Combined Physical Activity and Education Intervention for Neck and Shoulder Pain in Children

Effects of Physical Activity and Education Interventions on Neck and Shoulder Pain, Lifestyle Factors, Psychological Factors, and Quality of Life Among Primary School Children in Shijiazhuang, China

Neck and/or shoulder pain is increasingly reported among school-aged children and may affect their physical activity, daily life, psychological well-being, and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a school-based physical activity and education intervention on neck and/or shoulder pain and related health outcomes among primary school children in Shijiazhuang, China.

Participants will be primary school children aged 10 to 12 years. They will be allocated to one of four groups: a physical activity group, an education group, a combined physical activity and education group, or a control group. The intervention will last for six weeks. The physical activity intervention will include structured game-based activities and neck-shoulder exercises, while the education intervention will include health education related to posture, screen use, physical activity, and pain prevention.

The study will assess changes in neck and/or shoulder pain, pain intensity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep quality, psychological factors, quality of life, and physical activity enjoyment before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 10~12 years old.
• Clear consciousness and no language communication barriers.
• Consent is taken from the school and from the parents and it is a voluntary participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• There are serious heart and respiratory diseases and other serious physical diseases.
• People with severe cognitive dysfunction.
• Chronic MSP caused by infectious diseases and other juvenile inflammatory conditions.
• Have a history of congenital or acquired serious bone diseases.