Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures
Background/Objectives: Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as neck pain, back pain, and eye strain, are prevalent in modern work environments, particularly among individuals engaged in prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of these symptoms and the impact of e...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Children |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/1/102 |
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| author | Brigitte Osser Csongor Toth Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento Gyongyi Osser Caius Calin Miuța Iosif Ilia Diana Carina Iovanovici Cristina Aur Laura Ioana Bondar |
| author_facet | Brigitte Osser Csongor Toth Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento Gyongyi Osser Caius Calin Miuța Iosif Ilia Diana Carina Iovanovici Cristina Aur Laura Ioana Bondar |
| author_sort | Brigitte Osser |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background/Objectives: Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as neck pain, back pain, and eye strain, are prevalent in modern work environments, particularly among individuals engaged in prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of these symptoms and the impact of ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures on symptom intensity and daily functioning. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study used a self-developed questionnaire to assess the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms among participants aged 6–18 years. The survey collected data on ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures (such as taking breaks and seeking professional help). Symptom intensity was assessed across common musculoskeletal issues. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation, were used to identify significant correlations and associations between variables. Results: A significant proportion of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms, including neck pain, back pain, and eye strain. Participants who used ergonomic tools reported significantly lower symptom intensity (<0.001). A positive correlation was found between fewer breaks and higher symptom intensity (r = 0.908, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Those with higher posture awareness reported lower symptom intensity (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Proactive measures, including regular breaks and ergonomic interventions, were perceived as effective strategies for managing symptoms. Increased symptom intensity was associated with reduced ability to perform daily activities (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role of ergonomic tools, posture awareness, and regular breaks in mitigating musculoskeletal symptoms. Proactive measures, including structured interventions, can effectively reduce symptom intensity and improve daily functioning. These findings suggest that workplace health strategies focusing on ergonomics and posture education are crucial for reducing the impact of musculoskeletal discomfort on employee well-being and productivity. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-086b4da5fb8e4a27ace36119e08d54b8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2227-9067 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Children |
| spelling | doaj-art-086b4da5fb8e4a27ace36119e08d54b82025-01-24T13:27:18ZengMDPI AGChildren2227-90672025-01-0112110210.3390/children12010102Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive MeasuresBrigitte Osser0Csongor Toth1Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento2Gyongyi Osser3Caius Calin Miuța4Iosif Ilia5Diana Carina Iovanovici6Cristina Aur7Laura Ioana Bondar8Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaDoctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaDoctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 310130 Arad, RomaniaFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 310130 Arad, RomaniaFaculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 310130 Arad, RomaniaInstitute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timișoara, Gheorghe Adam Street, No. 13A, 300310 Timișoara, RomaniaDepartment of Surgical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, RomaniaDoctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, RomaniaBackground/Objectives: Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as neck pain, back pain, and eye strain, are prevalent in modern work environments, particularly among individuals engaged in prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of these symptoms and the impact of ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures on symptom intensity and daily functioning. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study used a self-developed questionnaire to assess the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms among participants aged 6–18 years. The survey collected data on ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures (such as taking breaks and seeking professional help). Symptom intensity was assessed across common musculoskeletal issues. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation, were used to identify significant correlations and associations between variables. Results: A significant proportion of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms, including neck pain, back pain, and eye strain. Participants who used ergonomic tools reported significantly lower symptom intensity (<0.001). A positive correlation was found between fewer breaks and higher symptom intensity (r = 0.908, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Those with higher posture awareness reported lower symptom intensity (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Proactive measures, including regular breaks and ergonomic interventions, were perceived as effective strategies for managing symptoms. Increased symptom intensity was associated with reduced ability to perform daily activities (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role of ergonomic tools, posture awareness, and regular breaks in mitigating musculoskeletal symptoms. Proactive measures, including structured interventions, can effectively reduce symptom intensity and improve daily functioning. These findings suggest that workplace health strategies focusing on ergonomics and posture education are crucial for reducing the impact of musculoskeletal discomfort on employee well-being and productivity.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/1/102break frequencyergonomic toolsmeasures takenneck painposture awarenesssymptom intensity |
| spellingShingle | Brigitte Osser Csongor Toth Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento Gyongyi Osser Caius Calin Miuța Iosif Ilia Diana Carina Iovanovici Cristina Aur Laura Ioana Bondar Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures Children break frequency ergonomic tools measures taken neck pain posture awareness symptom intensity |
| title | Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures |
| title_full | Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures |
| title_fullStr | Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures |
| title_short | Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures |
| title_sort | evaluating tech neck a pilot study using a self developed questionnaire on symptoms posture and preventive measures |
| topic | break frequency ergonomic tools measures taken neck pain posture awareness symptom intensity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/1/102 |
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