1
|
Salameh MA, Boyajian SD, Amaireh EA, Jamal B, Alrfooh H, AbuKhalaf K, Alzu'bi OM, Al-Tanbouz HD, Alzyoud K. Prevalence of text neck syndrome, its impact on neck dysfunction, and its associated factors among medical students: A cross-sectional study. Work 2024:WOR230678. [PMID: 38875069 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students increasingly rely on digital devices, leading to text neck syndrome, a common overuse syndrome caused by repetitive forward neck flexion. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prevalence of text neck syndrome among medical students and the resulting neck dysfunction and to investigate the possible associated factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study used an online self-developed questionnaire among medical students. Students' characteristics and data about smartphone usage were evaluated for diagnosis. Individuals with at least 3 of the 6 text neck syndrome symptoms and a history of more than four hours a day spent on a smartphone were diagnosed with text neck syndrome. Neck dysfunction was measured using the neck disability index. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The study found that 31.7% of students with text neck syndrome have mild neck disabilities, with a higher proportion of females (40%). The characteristics that have a significant relation to text neck syndrome include being female (p < 0.0001), overweight (p = 0.025), being right-handed (p = 0.001), using four digital devices or more (p = 0.002), having low levels of physical activity (P = 0.018), and spending more than three hours a day sitting down (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION More than a quarter of medical students had text neck syndrome, and most of them had a mild neck disability. Text Neck Syndrome was linked to an increased number of gadgets used, low exercise, and more time spent in a sitting position.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muna A Salameh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Silvia D Boyajian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | | | - Baraah Jamal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | | | - Khalid AbuKhalaf
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Omar M Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Hadeel D Al-Tanbouz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Koloud Alzyoud
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen YL, Chan YC, Alexander H. Gender differences in neck muscle activity during near-maximum forward head flexion while using smartphones with varied postures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12994. [PMID: 38844574 PMCID: PMC11156881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Women frequently express heightened neck discomfort even though they exhibit smaller neck flexion (NF) during smartphone use. Differences in natural posture while using smartphones may result in varying muscle activation patterns between genders. However, no study focused on this issue. This study investigated the influence of gender on neck muscle activity and NF when using smartphones, ranging from slight (20°) to nearly maximal forward head flexion, across different postures. We analyzed smartphone usage patterns in 16 men and 16 women and examined these behaviors across different scenarios: standing, supported sitting, and unsupported sitting, at 20°, 30°, 40°, and the maximum head angles. During data collection, muscle activity was measured, expressed as a percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC), in the cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius (UTZ), along with NF. Results show significant influences of gender, head angle, and posture on all measures, with notable interactions among these variables. Women displayed higher muscle activities in CES and UTZ, yet exhibited lesser NF, while using smartphones in both standing (12.3%MVC, 10.7% MVC, and 69.0°, respectively) and unsupported sitting (10.8%MVC, 12.3%MVC, and 71.8°, respectively) compared to men (standing: 9.5%MVC, 8.8%MVC, and 76.1°; unsupported sitting: 9.7%MVC, 10.8%MVC, and 76.1°). This study provides a potential rationale for gender-related disparities in injury outcomes, emphasizing that women experience higher neck and shoulder discomfort level, despite their smaller NF during smartphone use, as found in previous research. Additionally, the cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon may occur when the head angle exceeded 40°. The near-maximum head angle during smartphone use might induce the cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon, potentially aggravating neck issues. We recommend limiting smartphone usage postures that exceed the near-maximum head angle, as they are commonly adopted by individuals in the daily smartphone activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lang Chen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, 84 Gung-Juan Road, Taishan, New Taipei, 243303, Taiwan.
