Low Back Pain, PosturalVR-LBPNCT07626762
Virtual Reality-Based Posture Correction Program on Low Back Pain
A study testing virtual reality and pamphlet based ergonomics in people with Low Back Pain, Postural, run by Kafrelsheikh University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
To evaluate the effect of a virtual reality-based posture correction program on reducing low back pain intensity and improving dynamic balance in sedentary desk workers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 60 monthsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain, Postural
- What is being tested?
- virtual reality and pamphlet based ergonomics
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 30 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 60 months
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Age between 25-60 years
- Desk workers (≥ 5 hours daily seated work)
- Chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting > 3 months
- Pain intensity between 2-6 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
- No morbid obesity
- No physical therapy within the last 3 months
Show all 9Show fewer
- Ability to understand and follow instructions
- No visual or hearing impairments affecting VR use
- Signed informed consent form
Who cannot join
- History of spinal surgery or spinal trauma
- Neurological, neuromuscular, or vestibular disorders
- Diabetes mellitus (Type I or II)
- Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Pregnancy
Show all 16Show fewer
- Medications affecting balance or alertness
- Current smokers
- Uncorrected visual impairments
- Psychiatric disorders
- History of frequent vertigo or cybersickness
- Flat foot or foot deformities affecting balance
- Polyneuropathy
- Any condition affecting balance control
- Participation in other exercise or rehabilitation programs
- Inability or unwillingness to adhere to the study protocol
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Posture Correction Program on Low Back Pain and Dynamic Balance in Desk Workers
To evaluate the effect of a virtual reality-based posture correction program on reducing low back pain intensity and improving dynamic balance in sedentary desk workers.
Read the detailed description
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among desk workers and is strongly associated with prolonged sitting, poor posture, and reduced physical activity. Extended periods of desk work contribute to biomechanical and neuromuscular changes, including decreased lumbar lordosis, reduced spinal mobility, muscle tightness, impaired trunk muscle activation, and altered postural control. These changes may lead to chronic nonspecific low back pain, functional limitations, and deficits in dynamic balance.
Postural deviations such as forward head posture, rounded shoulders, thoracic kyphosis, and pelvic misalignment are frequently observed in sedentary workers. These alterations affect spinal alignment and may impair proprioceptive input, resulting in decreased balance performance and inefficient neuromuscular control. Impaired balance and reduced sensorimotor awareness have been reported in individuals with chronic low back pain, increasing the risk of functional disability and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation has emerged as an innovative approach for improving postural control and reducing pain. VR systems provide real-time visual feedback and interactive task-oriented exercises that promote active participation and enhance sensorimotor retraining. Through immersive environments, VR interventions may improve trunk muscle activation, proprioceptive awareness, motor coordination, and postural stability while increasing motivation and adherence to exercise programs.
Dynamic posture correction exercises performed within a VR environment may provide additional benefits by integrating physical, cognitive, and sensory stimulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that VR-based interventions can reduce pain intensity, improve functional performance, enhance balance control, and decrease fear-avoidance behaviors associated with chronic pain conditions.
Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a virtual reality-based posture correction program on low back pain intensity and dynamic balance in desk workers. The findings may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of VR-based posture correction as a rehabilitation strategy for addressing musculoskeletal and balance impairments associated with prolonged sedentary work.
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Postural
- Being tested
- virtual reality, pamphlet based ergonomics
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
virtual realityDevice
Participants in the intervention group will receive a virtual reality (VR)-based training program in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will consist of 12 treatment sessions, administered 3 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Each session will last approximately 30-35 minutes.
The VR training will be delivered using commercially available exergaming and VR-based fitness applications, including Fit Beat Combat, Holo-point , and the EIR Training Fitness Program. These applications are designed to provide interactive, task-oriented exercises that challenge balance, coordination, postural control, and lower limb motor performance through engaging gameplay environments.
