Cervical Proprioception and Dynamic Balance in Computer Users: A Comparison between Male and Female Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, individuals are utilizing a computer for different tasks daily and the use ofcomputers has increased rapidly worldwide. The impact of prolonged computer usage may lead to balanceproblems and disturbed cervical proprioception due to faulty posture of the neck. The purpose of this was tocompare the impact of prolonged computer usage on cervical proprioception and dynamic balancing abilityin the male and female gender.Methods: 100 healthy adults’ computer users were recruited for the study. The subjects were classified intotwo groups: male computer users (n=50) and female computer users (n=50). Neck proprioceptions wereassessed by Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) test and dynamic balances assessed by the Y Balance Test(YTB), 3 trials were performed and the mean values were calculated.Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, weight, height, and body mass indexbetween all subjects in the groups (p>0.05). There is significant differences between males and femalesparticipants as females had more decreased in their neck proprioception and dynamic balance ability thanmales (p<0.05). The male computer users showed better performance than the females.Conclusion: Prolonged usage of computers (more than four hours per day) could negatively affect cervicalproprioception and dynamic balance ability in healthy adults. The results may be used to promote awarenessabout the normal duration of computer use and develop programs for good postural education and stretchingexercises to prevent its negative effects on cervical proprioception and balance ability, especially for femalecomputer users.