Assessment of Core Muscles Endurance, Lumber Curvature and Function in Smartphone-addicts With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

It has been demonstrated that using a smartphone increases lumbar and cervical flexion. Moreover, using a smartphone while slouched increased the strain on the lumbar spine's muscles and capsular structures. Similarly, in other research, individuals with or without low back pain (LBP) experienced greater thoracic kyphosis and lumber lordosis following a brief period of smart phone use while seated.

In adults, mechanical LBP is frequently reported. Notably, there are several risk factors, including the excessive use of electronic and handheld electronic devices. Additionally, Back pain is linked to morphological changes in multifidus and erector spinae as a cross-sectional region.

In addition, core muscles are crucial for carrying out different motions or sustaining postures in day-to-day activities, particularly when sitting in a chair. They not only help to maintain endurance but also give the trunk muscles stability. Furthermore, weakness of the trunk muscles has been identified as a risk factor for LBP. Similarly, weak trunk muscular strength was linked to poor balance and functional performance. As a result, core muscle dysfunction leads to decreased trunk muscular strength, dynamic balance, and functional mobility.

Given these concerns, it is necessary to conduct further studies on the musculoskeletal problems linked to smartphone use. Therefore, all individuals experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort especially mechanical LBP should have their smartphone addiction level examined. Special attention should be given to addressing smartphone addiction and its musculoskeletal consequences on undergraduate students. Since young adults are a population that uses mobile phones often, they are an urgent group to investigate. However, no study has investigated the impact of smartphone use on the spinal and pelvic posture during standing and walking.