Pilates to Reduce Pain and Improve Trunk Muscle Strength in Children Aged 12 to 16 with Backpack Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates how Pilates exercises affect pain and trunk muscle endurance in children aged 12 to 16 who have backpack syndrome, a condition causing musculoskeletal discomfort due to heavy or improper backpack use. The trial seeks to understand if Pilates can improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance core muscle strength in these children. The study involves 139 participants and is conducted at several schools in Lahore. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group performs Pilates exercises twice a week for 12 weeks, with exercises changing every four weeks, including movements such as rolling back, one leg stretch, and shoulder bridge. The other group engages in routine physical therapy consisting of stretching, posture training, and spinal flexibility exercises, combined with some games and relaxation techniques. Both interventions aim to improve musculoskeletal health related to backpack use. Throughout the 12-week study, researchers will measure pain levels using the Visual Analogue Scale and assess trunk muscle endurance with the Modified Biering-Srensen Test before and after the interventions. Data will be analyzed to determine the impact of Pilates on these measures. Participants health and physical activity will be monitored, with assessments conducted at regular intervals during the study period until its conclusion in January 2026.

Effect of Pillates on Children With Backpack Syndrome