The relationship between video game addiction, neck disability and upper extremity functional limitations in adolescents’ students

Abstract

Background

Video gaming is a popular leisure activity among adolescents who are in danger of musculoskeletal disorders. So, the current study evaluated the video game addiction (GA) risk factors and investigated its relationship with neck disability and upper limb functional limitations among adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 414 adolescents was conducted via a survey in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. The validated Arabic versions of the GA scale, neck disability index and upper limb functional limitations index were used to detect GA, evaluate neck disability and assess functional dysfunctions of upper extremities, respectively. The descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to analyze data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of video GA.

Results

The prevalence of addicted gamers was 14.50 % (males: 13.54 %, and females: 15.32 %). The middle and secondary schools addicted students’ prevalence was 23.85 % and 11.15 % respectively. Students in middle schools were more likely to be addicted gamers 2.29 times more than secondary school students (p = 0.014). Of the addicted gamers, 53.33 % had neck disabilities and 15.00 % had upper limb functional limitations. Neck disability and upper limb functional limitations were not associated with GA (p = 0.654, 0.475 respectively).

Conclusion

The prevalence of GA was 14.50 % among adolescents. The middle schools are more predictive to GA than secondary schools. GA was not a predictor for neck disability or upper limb dysfunctions. To prevent GA, early diagnosis, controlling the accessibility of video games and promoting physical activity are essential to limit its disorders and related risks.