Does Smart Phone Usage in Young Adults Have an Effect on Static and Dynamic Balance?

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of talking and note-taking on a smartphone on static and dynamic balance. Materials and Methods: In the study, healthy young adults (n=36) were asked to maintain postural balance while standing on static and dynamic platforms in different tasks: (Task I) without using a smartphone, (Task II) while taking notes on a smartphone, and (Task III) while talking on a smartphone. Center of pressure (CoP) on mediolateral (CoPx) and anteroposterior (CoPy), CoP path length, CoParea, and trunk deviation length were used to measure static and dynamic postural balance. Results: On a static platform, CoPy and CoParea were different between the tasks (p<0.001, p=0.017). Task II and Task III impaired CoPy more than the task I (p<0.001, p=0.004). Task III affected CoParea more negatively than task II (p=0.027). CoP path length was lower in task II and task III (p<0.001). CoP path length was significantly higher in task III compared to task II (p<0.001). On a dynamic platform, there were differences in CoPy between the tasks (p=0.038). There was a difference in CoPy between task II and task III (p=0.005). The CoParea was significantly different between the tasks (p=0.023). CoParea and CoP path length was higher in task II compared to task I (p=0.035, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study showed that smartphone use during specific tasks, including talking and/or note-taking on a smartphone, could increase the risk of falls and accidents by affecting center of pressure and postural sway.