Effects of a music-accompanied multimodal exercise program on trunk endurance, stress, and anxiety in university students: a randomized controlled trial
- 1Ankara University, Haymana Vocational School, Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Program – Ankara, Turkey.
- 2Etlik Public Hospitals Deputy Directorate, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract
SUMMARY: BACKGROUND:: Multimodal interventions integrating breathing regulation and rhythmic auditory stimulation may improve trunk stability and modulate stress-related psychophysiological responses. Evidence on combined core stabilization and autonomic regulation programs in young adults remains limited.
OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week music-accompanied program combining core stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing, and relaxation exercises on trunk muscle endurance and stress-related outcomes in university students.
METHODS:: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 university students were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=40) or a waitlist control group (n=40). The intervention was performed four times weekly for 12 weeks under physiotherapist supervision, including progressive core stabilization integrated with diaphragmatic breathing and slow-tempo music. Outcomes included trunk extensor endurance (Biering-Sorensen), lateral trunk endurance (lateral plank), trunk flexor endurance, perceived stress (PSS-10), and state anxiety (STAI-S). A 2×2 mixed-design analysis of variance evaluated group×time interactions. Assessors were not blinded.
RESULTS:: Significant group×time interactions favored the intervention group for perceived stress (η2p=0.148, d=0.82), state anxiety (η2p=0.122, d=0.74), lateral trunk endurance (left lateral plank: η2p=0.052, d=0.46;right lateral plank: η2p=0.078, d=0.57), and trunk flexor endurance (η2p=0.123, d=0.74). No significant interaction was found for trunk extensor endurance.
CONCLUSION:: A 12-week multimodal program combining core stabilization, breathing, relaxation, and music improved trunk endurance and reduced stress and anxiety; the waitlist design does not permit isolating music's specific contribution.
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BibTeX
@article{ersever2026effects,
title = {{Effects of a music-accompanied multimodal exercise program on trunk endurance, stress, and anxiety in university students: a randomized controlled trial}},
author = {Emine Merve Ersever and Osman Şenol Yıldız and Emre Ersöz},
journal = {Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1590/1806-9282.20260773},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722092},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects of a music-accompanied multimodal exercise program on trunk endurance, stress, and anxiety in university students: a randomized controlled trial
AU - Emine Merve Ersever
AU - Osman Şenol Yıldız
AU - Emre Ersöz
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
DO - 10.1590/1806-9282.20260773
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722092
AB - SUMMARY: BACKGROUND:: Multimodal interventions integrating breathing regulation and rhythmic auditory stimulation may improve trunk stability and modulate stress-related psychophysiological responses. Evidence on combined core stabilization and autonomic regulation programs in young adults remains limited. OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week music-accompanied program combining core stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing, and relaxation exercises on trunk muscle endurance and stress-related outcomes in university students. METHODS:: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 university students were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=40) or a waitlist control group (n=40). The intervention was performed four times weekly for 12 weeks under physiotherapist supervision, including progressive core stabilization integrated with diaphragmatic breathing and slow-tempo music. Outcomes included trunk extensor endurance (Biering-Sorensen), lateral trunk endurance (lateral plank), trunk flexor endurance, perceived stress (PSS-10), and state anxiety (STAI-S). A 2×2 mixed-design analysis of variance evaluated group×time interactions. Assessors were not blinded. RESULTS:: Significant group×time interactions favored the intervention group for perceived stress (η2p=0.148, d=0.82), state anxiety (η2p=0.122, d=0.74), lateral trunk endurance (left lateral plank: η2p=0.052, d=0.46;right lateral plank: η2p=0.078, d=0.57), and trunk flexor endurance (η2p=0.123, d=0.74). No significant interaction was found for trunk extensor endurance. CONCLUSION:: A 12-week multimodal program combining core stabilization, breathing, relaxation, and music improved trunk endurance and reduced stress and anxiety; the waitlist design does not permit isolating music's specific contribution.
SN - 0104-4230
SN - 1806-9282
ER -