Relationship Between Screen Time with Posture and Motor Coordination in Childhood: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objective: The use of technology is increasing, and its impact on health is gaining importance. This study aimed to examine the use of technology in school-age children and investigate the relationship between posture and motor skills. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional and correlational research model sample comprised 116 typically developing children aged 6-14 years. The study employed the socio-demographic information form, New York Posture Rating Chart (NYPR), and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. Median, quartiles, and Spearman correlation analyses were used as the data did not follow a normal distribution. Results: The study included 116 children, with a mean age of 10.66±2.73 years (range: 6-14 years), of whom 66 (56.9%) were boys and 50 (43.1%) were girls. Children commonly own televisions, smartphones, or tablets. The median daily usage time for these devices was 100 min for televisions and tablets and 60 min for smartphones. The median total daily screen usage time was 300 min. The study found a moderate negative correlation (p<0.001, r=-482) between total daily screen usage time and posture score, as well as a weak negative correlation (p=0.020, r=-215) with motor coordination. Conclusion: The use of screen-based technological devices in childhood is increasing. The children's posture and motor coordination scores worsened with increasing daily screen exposure. Approaches that reduce childhood screen time and improve physical activity may protect postural and motor coordination.