Correlation of smartphone usage with functional capacity in young adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Smartphone usage has increased in the young adult population. Excessive usage can negatively affect the various body systems, including pulmonary functions and functional capacity.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to correlate the functional capacity with Smartphone usage. METHODS: Fifty participants were recruited and grouped into exercising and non-exercising individuals. Smartphone usage was assessed by SAPS (Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale Score) and the number of hours of phone usage, which was categorized as being <4hrs and >4hrs of phone usage in a day. Functional capacity was assessed by 6 Minute Walk Test (6 Minute Walk Distance and Recovery Time) and Single Breath Count.RESULTS: Smartphone usage is observed to be of longer duration in young adults, who are at moderate to no risk due to their addiction proneness. SAPS showed a weak inverse relationship with 6MWTD (P=0.053) but no significant correlation with either Recovery Time or SBC.CONCLUSION: This study showed that exercise does contribute to functional capacity, and prolonged smartphone usage will negatively affect functional capacity.