Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin
Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia | Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine and
Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University and Pain
and Rehabilitation Centre, UHL, County Council, Linköping, Sweden | School of Health Sciences, Jönköping
University, Jönköping, Sweden | School of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University,
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Note: [] Corresponding author: Marina Ciccarelli, School of Occupational
Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, GPO Box U 1987, Perth, Western
Australia, 6845, Australia. Tel.: +61 8 9266 3692; Fax: +61 8 9266 3636;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Use of Information and Communication Technologies
(ICT) are common among adolescents in their daily activities.Exposure to ICT
has been associated with discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders in adults,
with growing concern about the potential risks to children and adolescents'
physical health. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to
(i) quantify self-reported discomfort and exposure to ICT among adolescents;
and (ii) determine if associations exist between discomfort and levels of
exposure. PARTICIPANTS: The participant group comprised 33
Australian adolescents aged 12–15 years. METHODS: The study used self-reports by participants for a one week period. Intensity and location of
discomfort was reported via a written discomfort log. ICT exposure and physical
activity were reported through an electronic time-use diary. RESULTS: The most common ICT types reported by participants were
television, mobile phones and desktop and laptop computers. Discomfort was
reported by 86% of participants. The most frequently reported areas were the
legs, head/neck, back and shoulders. There was no statistical association found
between ICT exposure and discomfort. The majority of participants exceeded the
recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: High exposure to ICT and high prevalence of low level
discomfort was reported by the participants. Participating in regular physical
activity may have some protective effect against ICT-related discomfort.
Keywords: Adolescents, information and communication technologies, musculoskeletal discomfort, self-report
