about low back pain

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with a history of severe musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., scoliosis, fractures, or surgery).
  • Any neurological disorders or developmental conditions affecting motor function
  • Children with cardiological, metabolic or rheumatic illness
  • Children with no complaints of low back pain and postural instability.

Treatment and study plan

pilates exercise

Other

The exercise program will be performed twice a week for 12 weeks changing the exercises for every four weeks. Pilates exercises will consist of four exercises which are selected from original Pilates plan (month 1: rolling back, one leg stretch, shoulder bridge and the push up; month 2: the hundred, one leg stretch, the leg pull and one leg circle; month 3: roll up, scissors, swimming and one leg stretch) (4)

General Stretching exercises

Other

Group B will perform routine physical therapy (RPT) alone. These routine exercises will consist of stretching exercises adding some games, stretching and relaxation exercises at the end. i,e stretching exercises, posture training, and spinal flexibility exercises

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analouge Scale

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a tool used to measure subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured, commonly used in pain assessment. The scale is often represented as a horizontal line, typically 10 cm in length, anchored by terms at each end that represent extremes of the sensation being measured

  2. Modified Biering-Sørensen

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The Modified Biering-Sørensen Test is an adaptation of the original Biering-Sørensen test, used to assess endurance in the muscles of the lower back, particularly the lumbar extensor muscles. The test measures how long a person can hold a specific static position, which helps evaluate core strength and endurance.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Imran Amjad, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

9233224390125

Muhammad Asif Javed, MS-PT

CONTACT

[email protected]

923224209422

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Pilates on Pain and Trunk Muscle Endurance in Children With Backpack Syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Nov 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 25, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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