Clinical Research Directory

Smartphone Addiction, Posture and Breathing Control in University Students

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of smartphone addiction on postural problems and breathing control in healthy university students. Excessive smartphone use has been associated with forward head posture, thoracic postural changes, and musculoskeletal complaints. These postural alterations may negatively influence respiratory biomechanics and breathing control. However, the relationship between smartphone addiction, postural deterioration, and dysfunctional breathing symptoms has not been comprehensively investigated. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing smartphone addiction and breathing control, and posture will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Chart. Binary logistic regression analysis will be performed to determine whether smartphone addiction independently predicts postural problems. Additionally, multiple linear regression analyses will be conducted to examine the association between smartphone addiction, posture, and breathing control.

Effects of Myofascial Release Therapy on Body Posture and Facial Symmetry

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of myofascial release therapy on body posture and facial symmetry in healthy individuals. Postural disorders and fascial tension may lead to biomechanical alterations not only in the musculoskeletal system but also in facial soft tissues and symmetry. Myofascial release techniques are widely used in physiotherapy to improve fascial mobility, reduce tissue tension, and support postural alignment. However, the potential effects of these interventions on facial symmetry have not been sufficiently investigated. A total of 60 healthy participants will be included in the study and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive myofascial release therapy twice weekly for 6 weeks, while the control group will not receive any physical intervention during the same period. Body posture and facial symmetry assessments will be performed at baseline and after the intervention period. Postural assessment will be conducted using the PostureScreen Mobile application through standardized anterior, posterior, and lateral photographs. Facial symmetry will be evaluated using anthropometric facial landmarks identified on standardized facial photographs. Directional asymmetry scores, linear measurements, proportional analyses, and angular measurements will be calculated. The study is expected to provide evidence regarding the relationship between fascial interventions, postural alignment, and facial symmetry, and may contribute to the development of new physiotherapy approaches targeting fascial and postural dysfunctions.

Investigation of the Effect of Screen Time Before Sleep on Posture Disorders and Dynamic Balance

The widespread use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops has significantly increased screen exposure, especially before sleep. Prolonged screen use may contribute to poor posture by promoting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and other musculoskeletal problems. In addition, screen exposure before sleep may negatively affect sleep quality and neuromuscular performance, which may in turn influence postural control and balance.

Posture Exercises and Ergonomics Education

The goal of this observational study is to learn if a combination of postural exercise programs and ergonomics education can provide protective and therapeutic effects against work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in academic and administrative office staff at Bahçeşehir University (aged 20-55, working at least 3 months in an office setting). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a 6-week program of ergonomics training and regular posture exercises reduce the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain? Can structured ergonomics education improve the alignment of the office environment with international safety standards (OSHA)? Is there a measurable improvement in the sleep quality of office workers following these interventions? Researchers will compare the pre-intervention baseline data to post-intervention results (after 6 weeks) to see if the interventions lead to a statistically significant reduction in physical discomfort and an increase in ergonomic compliance. Participants will: Undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment, including the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, New York Posture Analysis, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Attend a one-day intensive training program covering both theoretical ergonomics and practical postural exercises. Receive an instructional brochure with a QR code providing access to exercise videos.Perform the prescribed ergonomic adjustments and exercises during workdays for a duration of 6 weeks.Complete a follow-up assessment after 6 weeks to evaluate changes in pain levels, posture, and environmental compliance.