AI-Assisted Camera-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Office Workers

Effectiveness of an AI-Assisted Camera-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Application in Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of an AI-assisted, camera-based progressive muscle relaxation application in office workers aged 20 to 40 years. Participants are randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completes a 4-week progressive muscle relaxation program using the PhysioTR Academic application, which provides camera-based real-time movement analysis and exercise guidance. The control group continues their usual daily routine and completes baseline and post-intervention assessments only. Outcomes include pain/tension intensity, musculoskeletal symptoms, perceived stress, neck disability, work productivity, functionality, and AI-based adherence metrics.

This study is a single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label trial conducted in office workers aged 20 to 40 years. Participants are automatically randomized into either an intervention group or a control group.

The intervention group uses the PhysioTR Academic application for a 4-week progressive muscle relaxation program. The program includes 3 sessions per week, 12 sessions in total. Each session includes four exercise components: face and jaw, neck and shoulders, hands and arms, and back and chest. Each exercise includes a contraction and relaxation phase. The application uses the participant's device camera for real-time movement analysis and provides written and/or audio guidance.

The control group continues their usual daily routine and does not receive an exercise intervention during the study period. The control group completes only baseline and post-intervention assessments.

Assessments are performed at baseline and Week 4. Outcome measures include the Visual Analog Scale, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Neck Disability Index, Work Productivity Scale, numeric functionality score, and AI-based adherence and landmark coverage metrics in the intervention group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 20 and 40 years
• Actively working in a desk-based or office-based job
• Having access to a camera-enabled device such as a smartphone or computer
• Voluntary participation with informed consent
• Able to read and write Turkish
• Having a valid e-mail address

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgery involving the neck or spine
• Cervical vertebral fracture or instability
• History of neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease
• Vestibular system disorder
• Systemic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
• History of malignancy
• Pregnancy
• Having received physiotherapy for the neck or back region within the last 6 months