Is Tech Neck A Growing Hazard among the Young?

Authors

  • Veena Pais
  • Fathimath Shahida
  • Fathimath Thaslima
  • Noora Shakira.K

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijpot.v15i2.14516

Keywords:

Smartphone addiction, Craniovertebral angle, Cervical Flexion, Cervical Extension.

Abstract

Background: Tech neck is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage caused by looking down too
often and for too long on the mobile phone, tablets or other digital devices. Digital devices can position the
head in different uncomfortable postures This study aim to determine the influence of duration of usage of
digital devices on cervical range of motion and the craniovertebral angle.
Material & Method: This prospective study included 88 participants between the ages of 18 and 25 who
have been using digital devices from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) for six months or more were
chosen using a convenience sampling method after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and consent
from the participants. Participants were divided into four categories according to the duration of usage of
digital devices i.e less than 1 hour a day, 1-2 hours a day, 2-4 hours a day and more than 4 hours a day. Each
group will be composed of 22 participants. By lateral photography method they were tested for cervical
range of motion using goniometer and craniovertebral angle.
Results: There is a significant decrease in cervical flexion among groups but there is no significant difference
between groups in cervical extension and craniovertebral angle.
Conclusion: The present study suggests that repeated use of digital devices may have an effect on raising
neck flexion ability. Tech neck may thus be an increasing danger among the young

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Author Biographies

  • Veena Pais

    1Associate Professor, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India,

  • Fathimath Shahida

    Interns, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India

  • Fathimath Thaslima

    Interns, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India

  • Noora Shakira.K

    Interns, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India

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Published

2021-03-30

How to Cite

Is Tech Neck A Growing Hazard among the Young?. (2021). Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy - An International Journal, 15(2), 72-77. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijpot.v15i2.14516