Comparison of Forward Head Posture, Kyphosis, Neck and Trunk Muscle Endurance, and Neck Disability Index in Female Students With and Without Smartphone Addiction

Paper ID : 1378-SPORTCONGRESS

Authors

fatemeh gholipuor shahraki * nadaram

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: In recent years, the increasing and sometimes addictive use of smartphones has raised serious concerns about its physical consequences, particularly on the musculoskeletal system. Prolonged use of these devices often leads to adopting improper body postures such as forward head posture (FHP) and kyphosis, which can be associated with reduced endurance in neck and trunk muscles, as well as increased neck pain and disability. This study aimed to compare FHP and thoracic kyphosis, neck and trunk muscle endurance, and the neck disability index (NDI) in female students with and without smartphone addiction in Isfahan, Iran.​ Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 female students (50 addicted, 50 non-addicted; mean age 24, BMI 22.08). Smartphone addiction (SAS-SV), neck disability (NDI), neck endurance (flexor/extensor tests), core endurance (McGill’s tests), forward head posture (craniovertebral angle via photogrammetry), and thoracic kyphosis (flexible ruler) were assessed. Data were analyzed in SPSS v27 (p ≤ 0.05); normality was tested with Shapiro-Wilk, using t-tests for normal and Mann-Whitney U for non-normal data. Results: Significant differences were found between the groups in NDI scores, flexor and extensor neck muscle endurance, core trunk muscle endurance, FHP (craniovertebral angle), and thoracic kyphosis angle (all p < 0.05). Students with smartphone addiction exhibited higher NDI, reduced muscle endurance, greater FHP (smaller craniovertebral angle), and increased kyphosis compared to non-addicted students. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is associated with increased neck disability, decreased endurance in neck extensor and trunk muscles, and postural changes in female students. Prolonged improper postures during use are the primary cause of these musculoskeletal issues. Preventive strategies, including education, posture correction, and strengthening exercises, are recommended.

Keywords

Smartphone addiction, Posture, Forward head, Kyphosis, Muscle endurance, Neck disability

Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation)