NCT07456527

Evaluating the Impact of Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy on Burnout Syndrome Among University Students.

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 55 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Health Sciences Lahore · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a mindfulness-based physical therapy intervention can reduce burnout syndrome and improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years who are experiencing burnout symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and reduced quality of life. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program reduce burnout symptoms compared to standard physical therapy alone? * Does MBPT improve musculoskeletal pain and quality of life compared to standard physical therapy alone? Researchers will compare a Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy intervention group to a control group receiving a standardized physical therapy program to determine whether the addition of mindfulness techniques results in greater improvements in burnout, pain, and quality of life. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. * Attend supervised 60-minute sessions three times per week for six weeks (total of 18 sessions). * Receive a standardized baseline physical therapy program consisting of full-body active range of motion and general mobility exercises within pain-free limits. * If assigned to the intervention group, receive structured mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, posture correction, stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, and group reflection during each session. * Complete 10-15 minutes of daily home mindfulness practice (intervention group only). * Complete validated questionnaires at baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention.

Detailed description

Burnout and musculoskeletal pain are common issues affecting university students, often resulting from prolonged stress, poor posture, and high academic demands. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and improve mental well-being. Physical therapy interventions, including exercise and rehabilitative techniques, target musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations. Combining mindfulness with physical therapy may provide a holistic, non-invasive approach to improving both mental and physical health in students. This study evaluates the impact of a structured Mindfulness-Based Physical Therapy (MBPT) program on burnout syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and quality of life among undergraduate Allied Health Sciences students aged 18-30 years. Participants will engage in a six-week program supervised by trained professionals, incorporating mindfulness exercises, stretching, posture correction, progressive muscle relaxation, and home practice. The control group will receive standard physical therapy, allowing the study to assess the additional benefits of the mindfulness component. The findings of this trial may provide evidence for a low-cost, integrative intervention that universities can implement to support student health and wellness. If effective, MBPT could serve as a model for combined mind-body programs, helping to reduce burnout, improve functional capacity, and enhance quality of life, potentially contributing to better academic performance and long-term health outcomes. This research addresses a gap in the literature on combined mindfulness and physical therapy interventions for university populations and may inform the development of future student wellness initiatives.

Conditions

• Burnout Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Standard Physical Therapy	A supervised physical therapy program consisting of full-body active range of motion and general mobility exercises, including shoulder rolls, arm swings, and pelvic tilts, performed within pain-free limits.
BEHAVIORAL	Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy	Mindfulness Based Physical Therapy is a structured program combining supervised physical therapy exercises with mindfulness practices. The intervention includes guided mindfulness meditation (body scan and breath awareness), diaphragmatic and paced breathing exercises, posture correction and ergonomic education, gentle stretching of the neck, shoulders, and back, and progressive muscle relaxation. Sessions are delivered three times per week for six weeks under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist. Participants are also instructed to complete daily home practice incorporating mindfulness and stretching techniques.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-03
• Primary completion: 2026-03-30
• Completion: 2026-04-20
• First posted: 2026-03-06
• Last updated: 2026-04-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan