The effect of smartphone usage time on posture and respiratory function

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in posture and respiratory functions depending on the duration of smartphone usage. Subjects and Methods Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: group 1 (subjects who used smartphones for 4 hours/day, n=25). The craniovertebral angles of all participants were measured and scapular indices were calculated to assess the change in posture and forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow were measured to assess changes in respiratory function. Results There were significant differences in the craniovertebral angle, scapular index, and peak expiratory flow depending on the duration of smartphone usage. Conclusion The result of this study showed that prolonged use of smartphones could negatively affect both, posture and respiratory function.