title: Allied health management of technology-related musculoskeletal complaints among children and adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Children and adolescents are prolific users of information and communication technologies (ICT) in learning, leisure, and social communication activities. High exposure to ICT is associated with musculoskeletal injuries in adults; however, the management of ICT physical complaints in children is not well-understood.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey of allied health professionals (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors) was undertaken to determine (i) the number of children and adolescents in Perth, Western Australia who accessed treatment for musculoskeletal complaints related to use of technology; (ii) the typical frequency and duration of service provision; and (iii) the nature of treatment provided. Costs associated with service provision were estimated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data from 101 identified the most commonly treated musculoskeletal complaints among children and adolescents included: non-specific neck pain; thoracic postural pain disorder; non-specific low back pain; and lumbar postural pain disorder. Approximately 1445 children were treated in the previous 12 months; with one-third of chiropractors each reported treating 31+ children. Most common treatments were soft tissue release, mobilisation, flexibility and conditioning exercises, soft tissue massage and kinesio-taping. Verbal education about healthy use of technology was provided by most clinicians (88%), with some inconsistent recommendations. The estimated cost of treatment was AUD$1,057,715; of which AUD$544,886 was health system funded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children and adolescents received allied health treatment for a range of musculoskeletal complaints associated with ICT use. The potential long-term impacts on their health and wellbeing, and the economic burden associated with this health issue warrant the development of systematic risk reduction strategies.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciccarelli
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Kerri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Sharmila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006296:Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D026882:Manipulation, Chiropractic / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration; D060756:Social Networking; D014904:Western Australia
keywords: cost; health service utilisation; information and communication technology (ICT); treatment