The Analyses of the Relationship between Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal System Problems, Sleep, and Screen Exposure Time in University students during the Distance Learning Process

Authors : Şulenur YILDIZ, Zilan BAZANCİR APAYDIN, Fatih ERBAHÇECİ

Pages : 64-74

Doi:10.30621/jbachs.1059276

View : 25 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2023-01-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: To investigate the relationship between physical activity, musculoskeletal system problems, sleep, and screen exposure time in university students during the distance learning process. Methods: Three hundred and one students insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(183 female, 118 male); participated in the study via online survey. The screen exposure time was recorded. The physical activity using Short Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire and pain using Visual Analog Scale were evaluated. Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was applied for the details of sleep quality. Results: The students had a low level of physical activity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(58.8%); and poor sleep quality insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(70.8%);. Musculoskeletal pain was reported in upper back insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(85%);, lower back insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(85%);, neck insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(79.4%);, shoulder insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(71.4%);. The pain was correlated with total sleep quality insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.320, p<0.001);, daytime dysfunction insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.282, p<0.001);, sleep quality insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.256, p<0.001);, and sleep disturbances insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.232, p<0.001);. The screen time exposure-education was weakly correlated with PSQI total score insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.118, p=0.04); and total activity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=-0.148, p=0.01);. Conclusion: The low-level physical activity, worsened sleep quality, high rate of musculoskeletal problems and increased amount of screen exposure were reported in the distance learning process. We believed that these problems could be the reason for serious health issues later, so approaches targeting to improve physical activity levels, better posture while studying could be beneficial.
Keywords : Covid 19, Screen time, Sleep, Physical activity