Wearable device, phone reminders, or exercise to improve posture in university students

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, three-arm trial compares a wearable postural biofeedback device, an app that sends scheduled reminders, and conventional cervicothoracic exercise therapy. Participants are university students aged 18–30 with a demonstrable forward head posture or thoracic kyphosis and long daily sitting times. The study aims to see which approach best improves posture, neck pain, and neck function in daily life, with supervision over six weeks. Real-time biofeedback is expected to promote continuous correction cues, while reminders offer intermittent prompts, and exercise serves as a control condition. Outcomes will inform how technology-assisted feedback and exercise can support adherence to posture improvement outside supervised sessions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. University students aged 18-30 years enrolled in a degree program at Riphah International University.
2. Daily sitting duration ≥ 5 hours (academic and/or device-related activities).
3. Presence of at least one observable postural deviation confirmed at baseline assessment: forward head posture (CVA \< 50°), rounded shoulders (protracted shoulder distance in supine line), or thoracic kyphosis (\> 40° via digital inclinometer).
4. Smartphone ownership and basic digital literacy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of spinal surgery, vertebral fracture, or major cervical/thoracic trauma within the past 12 months.
2. Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting posture or motor control (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke, cervical dystonia).
3. Structural spinal deformities requiring active medical or surgical management (e.g., scoliosis Cobb angle \> 20°, Scheuermann's kyphosis).
4. Current participation in physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, or another structured posture correction program.
5. Cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions contraindicating moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe asthma).
6. Skin conditions, open wounds, or allergies precluding safe use of the posture correction belt.

Where it's running

• Postgraduation Lab of Riphah College of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences , Riphah International University. Islamabad
  Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Huma Riaz, PhD — Riphah International University, Islamabad
• Study coordinator: Aliha Batool, DPT
• Email: alihabatool006@gmail.com
• Phone: 03145967336

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.