Does Smartphone Use Really Impact Cervical Rotation and Cervical Proprioception in Asymptomatic Individuals?

Background and objective Smartphone use has increased exponentially over the last two years worldwide. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to significantly higher dependence on the smartphone for information exchange and communication among the general public. Currently, India has hundreds of millions of smartphone users, and their numbers are on the rise. This has raised concerns regarding the adverse effects of smartphone use on mental and musculoskeletal health. In light of this, this study aimed to determine and evaluate the musculoskeletal consequences of smartphone use. Method A total of 102 participants (50 adolescents and 52 adults) who were smartphone users and are asymptomatic for cervical spine-related disorders were included based on convenience sampling. The components assessed were cervical rotation using tape measurement and cervical proprioception using the head repositioning accuracy test. Frequency distribution tables and text were used to report the results. Results The results of this research indicated reduced cervical rotation range and cervical proprioception deficits in both adolescent and adult smartphone users. Furthermore, no correlation was found between cervical rotation (right and left) and cervical proprioception (right and left rotation). Conclusion Though the results showed that both the individual components - cervical rotation and cervical proprioception - were significantly affected, there was no correlation between the components, which indicates that these asymptomatic individuals who are marginally excessive smartphone users are at increased risk for reduced cervical mobility and deficits in cervical proprioception.