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

August 4, 2026 updated by: Ezgi Türkmen, Health Institutes of Turkey

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.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Students & Architecture Department Students

Detailed Description

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.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

300

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Name: Ezgi Türkmen
Phone Number: 0090 216 547 26 00
Email: turkmnezgi@gmail.com

Study Locations

Turkey (Türkiye)
- - Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
    - Recruiting
    - Haliç Üniversitesi
    - Contact:
      
      Ayşenur Çetinkaya
      
      Phone Number: 0090 212 924 24 44
      
      Email: aysenurcetinkaya@halic.edu.tr

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Students & Architecture Department Students

Description

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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Number of groups / cohorts

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Group I Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Students
Group II Architecture Department Students

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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.	Baseline
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.	Baseline
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.	Baseline
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.	Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Health Institutes of Turkey

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

August 4, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 28, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria