Spinal alignment in habitual standing position and while using smartphones in healthy young adults

Abstract

IntroductionA cascade of biomechanical changes occurs with postural deviations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the trunk position and spine shape during smartphone use.MethodsBody posture was tested by the photogrammetric method in habitual standing position and while using smartphones in 39 healthy subjects of both sexes.ResultsWhile using smartphones, the trunk was shifted backwards (F(1.37) = 166.19, p = 0.0000), and the angle of the cervical spine increased in both sexes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the depth of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis increased (p < 0.001), though only in the female group, but there were no differences in cervical load between groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsUsing a smartphone caused backward displacement of the upper torso in both sexes. It was also found that using a smartphone increased the depth of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in females, which should be interpreted as a compensatory mechanism.