Self-Management Exercises Intervention on Text Neck Syndrome Among University Students Using Smartphones

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of neck pain due to the overuse of mobile phones has been reported among university students. AimThis study aims to investigate the impact of self-management corrective exercises on text neck syndrome among university students using smartphones. MethodsThis experimental study was conducted on 60 students in the two experimental and control groups. Demographic information and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaires were used for data collection. The Severity of Neck Pain (SNP) was determined using the visual analog scale. The head and neck tilt angles, the gaze angle, and the amount of change in the forward head posture were determined using photogrammetry and Kinovea software. The experimental group performed corrective exercises 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The desired variables were re-determined in both groups after the intervention. ResultsThe SNP and NDI in the experimental group after the intervention decreased by 0.61-1.45, and 1.20-5.14, respectively. Significant differences between the measured variables before and after the intervention in the experimental group showed that the head tilt angle (7.17-22.30 degrees), gaze angle (3.21-23.5 degrees), and forward head posture (3.26-5.42 cm) were reduced, and the neck tilt angle (2.00-17.24 degrees) increased and improved after the intervention in various measurement positions. ConclusionsAfter performing the corrective exercises, 36.6% of the SNP and 13.3% of the NDI were reduced in the experimental group. Head and neck angles during using smartphones in a sitting position on a chair without a backrest were the most awkward posture compared with other postures.