Effects of a Yoga-Based Facial Massage Intervention on Reducing Eye Strain Among Young Adults with Prolonged Screen Time: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the effects of specialised Thai Yoga facial massage (STYFM) on visual, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and autonomic functions in young adults with computer vision syndrome (CVS). Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants with visual fatigue. Participants were randomly assigned to either an STYFM group (FMG, n = 15) or a control group (CTG, n = 15). The FMG received 10 - 15 minutes of STYFM, while the CTG rested with eyes closed for 15 minutes to control for time and removal of visual load. The primary outcome was visual fatigue assessed by the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Secondary outcomes included near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AMP), visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent refraction (SE), handgrip strength (HS), cervical range of motion (CROM), and cardiovascular/autonomic indicators (heart rate, heart rate variability [HRV], and peripheral oxygen saturation [SpO₂]). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Results: The FMG demonstrated significant improvements in CVS-Q, NPC, AMP, VA (P < 0.001), HS (P < 0.05), CROM (P < 0.001), SpO₂, HRV, high-frequency power (HF), RMSSD, and PNN50 (P < 0.05). The CTG showed modest improvements in CVS-Q and NPC (P < 0.05), a decline in HS (P < 0.05), and increases in HRV, HR, RMSSD, and PNN50 (P < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were found in CVS-Q, NPC, AMP, VA, HS, CROM subcomponents (P < 0.001), SpO₂, and HR (P < 0.05). Conclusions: STYFM, as a noninvasive and easily self-implementable yoga-based mind–body intervention, appears to reduce visual fatigue and improve musculoskeletal and autonomic-related indicators in young adults. Given yoga’s role in stress regulation, STYFM may also help mitigate stress-related and extraocular symptoms associated with prolonged screen use, including headache. Larger, adequately powered trials are warranted. No intervention-related adverse events were reported.