Influence of Smartphone Texting and Backpack Weight On Cervical Posture of Institute Students While Walking

Abstract

Interactions with smartphones and tablets are on the rise more often after the COVID-19 pandemic situation which led users acquire excessive flexed neck posture unknowingly causing severe pain symptoms in upper extremity regions. The present work aims to assess the influence of smartphone texting and backpack weight on neck posture among university students. An experimental assessment was performed to measure neck and head flexion angle, viewing distance and gaze angle among 12 institute students aged 18-25, including both males and females 02 each falling in the range of 5th, 50th and 95th percentile heights. All measurement data were recorded using QTM Qualisys motion tracking system as participants underwent test trials of texting on their smartphones while walking on a straight path with and without carrying backpack weights. A three-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for neck flexion, gaze angle, gender, backpack weights, and participants’ height. To identify significant differences among different variable levels, post hoc comparisons were carried out using an independent t test. The study found significant associations between smartphone texting, backpack weight, and neck posture. Furthermore, variations in posture were noted across different height groups, suggesting a potential interaction effect between height and load carriage on neck posture during smartphone use while walking. This knowledge can inform interventions and educational initiatives to promote healthy smartphone habits and potentially lead to the development of ergonomic solutions to minimize neck discomfort.