THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DURATION OF PLAYING ONLINE GAMES ON A PC AND NECK PAIN IN TEENAGERS AT THE WHITE WOLF GAMING ARENA INTERNET CAFE, PEKANBARU

Abstrak

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among adolescents, primarily due to excessive online gaming duration. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the duration of online gaming on a PC and the occurrence of neck pain in adolescents. The research employs a quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional approach, conducted at the White Wolf Gaming Arena Internet Café in Pekanbaru from September 2024 to February 2025. A total of 94 respondents were selected using an accidental sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires consisting of demographic data and the Neck Pain Disability Index (NPDI) to measure the severity of neck pain. Data analysis was performed using the Spearman’s rho statistical test. The study results indicate that the majority of respondents (54.3%) had a short gaming duration (1–5 hours), while mild neck pain was the most commonly reported symptom (78.8%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between online gaming duration and neck pain in adolescents (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the longer the duration of online gaming, the higher the risk of experiencing neck pain. Other contributing factors include non-ergonomic sitting postures, lack of stretching, and high-intensity gameplay. Therefore, adolescents are advised to limit their gaming duration and perform neck stretches before and after playing. This study’s findings are expected to serve as a recommendation for internet café operators to provide education on proper ergonomics for gamers. Additionally, educational institutions can utilize these results as a reference for preventing neck pain in adolescents, promoting optimal and sustainable musculoskeletal health.