Association of Screen Time with Posture and Gross Motor Development in Adolescents: Screen Time with Posture and Gross Motor Development

Ayesha Faryad; Mehreen Jabbar; Sana Tauqeer; Taimoor Ahmed; Khansa Fatima Chisti; Iqra Faryad; Ismat Faryad

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v9i1.1344

Authors

Ayesha Faryad University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Mehreen Jabbar University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Sana Tauqeer University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Taimoor Ahmed University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Khansa Fatima Chisti University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Iqra Faryad Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Ismat Faryad Department of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v9i1.1344

Keywords:

Screen time, Posture Motor Coordination, Adolescents, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Ergonomics

Abstract

Overuse of digital devices (e.g., smartphones) often causes significant negative effects on muscle development and joint health among adolescents, including poor posture and problems with fine motor skills. There is an increasing amount of evidence to support these concerns, due to the high reliance upon devices for learning, communicating with friends and family, and being entertained. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association of screen time with posture and gross motor development in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 184 adolescents (ages 10-19) from different schools/colleges in Lahore. Participants completed self-assessments on daily computer use, motor coordination, and posture-related behaviors using the Adolescent Postural Habits Questionnaire (APHQ) and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ). Results: The study found that 59.5% of participants reported low back pain, and 47.8% spent more than 4 hours daily on smartphones for social media. A significant positive correlation was found between daily screen time and poor postural habits (r=0.42, p<0.001). Furthermore, screen time showed a significant negative correlation with motor coordination scores (r= -0.38, p<0.001), indicating that higher screen time was associated with poorer coordination. Conclusions: This research supports the conclusion that adolescents who use screens more frequently have a decreased ability to control their body position as compared to adolescents who use screens less frequently. The results further indicate that an educational intervention that focuses on teaching correct posture and increasing physical activity will combat the adverse effects associated with excessive screen time on the health and overall well-being of adolescents.

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