The associations of mobile touch screen device use with musculoskeletal symptoms and exposures: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of mobile touch screen devices (MTSDs) has increased rapidly over the last decade, and there are concerns that their use may have negative musculoskeletal consequences; yet evidence on the association of MTSD use with musculoskeletal symptoms and exposures is currently dispersed. The aim of this study was to systematically review available literature on musculoskeletal symptoms and exposures associated with MTSD use. The synthesised information may facilitate wise use of MTSDs and may identify areas in need of further research.MethodsEMBASE, Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO and Proquest electronic databases were searched for articles published up to June 2016, using keywords describing MTSD, musculoskeletal symptoms (e.g. pain, discomfort) and musculoskeletal exposures (e.g. posture, muscle activity). Two reviewers independently screened the articles, extracted relevant data and assessed methodological quality of included studies. Due to heterogeneity in the studies, a meta-analysis was not possible and a structured narrative synthesis of the findings was undertaken.ResultsA total of 9,908 articles were screened for eligibility with 45 articles finally included for review. Included articles were of cross-sectional, case-control or experimental laboratory study designs. No longitudinal studies were identified. Findings were presented and discussed in terms of the amount, features, tasks and positions of MTSD use and its association with musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal exposures.ConclusionsThere is limited evidence that MTSD use, and various aspects of its use (i.e. amount of usage, features, tasks and positions) are associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and exposures. This is due to mainly low quality experimental and case-control laboratory studies, with few cross-sectional and no longitudinal studies. Further research is warranted in order to develop guidelines for wise use of MTSDs.

Associations of screen work with neck and upper extremity symptoms: a systematic review with meta-analysis

“…For example, contemporary devices are more portable and are thus used in more ‘unconventional’ work positions, such as while travelling, on a couch or in bed 58. Even when used on a desk, contemporary devices can have more strenuous physical demands (eg, awkward postures and increased muscle activity) than traditional devices such as desktop computers 59. However, studies focussing on contemporary screen work are mostly lab-based, while evidence from longitudinal epidemiological studies is lacking.…”

Musculoskeletal Disorder pada Ekstremitas Atas akibat Penggunaan Telepon Cerdas secara Aktif pada Remaja Pelajar SMA

“…Postur tubuh, gerakan berulang/repetitif, kekuatan yang dikeluarkan (force), durasi, frekuensi, dan vibrasi merupakan hal yang berpotensi untuk menyebabkan MSD dari segi faktor fisik dan biomekanik, 12,13 sedangkan faktor invidu yaitu jenis kelamin, usia dan IMT dapat memengaruhi kemunculan MSD pada seorang individu. 14,15 Publikasi systematic review dari Toh et al 16 di tahun 2017 menjelaskan bahwa kegiatan yang dapat dilakukan pada perangkat seluler dengan layar sentuh, termasuk di dalamnya telepon cerdas, dapat dibagi dua yaitu aktifitas aktif maupun aktifitas pasif. Aktivitas aktif dianggap sebagai aktifitas yang dapat dilakukan secara aktif yang memerlukan adanya gerakan jari-jari secara sering seperti mengetik maupun saat sedang bermain permainan/gaming.…”

“…Aktivitas aktif secara umum dapat berhubungan dengan adanya postur dan aktivitas otot yang tidak netral dari kepala, leher dan ekstremitas atas yang berada dari distal tubuh sedangkan, aktifitas pasif dianggap sebagai aktifitas yang hanya terdiri dari aktivitas visual saja dengan tanpa atau gerakan minimal dari jari tangan. 16 Pada prevalensi keluhan MSD di ekstremitas atas yang dialami dalam 7 hari…”

“…Toh 16 dalam penelitiannya menegaskan bahwa penggunaan aktif dari telepon cerdas secara umum dapat menyebabkan postur tidak netral dan lebih banyak aktivitas otot sepanjang kepala, leher, bahu, pergelangan tangan dan jemari pada tangan, yang diduga dapat lebih memperbesar paparan pada risiko stres biomekanikal jika dibandingkan dengan penggunaan pasif telepon cerdas. Toh 16 juga mendapatkan bahwa ukuran layar dapat memengaruhi paparan dari keluhan MSD, ditambah dengan berat telepon cerdas itu sendiri dan posisi telepon genggam saat digunakan. Memegang perangkat dengan layar yang lebih besar dapat memicu keluhan pada bahu dan lengan.…”

The Impact of Mobile Touch Screen Device Use on Musculoskeletal System: A Literature Review

“…Using electronic devices, such as computers or tablets, has shown discomforts and postures for children (Shan et al, 2013;Szucs et al, 2018). As a result to its portability, touch screen devices users may use them in different situations like in the public transportation or on a couch, which may be referred to as a possible cause for musculoskeletal disorders than using them while sitting at a desk (Toh, Coenen, Howie and Straker, 2017;Werth and Babski-Reeves, 2014).…”