Myoelectrical activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle in smartphone-addicted versus non-addicted individuals

Abstract

Abstract Background Over the past decade, smartphone users have substantially increased, raising concerns about potential musculoskeletal problems associated with long-term use. Prolonged smartphone usage may cause discomfort in the thumb, shoulder, and neck that can be exacerbated over time, thereby affecting the electrical activity of several muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Accordingly, we aimed to examine the impact of smartphone addiction on the myoelectric activity of the SCM. Design and method Forty-four smartphone users, both male and female, aged 18–30 years, were recruited from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, in this observational study. The participants were equally allocated into two groups, A and B, based on their Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) scores. Group A consisted of smartphone-non-addicted users who scored below 31 for males and 33 for females, whereas group B included smartphone-addicted users who scored over 31 for men and 33 for females. Additionally, the electromyography (EMG) device was used to monitor the electrical activity during rest and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Results The results showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the electrical activity of the left and right SCMs between the two groups at rest but a nonsignificant difference during MVC. Conclusion Smartphone addiction significantly impacts the myoelectric activity of the SCM at rest among young adult smartphone users, but this impact is not significant during MVC.

Keywords

• Smartphone addiction
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Electromyography
• Maximal voluntary contraction