Correlation analysis between the use of digital devices and neck and shoulder pain among college students and lifestyle education

Abstract

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is frequent complaint among college students, especially neck and shoulder pain (NSP). No study so far has demonstrated a correlation between the use of digital devices and the prevalence of NSP among college students in China. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey investigating this relationship among college students in Shanghai was urgently needed.Objective: The relationship between digital device usage, lifestyle, and the prevalence of self-reported NSP among college students in Shanghai, and neck muscle activity of different degrees of spinal curvature was investigated to provide suggestions for healthy spinal curvature lifestyle education. Methods: 6000 students were randomly enrolled, and a self-reported questionnaire was conducted to assess the prevalence and severity of NSP. The students’ demographic characteristics, habits of using digital devices, and lifestyles were recorded. c2 tests were used to compare the prevalence of NSP; univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for NSP. A musculoskeletal model of the standard human body was established with the AnyBody platform to test the neck muscle activity of different degrees of spinal curvature.Results: Among the 4848 college students (80.8%) who completed the survey, the prevalence of NSP was 39.1%, with more girls (45.0%) reporting NSP than boys (32.4%). The logistic regression indicated that gender, inappropriate posture and using digital devices for long time had a significant correlation with NSP. Neck muscle activity increased as spinal inclination increased based on the AnyBody platform.Conclusion: NSP seems to be a common condition among college students in Shanghai. Gender, inappropriate posture and using digital devices for long time are closely associated with NSP. The greater the anterior cervical and lumbar flexion, the higher the activity of cervical muscles. Healthy lifestyle education should be used to decrease the NSP among college students.