Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 Department of Sport Sciences, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran.
2 Department of Sport Sciences, Hakim Nizami Qochan Institute of Higher Education, Quchan, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran
3 Department of Sport Sciences, Hakim Nizami Qochan Institute of Higher Education, Quchan, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran.
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the relationship between ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph body types and the duration of digital device use on spinal angle changes among female middle school students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Methodology: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted. The study population consisted of female students aged 13 to 15 from the first secondary-level schools in Chenaran City during the academic year from October 7, 2021, to December 1, 2021. From a pool of 10 first-grade girls' high schools (totaling 1000 students), four schools were randomly selected. Out of these, 150 students were randomly chosen and assessed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research tools included an informed consent form, anthropometric body measurement tools, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), a goniometer, a flexible ruler (IDIO brand), and a craniovertebral angle measurement tool. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient test with SPSS version 22 software.
Results: The findings revealed no significant relationship between body type and kyphosis angle (p = 0.651, r = 0.038), lordosis angle (p = 0.083, r = 0.147), or forward head angle (p = 0.785, r = 0.023). However, a significant correlation was observed between the duration of digital device use and both kyphosis angle and forward head angle, though not with the lordosis angle.
Conclusion: Prolonged digital device use significantly influences spinal angles, particularly increasing kyphosis and forward head angles. Although body type was not found to have a significant impact, factors such as physical activity and age should be considered when addressing posture-related issues. This study underscores the importance of educating students on proper posture and limiting screen time to mitigate potential spinal health issues.
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