Associations between screen exposure, pain, postural alignment, physical activity, and quality of life in young adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To examine the associations between screen exposure and pain, postural alignment, spinal flexibility, physical activity level, and quality of life in young adults.

Materials and Methods: Of the 283 young adults included in the study, 213 (75.3%) were female and 70 (24.7%) were male. Screen exposure was evaluated using the Screen Time Exposure Form, while addiction levels were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Form and the Young Internet Addiction Test–Short Form. Pain and disability levels were measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Postural assessment was performed using cranio-cervical angle (CCA) measurement and a scoliometer, while spinal flexibility was determined using the forward reach test and the lateral bending test. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form-36 Quality of Life Survey (SF-36).

Results: Of the participants, 4.2% had very low, 37.1% low, 42.1% high, and 16.6% very high screen exposure. Strong, statistically significant positive correlations were found between screen exposure and both the NDI and NPRS (p<0.05). In contrast, strong negative correlations were observed between screen exposure and IPAQ scores, and between screen exposure and the physical and mental health subscales of the SF-36 (p<0.05). Additionally, screen exposure showed strong negative correlations with CCA and with the results of the trunk rotation, forward reach, and lateral bending tests (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Increased screen exposure in young adults was significantly associated with higher pain and neck disability, postural deterioration, reduced spinal flexibility, lower physical activity levels, and decreased quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies aimed at limiting excessive screen use.