Relationship of Physical Activity and Sedentary Occupation to Headache and Back Pain in 11-15-year-Old Adolescents in Slovakia

Abstract

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increase in the use of technological devices, has greatly affected the education system, leading to increased sedentary behaviour among students due to prolonged computer use and limited physical activity. This article examines the increase in headaches and back pain (affecting any part of the back) among Slovak children and adolescents, exploring the relationship between these problems, physical activity and sedentary lifestyles. The representative sample consists of 12 randomly selected primary schools in Slovakia. The data were collected from 888 children and adolescents aged 11-15 years. Subjective data on the prevalence of headache and spinal pain during physical activity and sedentary activities were obtained using a questionnaire survey. The parametric Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between these variables. The findings reveal a high incidence of pain among respondents, with 99.1% of children experiencing headaches daily or occasionally and 97.5% reporting spinal pain. Additionally, 74.5% engage in physical activity at least three times per week. When analyzing the relationships between pain indicators, we observed a statistically significant correlation at the 1% level, although the association was weak. Specifically, we found a significant relationship at the 1% level between headaches, physical activity, and the amount of time spent playing computer games. However, no significant relationship was found between back pain and either physical activity or sedentary activities.