Smartphone overuse Effect of rehabilitation program on neck ROM, trapezius, and sternocleidomastoids muscle effort in collegiate asymptomatic individuals
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Abstract
Study design: Two-group, pre-test–post-test randomized trial. Purpose: the study aims to investigate the adverse effects of overusing smartphones devices on neck range of motion (ROM) and neck muscle activity. In addition, investigating the benefits of performing daily exercise protocol to increase the neck ROM and neck muscle activity for the smartphone's users. Methods: Forty-eight collegiate students were recruited to participate in the study. twenty-four healthy students using the smartphone for a maximum of 2 hours daily and 15 h per week [18 Males and 6 females; 20.4 years; 1.71 m; 68.4 kg; 21.7 kg/m2] were randomized to a healthy group. Twenty-four overusing smartphone students [14 Males and 10 females; 21.1 years; 1.70 m; 70.2 kg; 22.8 kg/m2] were considered as an overuse group. After comparison, the overuse group was divided randomly to control group and case group. The case group was performed the daily exercise protocol for 8 weeks. EMG for neck muscle and neck range of motion (ROM) measurements were collected at baseline for healthy and overuse groups. Same measurements were collected at baseline, and 8 weeks for both case and control groups. Results: overuse group showed a decrease in neck flexion, extension and lateral flexion ROM and UT, MT, LT, and SCM MVIC levels compared to the healthy group. MVIC levels of the muscles increased in the treatment group but did not change in the control group. Conclusion; smartphone usage would negatively affect the neck posture. The stretching and strengthening exercises were beneficial to improve the neck muscle strength and range of motion.
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