Chronic Back Condition and the Level of Physical Activity as Well as Internet Addiction among Physiotherapy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess back pain and its relation to physical activity as well as Internet addiction among Polish university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The research was conducted via the Internet in student groups of three universities in Poland (141 people). Back pain was examined by ODI—The Oswestry Disability Index and NDI—Neck Disability Index. The Polish-language International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and the level of Internet addiction was tested using the Kimberly Young Questionnaire. Results: The respondents mostly suffered from pain originating in the cervical spine. In the study group, only every fifth person had a high level of physical activity. Sex differentiates the level of the measures considered. Sitting in front of the computer affects the pain in the spine. Conclusions: Research results suggest that the pandemic is negatively affecting students. Frequent occurrence of back pain is observed with a simultaneous low level of physical activity. Maintaining regular activity during a pandemic, at least at home, is an indispensable preventive measure for physical health.

Does the Covid‐19 lockdown affect pain and anxiety in high school seniors and high school graduates preparing for the university exam?

“…Pain, which has physical, psychological, and social aspects, is a potential risk for the development of musculoskeletal problems for students (Salameh et al, 2022). During the Covid‐19 lockdown period, prior studies have noted that technological device use, social isolation, and distance education caused discomfort in the shoulder and back region of students (Gałczyk et al, 2021; Roggio et al, 2021; Salameh et al, 2022). The results of previous studies indicated that students' prevalence of pain was raised in the cervical and lumbar regions during the Covid‐19 lockdown (Gałczyk et al, 2021; Leirós‐Rodríguez et al, 2020; Salameh et al, 2022).…”

“…During the Covid‐19 lockdown period, prior studies have noted that technological device use, social isolation, and distance education caused discomfort in the shoulder and back region of students (Gałczyk et al, 2021; Roggio et al, 2021; Salameh et al, 2022). The results of previous studies indicated that students' prevalence of pain was raised in the cervical and lumbar regions during the Covid‐19 lockdown (Gałczyk et al, 2021; Leirós‐Rodríguez et al, 2020; Salameh et al, 2022). Previous reports demonstrated that the frequency of neck pain was between 43.5% to 65% in students (Roggio et al, 2021; Salameh et al, 2022).…”

In a digitalising Europe: Unfolding knowledge from working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and Denmark

“…The recent COVID experience has exacerbated this risk of 'psychological stress' for workers who may feel 'stuck at work' even though they are at home [67]. Another stream of research regarding disadvantages of working from home concerns the lower level of physical activities and physical pain, e.g., in the back [68,69].…”

Internet Addiction and COVID-19 Misbeliefs Among Hungarian Online Gamers: A Cross-Sectional Study

“… 21 Several factors have been further associated with internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as depression, anxiety, musculoskeletal pain and a decrease in physical activity, and even lower levels of self-reported health especially among students. 18 , 22 …”