| | - You-Chun Chan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, 84 Gung-Juan Road, Taishan, New Taipei, 243303, Taiwan
- Formosa Plastics Group, Taipei, 114030, Taiwan
| | - Hans Alexander
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, 84 Gung-Juan Road, Taishan, New Taipei, 243303, Taiwan
- Apical Group, Singapore, 048624, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sarraf F, Abbasi S, Varmazyar S. Self-Management Exercises Intervention on Text Neck Syndrome Among University Students Using Smartphones. Pain Manag Nurs 2023; 24:595-602. [PMID: 37173200 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of neck pain due to the overuse of mobile phones has been reported among university students. AIM This study aims to investigate the impact of self-management corrective exercises on text neck syndrome among university students using smartphones. METHODS This 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. RESULTS The 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. CONCLUSIONS After 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faeze Sarraf
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Student Research Committee Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Sakineh Varmazyar
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Social Determinants Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Faculty of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen YL, Chan YC. Neck and shoulder strains under various head flexing positions while standing and sitting with and without back support for male and female smartphone users. ERGONOMICS 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37824717 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2270651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
This study recruited 30 young participants (15 men and 15 women) to examine the smartphone usage patterns in three postures (standing, supported sitting, and unsupported sitting) and at five head angle (HA) positions (0°-40°). Cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius (UTZ) muscle activity, neck flexion (NF), gaze angle (GA), viewing distance (VD), and discomfort scores were collected. Results showed that HA and posture almost affected all responses, while CES muscle activity, NF, and VD differed between sexes. Strain in the neck and shoulder region increased with HA increase. Particularly, when the HA exceeded 20°, the discomfort scores considerably increased. Unsupported sitting should be avoided during smartphone use because of relatively poor responses in all variables. However, both standing and supported sitting have their respective benefits. Sex-related differences were typically observed in the standing position, with women tending to have lower NF but higher CES muscle activity compared with men.Practitioner summary: Although smartphones have become daily necessities, the overall quantitative neck and shoulder strain of using smartphones in different postures is rarely evaluated. We suggest that maintaining the HA within 20° is recommended because of relatively low load on the neck and shoulders. An unsupported sitting should be avoided during smartphone use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lang Chen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Chun Chan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Formosa Plastics Group, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lam WK, Chen B, Liu RT, Cheung JCW, Wong DWC. Spine Posture, Mobility, and Stability of Top Mobile Esports Athletes: A Case Series. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050737. [PMID: 35625465 PMCID: PMC9138953 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Professional esports athletes spend a long time in the same sitting posture during training and competition. Mobile esports may exacerbate potential postural problems because of the closer and unsupported arms and because athletes spend more time in a forward-/flexed-head posture. Prolonged sitting in these postures carries significant health risks and may lead to musculoskeletal problems and injuries. The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the posture, mobility, and stability of the spine for professional mobile esports athletes. We collected spine-assessment data from 48 athletes participating in a top-tier league on a real-time-strategy battle-arena online game. The spinal assessment was conducted using the SpinalMouse® under upright standing and trunk flexion in addition to the Matthiass test. Measurements were converted into Idiag Scores by the SpinalMouse® software. The Idiag Posture, Idiag Mobility, and Idiag Stability scores were 62.50 (IQR: 21), 63.50 (IQR: 19.5), and 54.50 (IQR: 14.5), respectively, and were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the reference normative value (100). Age was found to have a weak positive correlation with the posture score (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.048). Although career duration appeared to lower the scores, the association was insignificant (p > 0.05). The scores also had no significant association with body height, body mass, body mass index, and esports team (p > 0.05). It was anticipated that mobile-based esports would attenuate the biomechanics of the spine and increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal problems, such as neck and back pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Kai Lam
- Sports Information and External Affairs Centre, Hong Kong Sports Institute, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Bob Chen
- Dr Chen Sport Training and Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 101111, China;
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (D.W.-C.W.); Tel.: +86-137-0106-6063 (B.C.); +852-2766-7669 (D.W.-C.W.)
| | - Rui-Tan Liu
- Dr Chen Sport Training and Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 101111, China;
| | - James Chung-Wai Cheung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Duo Wai-Chi Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (D.W.-C.W.); Tel.: +86-137-0106-6063 (B.C.); +852-2766-7669 (D.W.-C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|