Tele-Based Postural Awareness and Breathing Training for Ergonomic Risk and Fatigue in Flute Students

Overview

This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of an eight-week tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on work-related ergonomic risk and cervical somatosensory function in flute students. A total of 30 undergraduate flute students were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group received a structured tele-rehabilitation program focusing on postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices for eight weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the study period. Primary outcomes include work-related ergonomic risk assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and cervical somatosensory function evaluated through cervical joint position sense (horizontal, vertical, and global error). Secondary outcomes include deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, perceived fatigue, postural awareness, and musical performance anxiety. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after the eight-week intervention period. The study aims to determine whether a tele-based postural awareness and breathing intervention can effectively reduce ergonomic risk and improve sensorimotor function in flute students who are exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures during instrument practice.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a tele-based postural awareness and pranayama-based breathing program on ergonomic risk, cervical somatosensory function, and selected secondary outcomes in flute students. Thirty undergraduate flute students enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Music, were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Participants were required to have regular flute practice and no history of neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the cervical region. The intervention group participated in an eight-week tele-rehabilitation program consisting of postural awareness exercises and pranayama-based breathing practices. Sessions were delivered remotely and focused on improving postural alignment, body awareness, controlled breathing, and sensorimotor control relevant to prolonged instrument practice. The control group did not receive any intervention during the study period and continued their usual daily activities. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the eight-week intervention period. Primary outcome measures included work-related ergonomic risk, assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and cervical somatosensory function, evaluated through cervical joint position sense testing in horizontal, vertical, and global directions. Secondary outcome measures included deep cervical flexor muscle endurance, perceived fatigue assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, postural awareness, and musical performance anxiety assessed using a validated questionnaire. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a tele-based postural awareness and breathing intervention in reducing ergonomic risk and improving sensorimotor function in flute students exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures during musical practice.