Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between digital addiction level and some conditional and coordinative abilities in children and to evaluate this possible relationship in terms of age, gender, and socio-economic status. Methods: 395 healthy students [194 (49.1%) girls and 201 (50.9%) boys], who are 10-11 years old, from private and public schools attended to the study. The socio-economic situation questionnaire (created by researchers) and the level of digital addiction scale (Horzum, Ayas and Balta, 2008) were applied. Also, some coordinative and conditional tests (Flamingo balance, sit and reach, standing long jump, hand grip strength, plank, 5m-10m sprint running, backward ball throw) and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist, and hip circumference) were performed. The differences of the results obtained from the questionnaires and tests according to class, gender, type of school, and the family's income level were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test, and the level of correlation between the data with the Pearson Correlation Coefficient test. Results: Accordingly, children's digital addiction levels were found to be low (mean 39.2 ± 13.2). The addiction level of fourth graders, males and those attending in public schools were higher than the groups in which they were compared. A significant negative correlation was found between the scale factors and the Sit and rich and Plank test results. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study are thought to contribute to the development and dissemination of strategies to improve the low physical activity levels of children with digital addiction. In order to reveal digital addiction and its effects, it is recommended to plan for each age group starting from younger age groups on a larger scale and for a long time.

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