Effects of Physical Use Characteristics During Academic Education on Musculoskeletal Function and Body Awareness in University Students From Different Academic Departments

Aim of the study is to compare the levels of spinal stabilization, posture, deep neck flexor muscle endurance, and body awareness of physiotherapy and rehabilitation students and architecture students, whose academic training processes and professional practices are different but intensive, and who possess different physical usage characteristics in these processes, and to reveal the effects of professional training content on the musculoskeletal system.

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Key information

Conditions

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Students & Architecture Department Students

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

About this study

The aim of this study is to compare the levels of spinal stabilization, posture, deep neck flexor muscle endurance, and body awareness of physiotherapy and rehabilitation students and architecture students, whose academic training processes and professional practices are different but intensive, and who possess different physical usage characteristics in these processes, and to reveal the effects of professional training content on the musculoskeletal system. The study plans to include volunteer students studying in the 2nd year and above in both the physiotherapy and rehabilitation and architecture departments. This research study is designed as an observational and cross sectional evaluation study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Being a university student aged 18-25.
Being a second-year or higher student in the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department (n=150).
Being a second-year or higher student in the Architecture Department (n=150).
Having a daily screen time (computer, tablet, mobile phone) of ≥ 3 hours.
Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily.

Exclusion criteria

Having a diagnosis of surgery or serious injury in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region within the last 6 months.
Individuals with diagnosed musculoskeletal, neurological, or vestibular system pathologies.
Individuals with orthopedic deformities that may affect posture (e.g., scoliosis >20° Cobb angle).
Professional athletes or individuals who regularly engage in strength training.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Multifidus Muscle Stabilization Assessment

Time frame: Baseline

A Biofeedback Stabilizer pressure feedback device will be used to determine the stabilization and activation value of the multifidus muscle. Prior to the test, all participants will be taught the abdominal hallowing maneuver. While participants lie supine, the stabilizer device will be placed in the lumbar region. The Biofeedback device will be set to 70 mmHg, and the participant will be asked to perform the abdominal hallowing maneuver without moving the spine and pelvis, maintaining the contraction for at least 10 seconds.
New York Posture Rating Chart

Time frame: Baseline

This assessment will score postural changes in 13 different areas of the body. A score of 5 points will be given for correct postural structure, 3 points for moderate abnormalities, and 1 point for severe abnormalities. A score between 13 and 65 will be obtained on the scale. A score of 45 and above will be classified as "Very Good," 40-44 as "Good," 30-39 as "Moderate," 20-29 as "Poor," and 19 and below as "Poor" posture.
Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test

Time frame: Baseline

This test will be used to assess deep flexor muscle endurance in the cervical region. The test will be performed in a supine hook position. The participant's hands will be placed loosely on their abdomen. The participant will be asked to pull their chin inward (chin tuck) and, while maintaining this position, lift their head off the bed (approximately 2.5 cm). They will be asked to maintain this position for as long as possible without breaking it, and the time spent in this position will be recorded in seconds.
Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)

Time frame: Baseline

BAQ is an 18-item self-report scale designed to measure how attentive you are to normal, non-emotional internal bodily processes. It evaluates your sensitivity to everyday bodily cycles (like sleep and hunger), ability to detect subtle changes, and capacity to anticipate physical reactions. Typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Items are generally rated on a 1 to 7 scale, with higher total scores indicating greater perceived conNdence and accuracy in monitoring your physical state over time.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Health Institutes of Turkey

Other Gov

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jul 31, 2026
Registry last updated: Jul 31, 2026

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.