Participants will be supervised during all sessions to ensure safety and proper performance of movements, and exercise intensity will be adjusted according to the participant's tolerance and performance.
pamphlet based ergonomicsOther
Participants in the control group will receive a standardized educational pamphlet focusing on posture correction, ergonomic principles, and recommendations for maintaining proper body mechanics during daily activities and desk work. The pamphlet includes illustrated instructions and general advice aimed at reducing musculoskeletal strain.
In addition, participants will attend a brief weekly educational and follow-up session conducted at their workplace, where key posture and ergonomic principles are reinforced and any questions are addressed.
Furthermore, participants will be added to a daily reminder group (e.g., messaging group) to receive regular prompts and reminders to adhere to the recommended posture guidelines and exercises outlined in the pamphlet throughout the 4-week intervention period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| VR based posture correction | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive a virtual reality-based posture correction program in addition to conventional physiotherapy exercises for low back pain management and balance improvement. Receives: Device: virtual reality |
| pamphlet based ergonomics | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises and posture correction training without virtual reality intervention. Receives: Other: pamphlet based ergonomics |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
pain intensity
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm horizontal line anchored by "no pain" (0) and "worst imaginable pain" (10). Participants will indicate their perceived level of low back pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: baseline and 4 weeks
functional disability
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 10 items evaluating limitations in daily activities. Total scores range from 0 to 100%, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Measured: baseline and 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
dynamic balance
Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Biodex Balance System. Balance performance will be quantified using the Overall Stability Index (OSI), Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), and Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI). Lower scores indicate better postural stability and neuromuscular control.
Measured: baseline and 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion15 Mar 2026
- Study completion30 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Low Back Pain, PosturalStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: a virtual reality-based posture correction group and a conventional physiotherapy group.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kafrelsheikh University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Esraa Moataz Aboelyazid Deghady, Kafrelsheikh University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07626762
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- VRBPCPOLBP
- Acronym
- VR-LBP
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 22 May 2026
- Last updated
- 4 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Hilmi AH, Hamid ARA and Ibrahim WARAW. Current trends and risk factors in low back pain: An ergonomic perspective on prevention and management. Malaysian Journal of Ergonomics (MJEr). 2024;6:105-18.
Sotiropoulos S, Papandreou M, Mavrogenis A, Tsaroucha A, Georgoudis G. The Effects of Qigong and Tai Chi Exercises on Chronic Low Back Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cureus. 2025 May 18;17(5):e84342. doi: 10.7759/cureus.84342. eCollection 2025 May.
PubMed 40530198
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Posture Correction Program on Low Back Pain and Dynamic Balance in Desk Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07626762
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VR-LBP / VRBPCPOLBP
- Conditions
- Low Back Pain, Postural
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kafrelsheikh UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To evaluate the effect of a virtual reality-based posture correction program on reducing low back pain intensity and improving dynamic balance in sedentary desk workers.
Detailed description
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among desk workers and is strongly associated with prolonged sitting, poor posture, and reduced physical activity. Extended periods of desk work contribute to biomechanical and neuromuscular changes, including decreased lumbar lordosis, reduced spinal mobility, muscle tightness, impaired trunk muscle activation, and altered postural control. These changes may lead to chronic nonspecific low back pain, functional limitations, and deficits in dynamic balance.
Postural deviations such as forward head posture, rounded shoulders, thoracic kyphosis, and pelvic misalignment are frequently observed in sedentary workers. These alterations affect spinal alignment and may impair proprioceptive input, resulting in decreased balance performance and inefficient neuromuscular control. Impaired balance and reduced sensorimotor awareness have been reported in individuals with chronic low back pain, increasing the risk of functional disability and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation has emerged as an innovative approach for improving postural control and reducing pain. VR systems provide real-time visual feedback and interactive task-oriented exercises that promote active participation and enhance sensorimotor retraining. Through immersive environments, VR interventions may improve trunk muscle activation, proprioceptive awareness, motor coordination, and postural stability while increasing motivation and adherence to exercise programs.
