Evaluation of cervical posture and smartphone use in young adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/fm.2024.37115Abstract
Introduction: The smartphone, a popular mobile device, has become attractive because it is easy to use and due to it multifunctionality. Its prolonged use, with anterior flexion of the neck and repetitive movements of the upper limbs, contributes to musculoskeletal symptoms. Objective: To evaluate changes in cervical posture due to smartphone use in adults, as well as verify the association of posture with health-related factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out at two universities in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, between 2018 and 2019. A total of 769 adults (>18 years old) who routinely used smartphones participated. Data on socioeconomic variables, health conditions and smartphone use were collected. The cervical postural alignment was assessed, with the vertical head alignment (VHA) being measured using photogrammetry, in the anatomical position (baseline) and while typing on the smartphone. Results: The mean age was 23 years (± 6.7), with a higher proportion of females (72.1%; n = 559) and an average of 7.9h (± 4.4) using the device. Smartphone use led to the forward head movement related to males (p < 0.05 by ΔVHA), time spent using the device (p < 0.05 by ΔVHA), functional disability in the cervical region (p < 0.05 by ΔVHA) and not sleeping well (p = 0.019 by ΔVHA on the R side). Conclusion: Using a smartphone in the typing position causes the head to tilt forward, being related to longer usage time, male gender, cervical region dysfunction and sleep.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
The authors guarantee that the works submitted to this journal are original and were not prepared in violation of any third party rights, having obtained all the necessary authorizations to include complementary content, such as, but not restricted to, translations, illustrations, tables and citations, whose precise sources the author also undertakes to indicate. The authors also declare that the works do not contain defamatory statements that violate morals, good customs and/or that violate intellectual property rights.
When submitting your paper, the Copyright Assignment signed by all authors must be attached.