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

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the associations between screen exposure and pain, postural alignment, spinal flexibility, physical activity level, and quality of life in young adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 283 young adults were included in the study, of whom 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. Statistically significant strong positive correlations were found between screen exposure and both NDI and NPRS (p<0.05). In contrast, strong negative correlations were observed between screen exposure and IPAQ as well as the physical and mental health subscales of SF-36 (p<0.05). Additionally, screen exposure showed strong negative correlations with CCA, trunk rotation, forward reach test, and lateral bending test results (p<0.05). Conclusion: In 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.