Postural Reeducation to Improve Spinal Posture and Pain in Adolescents Who Use Digital Screens

This study evaluated whether a postural reeducation program could improve spinal posture and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents who frequently use digital devices. Prolonged screen use is common among students and is often associated with inadequate sitting or standing postures, which may increase back and neck pain. A total of 187 adolescents participated in the study. Students were assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a 12-week intervention integrated into the warm-up phase of Physical Education classes, while the control group continued with the usual warm-up used in these classes. The experimental group performed two sessions per week, each lasting 15 minutes, at the beginning of the class. Initially, students completed strength and mobility exercises for the spine and shoulder girdle. From the third week onward, active global stretching postures were added to improve flexibility and postural control. Spinal posture was assessed at baseline and after the intervention using a noninvasive device (SpinalMouse®). Pain and postural habits were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Adolescents who participated in the postural reeducation program showed improvements in postural alignment and functional mobility, as well as reductions in back and neck pain, compared with the control group. This study suggests that a brief school-based postural reeducation program may be an effective preventive strategy to promote spinal health and reduce musculoskeletal pain in adolescents.