Virtual Reality Versus Traditional Exercise on EMG Activity in Postural Malalignment

NCT07854678 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 20260723-AHK-SHS-ABD-1
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise compared with traditional Active free exercise on trapezius muscle activation in adults with and without postural malalignment. Surface electromyography (EMG) will be used to assess upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscle activity during relaxed and corrected postures and during VR and traditional exercise. Demographic data will be collected. The study will also assess posture, trapezius muscle strength, cervical range of motion, Activity level, craniovertebral angle, and neck proprioception. Approximately 40 adults aged 18-35 years will participate in a single study session. The findings may help determine whether VR-based rehabilitation provides an effective and engaging approach for assessing and training postural control and trapezius muscle activation.

Conditions

Postural Malalignment; Forward Head Posture; Rounded Shoulder Posture

Keywords

Trapezius Muscle; Cervical Proprioception; Craniovertebral Angle; Traditional Exercise; Surface electromyography; Muscle Activation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Trapezius Muscle Activation (sEMG)

  Surface electromyography (sEMG) will be used to measure upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscle activation during the virtual reality and Active free exercise conditions. EMG activity will be normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and expressed as %MVIC.

  During the single study session (approximately 35-45 minutes)

Study Arms (1)

VR and Traditional Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will complete both a virtual reality (VR)-based exercise intervention and a traditional exercise intervention during a single study session. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG) during both exercise conditions, with a rest period provided between interventions to minimize fatigue.

Other: Virtual reality exercise; Other: Active free Exercise

Interventions

Virtual reality exercise OTHER

Participants will perform a Virtualis virtual reality rehabilitation activity using an HTC Vive headset and motion controllers while standing. The activity involves controlled upper-extremity reaching movements designed to encourage scapular retraction and depression and maintenance of an upright head and trunk posture. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded continuously using surface electromyography (sEMG)

VR and Traditional Exercise

Active free Exercise OTHER

Participants will perform standing Active free exercises targeting the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles. Exercises will include diagonal arm elevation, horizontal abduction, and shoulder elevation. The duration of exercise during the active free condition will be matched to the duration of the VR intervention. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded continuously using surface electromyography (sEMG).

VR and Traditional Exercise

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• participants will include healthy individuals or individuals with postural malalignment.
• Age 18-35 years
• Able to provide written informed consent
• Able to stand and perform light movement tasks safely
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
• Sufficient intellectual ability to understand and follow instructions
• Basic English proficiency to understand study instructions and questionnaires
• For symptomatic participants, presence of postural dysfunction at baseline, including one or more of the following:
• Forward head posture
• Rounded shoulder posture

You may not qualify if:

• \- Epilepsy
• Severe balance disorders
• Major neurological or musculoskeletal conditions
• Recent injuries
• Use of medications affecting balance
• Pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hofstra University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hofstra University

Hempstead, New York, 11549, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Exergaming

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Mohamed Abdelmegeed, Ph.D. in Physical Therapy

  Hofstra University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Mohamed Abdelmegeed, Ph.D. in Physical Therapy

CONTACT

909-583-4966; mohamed.abdelmegeed@hofstra.edu

Dina Alhamaky, Ph.D. in Physical Therapy

CONTACT

+971503963450; dinaali2008@cu.edu.eg

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant professor in Department of Allied Health and Kinesiology, School of Health Sciences, Hofstra University

Model Details: All participants, including healthy individuals and individuals with postural malalignment, will complete virtual reality-based exercises followed by active free exercises during the same session. Trapezius muscle activity will be assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) during both exercise conditions. EMG activity will be compared between the two exercise conditions and between healthy individuals and individuals with postural malalignment.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 27, 2026
• First Posted: October 2, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): October 25, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 25, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 25, 2027
• Last Updated: October 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)