Comparative Analysis of Artificial Intelligence-Generated and Studio-Based Reformer Pilates Interventions for Forward Head Posture

Uskudar University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Neck Disorder; Posture

Treatments: Behavioral: Clinical Pilates Group; Behavioral: ChatGPT Exercise Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07205835

FZT2024/37

Details and patient eligibility

About

Posture is the alignment of body segments. While ideal posture places minimal stress on the joints, poor posture increases joint stress. Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural abnormality characterized by the anterior displacement of the head in the sagittal plane. This condition may lead to muscle imbalances, pain, reduced cervical range of motion (ROM), decreased quality of life, and spinal degeneration.

The most common method for evaluating FHP is the craniovertebral angle (CVA). Causes of FHP include excessive smartphone and computer use, mouth breathing, carrying heavy bags, and rounded shoulders. Cervical stabilization exercises and holistic approaches are recommended for prevention and treatment.

Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates, especially in its clinical form, has been shown to improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and enhance quality of life. Literature indicates that stretching- and strengthening-based exercise programs targeting FHP positively affect CVA, neck pain, and ROM.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has gained importance in physiotherapy as a diagnostic and therapeutic support tool. Its potential in generating exercise prescriptions is being explored, though whether AI can replace physiotherapists remains debated.

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of an AI-generated reformer Pilates protocol and a studio-based reformer Pilates protocol in individuals with FHP. Hypotheses:

H0: The studio-based reformer Pilates protocol has no effect on CVA, ROM, pain, muscle endurance, or quality of life in individuals with FHP.

H1: The studio-based reformer Pilates protocol has a positive effect on these parameters.

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:

Volunteers aged between 18-50 years

Craniovertebral angle less than 54°

Ability to participate in exercise sessions twice a week for 6 weeks

Willingness to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

History of musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders

Previous surgery affecting posture or spine

Current participation in another structured exercise program

Pregnancy

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Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Clinical Pilates Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will perform clinical Pilates exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist, twice a week for 6 weeks. Each session will last 50 minutes and will include core stabilization, postural correction, and flexibility exercises.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Clinical Pilates Group

ChatGPT Exercise Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group will perform an exercise program generated by ChatGPT and supervised by a physiotherapist, twice a week for 6 weeks. Each session will last 50 minutes and will include exercises designed to improve posture, flexibility, and musculoskeletal function.

Treatment:

Behavioral: ChatGPT Exercise Group