Chronic Back Condition and the Level of Physical Activity as Well as Internet Addiction among Physiotherapy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

Monika Gałczyk, Anna Zalewska, Irena Białokoz-Kalinowska and Marek Sobolewski
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Monika Gałczyk: Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Lomza, Poland
Anna Zalewska: Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Lomza, Poland
Irena Białokoz-Kalinowska: Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Lomza, Poland
Marek Sobolewski: Plant of Quantitative Methods, Rzeszów University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-9

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess back pain and its relation to physical activity as well as Internet addiction among Polish university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : The research was conducted via the Internet in student groups of three universities in Poland (141 people). Back pain was examined by ODI—The Oswestry Disability Index and NDI—Neck Disability Index. The Polish-language International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and the level of Internet addiction was tested using the Kimberly Young Questionnaire. Results : The respondents mostly suffered from pain originating in the cervical spine. In the study group, only every fifth person had a high level of physical activity. Sex differentiates the level of the measures considered. Sitting in front of the computer affects the pain in the spine. Conclusions: Research results suggest that the pandemic is negatively affecting students. Frequent occurrence of back pain is observed with a simultaneous low level of physical activity. Maintaining regular activity during a pandemic, at least at home, is an indispensable preventive measure for physical health.

Keywords: ODI; NDI; COVID-19; IPAQ; Kimberly Young Questionnaire (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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