Correlation Between Smartphone Use and Text Neck Posture in Asymptomatic Subjects

Cairo University30 enrolled

Overview

This study will be conducted to investigate the correlation between the number of hours of smartphone usage and severity of text neck posture, cervical ROM, DNF endurance and resting head posture among asymptomatic 18 to 25 years old adults

Smartphone use has increased significantly globally, with 79% of adults aged 18-44 carrying a smartphone constantly. This can cause excessive anterior curves in the neck vertebrae and increase the mechanical load on cervical spine joints. Overuse syndrome, spinal damage, and other side effects can result. This study aims to investigate the correlation between time spent using smartphones and text neck posture and its association with head and neck posture, cervical ROM, and DNF endurance among asymptomatic 18-25-year-olds.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Smartphone Addiction Text Neck Posture

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals who are willing to participate at the time of data collection. 2. Individuals aged 18 - 25 years old. 3. Individuals who use a smartphone to report the duration of weekly usage (at least one year of using a smartphone and minimum duration of smartphone use of ≥1 h per day Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous history of an accident or severe injury. 2. Any neurological or cardiovascular problem. 3. Spinal surgery or any disease that prevents the individual from adopting an unsupported orthostatic posture. 4. Congenital cervical problem. 5. Pregnant women.

Locations (1)

Misr University for Science and Technology

Giza, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Assessing the average duration of smartphone screen time

A mobile application called Screen Time Restrain Yourself measures smartphone usage in hours over the past week, allowing users to monitor their daily usage without disrupting normal smartphone use.

Time frame: at baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Assessment of head and neck posture

Photogrammetry is a reliable method for measuring head and cervical spine postures. It involves taking sagittal photographs of the subject's head tilt angle and neck tilt angle. A camera is positioned at a height corresponding to the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) level, and spherical markers are attached to the right tragus, canthus, and spinal process. The subject is instructed to sit on a chair, maintain a resting head posture, and perform full flexion and extension three times. The average of angles from repeated photos is used to reduce bias. Fatigue time is reported after ten minutes of use with a smartphone.

Time frame: at baseline

Assessment of cervical range of motion

Cervical ROM is measured using a universal goniometer, with subjects placed flat on the floor and supported on a lap. They move their head in flexion and extension, with the goniometer placed over the external auditory meatus, fixed arm perpendicular to the floor, and movable arm with the nose base. For cervical rotation, they turn the head to the left or right side, and for lateral flexion, they touch the ear to a shoulder of the same side. The goniometer is a valid and reliable tool for measuring cervical ROM, with good interrater and intraterrater reliability.

Time frame: at baseline

Assessment of deep neck flexor endurance

The Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance Test (NFMET) involves a subject supine, with hands resting on the abdomen and feet flat on a plinth. The subject performs chin retraction, head and neck lift, and skin folds. The test measures muscle endurance, with males having a longer average hold time than females.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.