The impact of internet addiction on depression,physical activity level and trigger point sensitivity in Turkish university students

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Internet addiction (IA), defined as excessive, time consuming, uncontrollable use of the internet, has become a widespread problem. In this study, we investigated the impact of internet addiction on depression, physical activity level, and latent trigger point sensitivity in Turkish university students.

METHODS:

A total of 215 university students (155 females and 60 males) who were between 18–25 years of age participated in the study. Using the Addiction Profile Index Internet Addiction Form (APIINT), we identified 51 people as non-internet-addicted (non-IA) (Group 1: 10 male/41 female) and 51 as internet-addicted (IA) (Group 2: 7 male/44 female). APIINT, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short-Form (IPAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were administered to both groups, and the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) in upper/middle trapezius latent trigger points area was measured.

RESULTS:

The internet addiction rate was 24.3% in our students. Compared with the non-IA group, the daily internet use time and BDI and NDI scores were higher (all $p<$ 0.05), while the IPAQ walking ( $p<$ 0.01), IPAQ total ( $p<$ 0.05), and PPT values ( $p<$ 0.05) were lower in the IA group.

CONCLUSIONS:

IA is a growing problem. This addiction may lead to musculoskeletal problems and can have consequences involving the level of physical activity, depression, and musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the neck.