Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic in Turkey: Physical Activity, Smartphone Usage, Musculoskeletal System

Authors : Sinem SUNERKEKLİK, Ayşe NUMANOĞLU AKBAŞ
Pages : 550-556
View : 38 | Download : 9
Publication Date : 2021-10-09
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: This study aims to evaluate relationship between physical activity level, smartphone usage, back and neck health during Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants between ages of 18-65 were included in study. Smartphone usage was evaluated with Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, physical activity levels with short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire was used to evaluate back and neck problems. Results: A total of 251 people insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(179 women, 72 men, age: 28.11±9.49 years, min-max: 18-62 years); participated in study. 134 participants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(53.38%); had low physical activity levels, 35 individuals insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(13.94%); had sufficient physical activity levels while 82 participants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(32.66%); were not physically active. A weak positive correlation was found between neck pain and total score of smartphone addiction scale, daily smartphone usage time, daily smartphone check frequency, and first check time after waking up insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=0.199, r=0.149, r=0.132, respectively);. A weak negative correlation was found between neck pain and first check time after waking up insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r=-0.145);. Conclusions: As a result of study, it was observed that physical activity levels were insufficient in majority of individuals who participated in survey. The relationships we expected between physical activity level, smartphone usage characteristics, low back and neck health could not be demonstrated, only weak relationships were found between some features of smartphone use and neck health. We believe that finding solutions to increase physical activity levels of individuals during pandemic period will have both protective effects on health and will prevent problems by affecting musculoskeletal system positively.
Keywords : covid 19, smartphone, musculoskeletal system

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