title: Associations between exposure to information and communication technology (ICT) and reported discomfort among adolescents.
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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Kristy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciccarelli
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Torbjorn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Falkmer
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Parsons
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D040421:Cell Phone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009043:Motor Activity; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology; D057566:Self Report; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology; D013690:Television / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Adolescents; information and communication technologies; musculoskeletal discomfort; self-report