Effect of Smartphone Usage Time on Scapular Position and Respiratory Function: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In recent times, the number of smartphone users has increased all over the world. The prolonged use of smartphone also shown increase in the musculoskeletal problems among the smartphone users. Smartphone usage become exceptionally desired by most of undergraduate students. Several studies are performed to asses the effect of smartphone usage among students. It has been suggested by many studies that the duration of smartphone usage is the better indicator of the addiction than the frequency of use. Aim: To study effect of smartphone addiction on respiratory function and position of scapula among undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at School of Physiotherapy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Delhi, India, from February 2020 to July 2020 on 110 undergraduate students of Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). Smartphone usage duration along with scapula position and respiratory function was studied. Respiratory function testing was done by using Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) Machine by RMS, Helios-401 Model. Scapula protraction was assessed by using keibers method of scapula assessment. Data was further analysed using t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to find out variation among study population. Results: The mean age of study population was 22±3.35 years and majority of study population fall under healthy group as per Body Mass Index Body Mass Index (BMI). There was no statistically significant change in the scapular position at rest (p-value=0.334), at 45° abduction (p-value=0.840) and at 90° abduction (p-value=0.595) of addicted subjects. There was no significance (p-value=0.083) change in Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF) 25-75%, also other parameters p-value do not show any statistical significance difference between the smartphone users less than 4 years, 4-6 years, >6-8 years, more than 8 years. Conclusion: No significant changes observed in pulmonary function tests and altered scapula positioning among the smartphone addicted users.

Keywords

• altered position
• neck pain
• text neck syndrome
• vital capacity