Spinal Posture According to the Severity of Gaming Disorder,

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a behavioral addiction recognized in diagnostic classifications such as DSM-5 and ICD-11. While research historically focuses on psychological and social dimensions, prolonged screen exposure and static sitting postures during gaming may also lead to physical health concerns, including postural alterations, reduced neuromuscular performance, and increased fatigue. Objective:The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate and compare spinal posture, trunk and cervical muscle endurance, lumbopelvic stability, and perceived fatigue levels between young adult males with and without Internet Gaming Disorder. Methods \& Procedures:A total of 47 young adult male participants aged 18-30 were recruited and divided into two groups: an IGD group (n=24) and a control group (n=23) based on the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Physical activity level and sitting duration were documented using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Participants underwent the following evaluations: Spinal Posture: Non-invasive computer-aided sagittal spinal curvature and mobility measurements using the Spinal Mouse device (Baseline/IDIAG). Trunk Endurance: McGill Trunk Endurance Tests (Flexor, Extensor, and Bilateral Lateral Plank tests). Cervical Endurance: Deep Cervical Flexor and Cervical Extensor Endurance Tests. Lumbopelvic Stability: Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) / Cuff test. Fatigue: Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Statistical Approach:Data are analyzed using SPSS (version 22.0). Normality distribution is examined visually (histograms) and analytically (Shapiro-Wilk test). Descriptive statistics are reported as mean ± standard deviation for continuous parameters. Group comparisons for parametric data are performed using the Independent Samples t-test, and non-parametric data are compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance is set at p \< 0.05

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 30, * Scoring 36 points or more on the short form of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS9-SF), * With a score on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) of less than 3,000 METs, * who play digital games for at least 2 hours a day, * Male participants were included in order to create a more homogeneous group by minimising physical characteristics that might vary by gender. Exclusion Criteria: * Those who had undergone any form of spinal surgery, • Individuals with orthopaedic and neurological problems.