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The association between information and communication technology exposure and physical activity, musculoskeletal and
L M Straker1, C M Pollock, S R Zubrick
1School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia. l.straker@curtin.edu.au
Insights
Many 5-year-olds use computers, which is linked to less physical activity and more screen time. While vision and muscle issues are uncommon, this sedentary behavior is a public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of increasing computer use on children's development.
- Limited large-scale studies correlate computer use with specific health indicators in school-aged children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate computer use and its associations with other activities and health indicators in 5-year-old children.
- To assess the prevalence of computer use and related health outcomes in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 1600 Western Australian children aged 5.
- Data collected on computer use, television viewing, electronic games, physical activity, and health indicators.
Main Results:
- 56% of children used computers weekly, associated with increased TV and electronic game use.
- Computer use negatively correlated with vigorous physical activity on weekends.
- Associated with maternal age, education, and study status; minor reports of tired eyes/muscles.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of 5-year-olds use computers, linked to sedentary behaviors and reduced physical activity.
- While not widespread, musculoskeletal and vision issues are present.
- The sedentary nature of computer use raises public health concerns for young children.
Background:
Increasing use of computers by children has raised concerns over the potential impact on their cognitive, social, educational, visual and physical development. Despite this concern, there are no large-scale studies relating the use of computers to specific health indicators in children as they reach school age.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis of 1600 5-year-old Western Australian children participating in a longitudinal cohort study was conducted to ascertain their computer use, other activities (watching television and videos, playing electronic games, reading and looking at books, drawing on paper and moderate to vigorous physical activity), and specific health indicators.
Results:
More than half (56%) of the children used computers each week. Computer use was significantly related to TV viewing (OR 1.97 weekday) and electronic game use (console games OR 2.48 weekday, 1.81 weekend; hand-held games OR 1.88 weekend) and negatively associated with vigorous physical activity on weekends (OR 0.72). Computer use was also significantly related to socio-economic indicators such as the mother being older (40+ years, OR 1.70 weekend, 1.73 weekday), tertiary educated (OR 1.63 weekend) and studying (OR 1.52 weekend, 1.41 weekday). Almost 1% children were reported to have complained of tired or sore muscles, and 2.2% had complained of tired or sore eyes, after watching television or using a computer.
Conclusion:
A substantial proportion of 5-year-old Western Australian children are using computers. Computer use was related to other sedentary activities and less vigorous activity. While musculoskeletal and vision problems are not widespread, their presence and the sedentary nature of computer use is of public health concern.
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