Dynamic posture correction exercises performed within a VR environment may provide additional benefits by integrating physical, cognitive, and sensory stimulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that VR-based interventions can reduce pain intensity, improve functional performance, enhance balance control, and decrease fear-avoidance behaviors associated with chronic pain conditions.
Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a virtual reality-based posture correction program on low back pain intensity and dynamic balance in desk workers. The findings may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of VR-based posture correction as a rehabilitation strategy for addressing musculoskeletal and balance impairments associated with prolonged sedentary work.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: a virtual reality-based posture correction group and a conventional physiotherapy group.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| VR based posture correction | Experimental | Device: virtual realityParticipants in this group will receive a virtual reality-based posture correction program in addition to conventional physiotherapy exercises for low back pain management and balance improvement. |
| pamphlet based ergonomics | Active comparator | Other: pamphlet based ergonomicsParticipants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises and posture correction training without virtual reality intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 60 months
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Age between 25-60 years
- Desk workers (≥ 5 hours daily seated work)
- Chronic nonspecific low back pain lasting > 3 months
- Pain intensity between 2-6 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
- No morbid obesity
Key exclusion criteria (16 listed)
- History of spinal surgery or spinal trauma
- Neurological, neuromuscular, or vestibular disorders
- Diabetes mellitus (Type I or II)
- Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders
- Thyroid dysfunction
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| virtual realityParticipants in the intervention group will receive a virtual reality (VR)-based training program in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will consist of 12 treatment sessions, administered 3 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Each session will last approximately 30-35 minutes. The VR training will be delivered using commercially available exergaming and VR-based fitness applications, including Fit Beat Combat, Holo-point , and the EIR Training Fitness Program. These applications are designed to provide interactive, task-oriented exercises that challenge balance, coordination, postural control, and lower limb motor performance through engaging gameplay environments. Participants will be supervised during all sessions to ensure safety and proper performance of movements, and exercise intensity will be adjusted according to the participant's tolerance and performance. | Device | VR based posture correction |
| pamphlet based ergonomicsParticipants in the control group will receive a standardized educational pamphlet focusing on posture correction, ergonomic principles, and recommendations for maintaining proper body mechanics during daily activities and desk work. The pamphlet includes illustrated instructions and general advice aimed at reducing musculoskeletal strain. In addition, participants will attend a brief weekly educational and follow-up session conducted at their workplace, where key posture and ergonomic principles are reinforced and any questions are addressed. Furthermore, participants will be added to a daily reminder group (e.g., messaging group) to receive regular prompts and reminders to adhere to the recommended posture guidelines and exercises outlined in the pamphlet throughout the 4-week intervention period. | Other | pamphlet based ergonomics |
Primary outcome
pain intensity
Time frame: baseline and 4 weeks
Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm horizontal line anchored by "no pain" (0) and "worst imaginable pain" (10). Participants will indicate their perceived level of low back pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
functional disability
Time frame: baseline and 4 weeks
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 10 items evaluating limitations in daily activities. Total scores range from 0 to 100%, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
1 secondary outcome
dynamic balance
Time frame: baseline and 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Jun 2026.
- Results publicationHilmi AH, Hamid ARA and Ibrahim WARAW. Current trends and risk factors in low back pain: An ergonomic perspective on prevention and management. Malaysian Journal of Ergonomics (MJEr). 2024;6:105-18.
- Results publication: PubMed 40530198Sotiropoulos S, Papandreou M, Mavrogenis A, Tsaroucha A, Georgoudis G. The Effects of Qigong and Tai Chi Exercises on Chronic Low Back Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cureus. 2025 May 18;17(5):e84342. doi: 10.7759/cureus.84342. eCollection 2025 May.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing virtual reality and pamphlet based ergonomics in people with Low Back Pain, Postural, run by Kafrelsheikh University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 16 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
pain intensity (time frame: baseline and 4 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07626762, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Jun 2026.