Effects of Smartphone Activities on Postural Balance in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities
Ghada Jouira,
Cristina Ioana Alexe,
Julien Narcis Herlo,
Cristina Elena Moraru,
Mihaela Bogdan,
Dan Iulian Alexe,
Gabriel Mareș,
Sonia Sahli
Affiliations
Ghada Jouira
Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Cristina Ioana Alexe
Department of Physical Education and Sports Performance, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
Julien Narcis Herlo
Department of Physical Education and Sports Performance, “Aurel Vlaicu“ University of Arad, 310032 Arad, Romania
Cristina Elena Moraru
Department of Physical Education and Sports, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza“ University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
Mihaela Bogdan
Doctoral School in Sport Science and Physical Education, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza“ University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
Dan Iulian Alexe
Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
Gabriel Mareș
Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
Sonia Sahli
Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Considering the rising prevalence of smartphone usage among adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their frequent motor challenges, understanding its impact on their physical well-being is important. This study aims to investigate the impact of smartphone activities on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Two groups of adolescents participated in the study: an intellectual disability group (IDG) (n = 16) and atypical development group (TDG) (n = 12). Static postural balance, using a stabilometric platform on firm and foam surfaces, and dynamic balance, using the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), were performed under various conditions, such as playing a game, watching videos, video calls, and listening to music. The center of pressure (CoP) values significantly increased (p p p p p < 0.01) during listening to music in both groups. Our study suggests that adolescents with intellectual disabilities need special tools and guidance to ensure their safety and well-being when using smartphones.
