Relationship between Internet Addiction and Physical Activity Participation in Adolescents: The Chain Mediating Role of Sleep Disruption and Fatigue

Introduction: The relationship between Internet addiction and participation in physical activities among children and adolescents is well recognized; however, the specific mechanisms that drive this connection have not been thoroughly examined in the current body of research.
Objective: This study aims to delve into the mediating roles of sleep disruption and fatigue, which may serve as critical pathways linking Internet addiction to reduced physical activity levels in adolescents.
Methods: This research employed a descriptive-correlational design and utilized structural equation modeling to analyze data from a sample of 389 adolescents aged 13 to 17, selected through convenience sampling. The Internet Addiction Test, the Physical Activity Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire and The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale were implemented to measure the research variables, and data analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro (Model 6) in SPSS, with a significance threshold set at 0.05.
Results: Internet addiction serves as a significant negative predictor of physical activity (β=−0.452). Furthermore, Internet addiction positively correlates with sleep disruption (β=0.226), which in turn negatively impacts physical activity (β=−0.143). Additionally, Internet addiction is associated with increased fatigue (β=0.364, p<0.001), and this fatigue also negatively influences physical activity (β=−0.151). Finally, both sleep disruption and fatigue fully mediate the relationship between Internet addiction and physical activity (β=0.339).
Conclusion: A recommended strategy is to implement school-based programs that combine digital literacy and screen-time management with sleep education and structured physical activity sessions, aiming to reduce internet overuse, improve sleep quality, alleviate fatigue, and consequently increase adolescents’ engagement in physical activity.