Pilates for children with backpack-related back pain
Official title: Effects of Pilates on Pain and Trunk Muscle Endurance in Children With Backpack Syndrome
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07248514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a structured Pilates program can reduce back pain and improve trunk muscle endurance in children with backpack syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07248514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 12–16 who are systemically healthy, physically active, and experiencing low back pain or thoracic hyperkyphosis related to backpack use are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with severe musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., scoliosis, fractures, prior spine surgery), neurological or developmental motor disorders, cardiological, metabolic, or rheumatic illnesses, or those without low back pain are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial enrolls 139 children aged 12–16 with backpack syndrome and compares a structured Pilates program to general stretching exercises. Interventions are delivered at several schools in Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore, with outcomes measured before and after the program using the Visual Analog Scale for pain and the Modified Biering–Sørensen Test for trunk endurance. The protocol emphasizes core strengthening, flexibility, and postural correction, and data will be analyzed with SPSS version 23. Changes in subjective pain and objective trunk endurance will be compared between groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce pain, increase core endurance, and improve posture and daily function in affected children, potentially preventing longer-term problems.
How similar studies have gone: Core-strengthening and Pilates programs have shown benefits for low back pain in adults and in some small pediatric reports, but randomized evidence specifically for backpack syndrome in children is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where it's running
-
Imran Amjad
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Farooqi, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.