Neck Muscular Load When Using a Smartphone While Sitting, Standing, and Walking.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on the neck muscular load associated with smartphone use in head-down postures.
• Understanding these loads is crucial for addressing potential neck pain and musculoskeletal issues in users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare neck muscular load during smartphone use (browsing and texting) across different postures (sitting, standing, walking).
• To analyze myoelectric activity of neck extensor muscles and head kinematic variables.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one young adults performed one-handed browsing and two-handed texting tasks in sitting, standing, and walking postures.
• Quantified myoelectric activities of neck extensor muscles, head kinematics, and upper back posture.

Main Results:

• Walking with a smartphone increased neck muscle activation by 21.2% (sitting) and 41.7% (standing).
• Walking also resulted in significantly greater head accelerations.
• Two-handed texting led to increased head flexion and higher neck extensor muscle activation compared to browsing.

Conclusions:

• Two-handed texting while walking represents the most physically demanding scenario for neck muscles.
• These findings highlight the ergonomic risks of smartphone use during ambulation and its potential link to neck musculoskeletal problems.