Efficacy of a virtual multimodal exercise program on postural awareness and digital eye strain in university students: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

Excessive screen exposure is associated with musculoskeletal discomfort, postural alterations, visual fatigue, and increased anxiety among young adults. This study investigated the effects of a virtually delivered multimodal exercise program integrating sensorimotor, oculomotor, and postural components on postural awareness, musculoskeletal complaints, visual fatigue, and anxiety among screen-exposed university students and staff.

METHODS

Fifty-seven participants (mean age: 23.35±1.2 years) with ≥6 h of daily screen use completed an 8-week program consisting of twice-weekly live virtual sessions and daily video-guided exercises. Outcomes included the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Rapid Office Strain Assessment, ASTHENOPIA Eye Fatigue Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pre-post differences were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in Postural Habits and Awareness Scale Factor 1 and Factor 3 (p<0.05), accompanied by reduced musculoskeletal discomfort across all Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire sections (p<0.05). Visual fatigue decreased substantially (z=-4.185; p<0.001), whereas Rapid Office Strain Assessment scores showed no significant change (p>0.05). State anxiety increased slightly (p<0.05), while trait anxiety remained stable.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary single-group study suggests that virtual multimodal exercise programs may be effective, accessible preventive strategies for reducing musculoskeletal symptoms, enhancing posture awareness, and alleviating visual fatigue among individuals with high daily screen exposure. Controlled trials with larger and more diverse populations are recommended to establish causal effectiveness.