Analysis of the effect of overusing thumbs on smartphone games

Abstract

Objective To assess the impact of repetitive movements of the thumb caused by playing a smartphone game continuously for 30 min. Methods This study recruited healthy volunteers. They were instructed to play a game called Subway Surfers, which ran continuously. Subjects played the game for 30 min. The function of the abductor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis brevis muscles was assessed by surface electromyography and the signals were obtained at 10 min, 20 min and 30 min. The median frequency (MDF) was used as an indicator of muscle fatigue. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the subjective discomfort of the volunteers. Results Twelve subjects participated in this study. The MDF of the abductor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis brevis muscles decreased significantly over the test period. The MDF of the extensor pollicis brevis had decreased significantly by 10 min after the start of the gaming session, while the abductor pollicis brevis had decreased significantly by 20 min. The VAS scores significantly increased after 30 min of continuous gaming. Conclusions This study suggests that playing continuous games on a smartphone might result in chronic muscle injury. Continuous gaming time should be kept below 20 minutes.

Musculoskeletal disorders in video gamers – a systematic review

“…The dominant population in eleven out of 16 included studies, were school aged kids and young adults aged between 5 to 20 years. Studies were mainly cross sectional, with the exception of one experimental study [ 26 ]. Out of the four possible video gaming devices (computers, consoles, handhelds, smartphones), seven studies included one device [ 25 , 26 , 33 – 37 ], three studies included two devices [ 38 – 40 ] and six studies included three or more devices [ 41 – 46 ].…”

“…Studies were mainly cross sectional, with the exception of one experimental study [ 26 ]. Out of the four possible video gaming devices (computers, consoles, handhelds, smartphones), seven studies included one device [ 25 , 26 , 33 – 37 ], three studies included two devices [ 38 – 40 ] and six studies included three or more devices [ 41 – 46 ]. Due to insufficient information, it is not possible to rule out that in two studies [ 37 , 39 ] more than the indicated devices were used.…”

“…Consequently, video gaming can be expected to lead to a higher risk for MSDs. The results of previous research have indicated this association [ 15 , 25 , 26 ]. Nevertheless, at this moment there is no overall-evidence of whether video gaming could affect the musculoskeletal system negatively.…”

Alleviating Pregastroscopy Anxiety Using Mobile Social Media Application

“…According to previous studies, Vukmir, et al reported that a computer printout, like a brochure, does not help most patient comply with the physician's instructions ( 37 ). Abbott reported that poor understanding of the procedure may result in lack of patient cooperation ( 31 ).…”

“…Belching, retching, and coughing were the main manifestations of poor cooperation (9). And the visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure patients' discomfort during the procedure (30)(31)(32)(33), including the scope passing through the throat, nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Patients were asked to rate the severity of their symptoms from "0-10, " with "0" being "I felt absolutely comfortable during the procedure" and "10" being "I was suffering to death during the procedure."…”