Neck/shoulder pain, habitual spinal posture and computer use in adolescents: the importance of gender

Abstract

Neck/shoulder pain is a common complaint, with evidence suggesting rates in adolescence have increased in line with increased computer use. The study aimed to examine the influence of gender on relationships between computer use, habitual posture and neck/shoulder pain. Adolescents (n = 1483) participating in the 14 year follow-up of the Raine Study cohort were surveyed for computer use, habitual sitting posture and neck/shoulder pain. Females used computers less than males (52% vs. 45% used for up to 7 h per week). Females sat much more upright than males with greater anterior pelvic tilt (9.4° vs. 0.4°). Females reported a higher 1 month prevalence of neck/shoulder pain (34.7%) than males (23.1%). A multivariate model showed neck/shoulder pain risk was increased in females (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.70–4.00) and with computer use (OR 1.19, CI 1.01–1.40). Computer use is related to neck/shoulder pain and posture in adolescents but this relationship is different in boys and girls.

Statement of Relevance: This study showed the confounding effect of gender on the relationships among computer use, posture and neck/shoulder pain and thus the need to consider genders separately in research and practice aiming to optimise young people's use of computers.

Keywords:

• computer use
• gender
• neck pain
• posture
• Raine Study

Acknowledgements

Funding received from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (including project 323200, fellowships 373638 and 373638, program 003209) and from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, the Raine Medical Research Foundation, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Western Australia, Women's and Infants Research Foundation, Curtin University, Healthway, the Arthritis Foundation of Western Australia and the Arthritis Foundation of Australia.

The Raine Study Team and The Raine Study participants and their families.