Effects of Smartphone Usage Duration on Neck Dysfunction in Young Versus Middle Aged Patients With Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Detailed Summary

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of smartphone usage duration on neck pain and sense of position as well as Deep Cervical Flexor (DCF) fatigue in young and middle aged patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of most common causes of musculoskeletal disorders with a prevalence up to 86.8 %. It may interfere with the ability to perform normal activities of daily living (ADL). Patients with neck pain may present with reduced Rang of Motion (ROM) and diminished cervical position sense. There are many risk factors that have been associated with neck pain including physiological factors such as age or pathomechanical factors such as increased physical demand on the spine. Smartphone use has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of neck pain in young adults due to sustaining a prolonged static posture or repeating particular neck movements for long period. The adverse effects of smartphone increases as the duration of the use increases. Aging is associated with increased cervical reposition error and reduced DCF muscle endurance, yet it is not clear how older adults will respond to prolonged use of smartphone. HYPOTHESES: Increased duration of smartphone use will 1. increase neck pain in middle aged compared to young adult patients with chronic mechanical. 2. decrease cervical position sense in middle aged compared to young adult patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. 3. increase DCF fatigue in middle aged compared to young adult patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. RESEARCH QUESTION: Would increased duration of smartphone usage accentuate neck pain, cervical reposition error and DCF fatigue in middle aged compared to young adults with chronic mechanical neck pain?

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