Do the Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Screen Time during the COVID-۱۹ Quarantine correlate to their Upper Extremity Abnormalities and Anxiety?

Background: This study examines the prevalence of upper extremity abnormalities during COVID-۱۹ quarantine. It emphasizes the role of physical activity and screen time in these abnormalities in male adolescents. The relationship between these components and anxiety was also examined. Method: This descriptive-correlational study was performed on ۱۵۰ ۱۳-۱۵-year-old boys. Upper extremity abnormalities are measured using Image J software and Spinal Mouse. Physical activity, screen time, and anxiety are assessed by the use of standard questionnaires. Results: Means of age and BMI were ۲۲.۸۶ and ۲۲.۴۸, respectively. The results showed that ۷۰ patients (۴۷%) had forward head posture, ۵۱ patients (۳۴%) had kyphosis, and ۱۱ patients (۷%) had lordosis. In addition, the results showed that physical activity and screen time were significantly correlated to forward head and kyphosis (all T>۱.۹۶). Also, physical activity, screen time, and upper extremity abnormalities were significantly associated with anxiety (all T>۱.۹۶). Conclusion: The results indicate that upper extremity abnormalities, including forward head and kyphosis, are relatively common in male adolescents during COVID-۱۹ quarantine. Also, physical activity and screen time may impact these abnormalities.

Keywords:

Upper extremity abnormality , Physical Activity , Screen time , Anxiety , COVID-۱۹