Comparison of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Pain among Students With and Without Internet Dependence Having Different Levels of Physical Activity

The number of Internet users and those with Internet dependence is growing worldwide. Internet dependence can cause many physical and mental problems for people. The present study aims to compare musculoskeletal disorders and pain between students with and without Internet dependence and having different levels of physical activity.

Participants were 202 university students. Young’s Internet Addiction Test and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to assess their Internet dependency and physical activity, respectively. Samples were divided into three groups of non-internet dependent, at risk of Internet dependence, and Internet-dependent with low, moderate, and good physical activity. Pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale. Goniometer, inclinometer, flexible ruler, and caliper were used to assess musculoskeletal disorders. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the research groups.

There was a significant difference between the study groups in the variable of pain in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists, lower back, elbows and knees, and disorders of head forward angle, uneven shoulders, lateral pelvic tilt, and kyphosis. Internet-dependent group with low physical activity had higher musculoskeletal pain and disorders, whereas the non-internet dependent group had lower musculoskeletal pain and disorders.

Overuse of the Internet can cause many musculoskeletal disorders and pain. Therefore, it is necessary to inform people about its consequences, the proper posture when using the Internet, and the positive effect of physical activity on the health.