Prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome and Its Impact on Workplace Productivity and Activities of Daily Living among the Digital Workforce: A Cross-sectional Study
Soumitro Biswas
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, India.
Akanksha Nagar *
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, India.
Stuti Mittal
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied and Healthcare, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The increasing reliance on smartphones, laptops and desktop computers has increased prolonged screen exposure and sustained forward head posture among digital device users. Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) is commonly associated with neck pain, stiffness, muscular strain and functional limitation; however, its combined influence on workplace productivity and activities of daily living among the digital workforce remains insufficiently documented.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TNS and evaluate its impact on workplace productivity and activities of daily living among digital device users.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 300 participants aged 18-45 years who used digital devices for at least 4 hours daily. The sample included students, IT professionals, office workers and other digital workers. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and standardised assessment tools, including the Neck Disability Index, Visual Analogue Scale, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Scale and Activities of Daily Living Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
Results: Participants were predominantly aged 18-25 years (40.0%), followed by 26-35 years (36.7%) and 36-45 years (23.3%). Male participants constituted 56.7% of the sample. Students formed the largest occupational group (40.0%), followed by IT professionals (30.0%), office workers (20.0%) and other digital workers (10.0%). Neck pain was reported by 240 participants (80.0%), and forward head posture was present in 225 participants (75.0%). Participants with prolonged screen exposure and poor ergonomic practices showed greater pain severity, higher neck disability, reduced concentration, decreased work efficiency and greater difficulty in daily activities.
Conclusion: TNS was common among the digital workforce and was associated with impaired workplace productivity and activities of daily living. Ergonomic education, posture correction, regular breaks and preventive physiotherapy strategies may help reduce its functional burden.
Keywords: Text Neck Syndrome, digital workforce, neck pain, workplace productivity, activities of daily living, ergonomics, forward head posture, musculoskeletal disorders.