Slouching over phones, sitting for long hours in classrooms, and skipping warm-ups before sports are taking a serious toll on Delhi’s teenagers. A new study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has found that many schoolchildren aged 15–18 years are already developing forward posture, back pain, muscle tightness, and reduced flexibility.
Scope and Findings of the Study
As reported by TOI, the two-year project, which began in October 2023 and concludes this month, followed 380 students from two private schools in Delhi. Researchers observed a range of musculoskeletal issues, including neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, iliotibial (IT) band tightness, flat foot, forward posture, and decreased hamstring flexibility.
Root Cause: Modern Lifestyle
According to the research team, these issues stem from today’s sedentary routines — prolonged screen time, limited outdoor play, and the disappearance of natural flexibility-building habits such as barefoot activities, cross-legged sitting, and the use of Indian-style toilets. “Squatting and sitting cross-legged are simple daily movements that naturally stretch muscles and maintain flexibility — but these are fading from teenagers’ lives,” the team explained.
Physiotherapy-Based Intervention
Led by Dr. Samarth Mittal, Additional Professor at JPNA Trauma Centre, AIIMS, with co-investigator Dr. A. S. Moorthy, PhD, In-Charge Physiotherapist at AIIMS Burns and Plastic Surgery Department, the project evaluates whether physiotherapy interventions can counter these adverse effects.
The study focuses on assessing functional movement patterns and flexibility in adolescents while testing physiotherapy-based training to prevent sports injuries. Researchers also use the Sit and Reach Test to measure hamstring and lower back flexibility before and after physiotherapy sessions.
Visible Improvements During Intervention
During the 12-week intervention phase, students who underwent physiotherapy-based exercises showed notable progress. “We observed better movement patterns, improved strength, and greater flexibility,” the researchers reported. A 24-week follow-up study is currently in progress to track sustained outcomes.
Encouraging Lifestyle Changes
However, experts caution that physiotherapy alone cannot solve the problem. “Teenagers often overlook how their bodies respond to sedentary habits. Early intervention is essential to secure their long-term health,” they emphasized. The team recommended practical lifestyle changes such as daily warm-ups, outdoor play without footwear, reduced screen time, and reintroducing traditional postures like squatting or sitting cross-legged. These simple actions, they said, can prevent years of discomfort in adulthood.
Integrating Physiotherapy in Schools
The researchers also urged that physiotherapy be integrated into school programs to ensure safe sports participation and prevent injuries. “With structured physiotherapy guidance from an early age, we can improve adolescent health and nurture future sporting talent,” one investigator noted.
Long-Term Health Implications
As the project nears completion, experts believe the findings could shape adolescent health policies in the future. “This is not just about relieving back pain today — it’s about preventing chronic conditions tomorrow,” said a member of the research team. “Healthy habits adopted during teenage years can protect these children well into adulthood.”