The Effect of Screen Time on Neck Movements, Pain Level, Quality of Life and Emotion In University Students

Objectives: This study was carried out to examine the effects of daily screen time on neck range of motion, musculoskeletal pain, physical activity level, quality of life and depression in students studying in the physiotherapy department of health vocational school. Methods: Physiotherapy associate degree students were included in the study on a voluntary basis. Neck joint range of motion was evaluated with a universal goniometer. In the study, a questionnaire containing the demographic information of the participants, Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (T-CMDQ) in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders, International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short form (UAFAA-KF) in the evaluation of physical activity level, Beck Depression Scale in the evaluation of depression, in the evaluation of quality of life The SF-36 Quality of Life Short Form was used. Digital technology usage time (phone, computer and tablet) was calculated based on the screen time on smart phones and the person's self-report. Results: 98 students participated in the study. The mean age was 21.40±2.10(19-30) years. The daily sleep duration was determined as 7.26±1.38 hours. 6% of the participants in the study consisted of 0-2 hours, 16% 2-4 hours, 20% 4-6 hours, 43% 6-8 hours and 13% more than 8 hours of screen time. While the mean total T-CMDQ score was 8.24±7.22, the mean T-CMDQ height was found to be 34.85±23.83. There was no significant relationship between screen time and cervical joint movements(p≥0.05). A significant correlation was found between screen time and T-CMDQ mean, beck depression, UAFAA-KF, SF-36 quality of life scales (p≤0.001). Conclusion: The use of mobile phones, tablets and computers are indispensable devices of today and their long-term use can bring many problems. With the increase of screen time in young people, musculoskeletal disorders, depression, increase in inactivity and decrease in quality of life are observed. Information training for young people and physical activity recommendations for the prevention of screen addiction should be added to government policies and implemented in universities.