Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions for Neck Pain in University Students with Problematic Internet Use: A Randomized Trial

Aim: The proliferation of digital technology has made internet usage an integral part of daily life, inadvertently leading to increased physical inactivity among peers. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of different interventions for neck pain in university students with problematic internet use. Method: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 40 participants, aged 18 to 20, experiencing non-specific neck pain. All participants were randomly divided into the home exercise group (Group 1; n=20) and the walking group (Group 2; n=20). Posture and stretching exercises were recommended to the home exercise group over eight weeks. The walking group was given a daily walking program of 7000 steps over the same eight weeks. After examining the subjects' demographic information, participants were assessed before and after the program using the Neck Disability Index, Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The study revealed that symptoms associated with neck pain significantly decreased in the home exercise group (p=0.001). No significant improvements in stress and anxiety levels were observed in either group (p>0.05). Although sleep quality improved significantly in both the home exercise group (p=0.005) and the walking group (p=0.016), there was insufficient supportive evidence that one group was more effective. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of internet usage contributes to heightened physical inactivity among peers. Establishing regular exercise routines and scheduling specific physical activity breaks are crucial to counteract the detrimental effects of this trend.