Effects of Exercise on Cervical Angle and Respiratory Function in Smartphone Users

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy
• Respiratory Medicine
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Prolonged smartphone use in a sitting posture is associated with poor cervical posture.
• Decreased cervical angle may negatively impact respiratory function.
• Smartphone users are a growing demographic experiencing postural and respiratory challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of specific exercises on the craniovertebral angle.
• To assess the impact of exercise on respiratory function parameters in smartphone users.
• To determine if exercise can mitigate negative postural and respiratory changes associated with smartphone use.

Main Methods:

• Thirty healthy volunteers were divided into exercise and control groups.
• Participants used smartphones for 1 hour, followed by a 20-minute intervention (exercise or routine activities).
• Craniovertebral angle and respiratory function (spirometry) were measured.

Main Results:

• The exercise group showed statistically significant improvements in craniovertebral angle compared to the control group.
• Significant positive changes were observed in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio.
• Improvements were also noted in peak expiratory flow, maximal inspiratory pressure, and maximal expiratory pressure in the exercise group.

Conclusions:

• Targeted exercises can effectively improve the cervical angle in smartphone users.
• Exercise interventions demonstrate a positive impact on respiratory function, including lung capacity and breathing pressures.
• These findings suggest exercise is a viable method for enhancing physical well-being among individuals with high smartphone usage.