Impact of smartphone use on posture control in healthy adolescents

Abstract

IntroductionSmartphone (SP) use among adolescents is constantly increasing, and it has been reported that SP usage is detrimental to a number of health-related factors. This study was conducted to determine whether the use of SPs has an immediate impact on posture control in healthy adolescents and whether different time limits have different effects.MethodsThis single-group experiment was conducted on 75 adolescents aged between 13 and 18. Subjects’ static balance was evaluated using the Humac balance system before using an SP and after 10 min, 15 min, 20 min SP use, and 20 min using the SP with a headpiece. The stabilometric measures, including stability and path length scores, were obtained.ResultsBy comparing stability scores and path length scores between baseline static assessment, after 10 min, after 15 min, after 20 min, and after 20 min of using an SP with a headpiece, we found that there was a significant difference between baseline static assessment and reassessment after all time limits. Following the use of an SP, the stability scores decreased, and path length scores increased. We also found no significant difference in stabilometric scores between different time limits of SP use. Furthermore, there were no substantial differences regarding posture control between the use of SP with and without headpieces.ConclusionsBased on our study’s findings, SP use has an immediate effect on posture control with different time limits in healthy adolescents. Therefore, it is better to avoid SP use before or during activities requiring good postural stability.