AIIMS Study Finds Sedentary Habits Causing Widespread Posture Issues in Delhi Teens

In October 2023, researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) began a two-year study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to investigate the impact of sedentary lifestyles on the health of Delhi's teenagers. The study, which concluded this month, monitored 380 students from two private schools and found a range of issues, including forward posture, neck and shoulder pain, lower back discomfort, iliotibial (IT) band tightness, flat feet, and reduced hamstring flexibility.

The researchers attribute these problems to the modern, gadget-driven lifestyle of Delhi's youth, who spend hours slouched over phones and computers, sit for long periods in classrooms, and often skip warm-ups before sports. The study emphasizes that simple traditional habits, such as squatting, cross-legged sitting, and walking barefoot, provide natural self-stretching movements that maintain flexibility, but most teenagers today miss out on these activities.

To address these concerns, the AIIMS team tested physiotherapy-based interventions, and during a 12-week program, students showed improved movement patterns, strength, and flexibility. Researchers are now conducting a 24-week follow-up to measure the sustained impact of these interventions. Experts believe the findings could influence future adolescent health policies, as they stress the importance of early habit changes and integrating physiotherapy guidance into school curricula to prevent chronic issues and nurture sporting talent.