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Home » Articles » Posture Correction » Study On: Effects of SmartPhones on Posture & Breathing

Study On: Effects of SmartPhones on Posture & Breathing

By: Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES), Last Updated: June 10, 2020, Reviewed By: Dr. David Oliver, DC

Effects of phones on posture and breathing

Today we’re going to look at the findings in a study on the Effects of phones on our posture and respiratory function.

The study is called “The effect of smartphone usage time on posture and respiratory function”. You can read the study here.

The Results: Effects of Using Smartphones on Posture:

Let’s breakdown the finding…

1st Finding – Fwd Head Posture:

Quote from study:
“As stated earlier, a lower CVA indicates greater FHP. In our study, subjects who use smartphone more than 4 hours per day had lower CVAs. This result is consistent with the results from a recent study conducted by Kim et al. who showed that the increase in both flexion angles of the cervical and lumbar spine were significantly higher in the group of prolonged smartphone users (300 s) compared with the group of smartphone users that used the device for a short time. Another study showed that many smartphone users had neck pain due to increased cervical angles.”

The CVA (craniovertebral angle) measurement refers to how forward does the head protrude forward. As quoted above, the group of people that used their phones for more than 4 hours per day had lower CVAs – aka their forward head posture was worse than the group that didn’t use their phones as much.

Leon’s Notes: I personally don’t think that “4 hours” duration is the most indicative measurement, as even 2 hours in terrible posture may lead to the same poor posture.

2nd Finding – Rounded Shoulders:

Quote from study:
“A lower scapular index indicates a higher degree of rounded shoulders. In our study, subjects who used smartphones more than 4 hours per day, had lower scapular index. Many previous studies established that many sedentary workers tended to have a rounded shoulder posture. In our study, the use of smartphones, as well as prolonged sitting caused the typical rounded shoulder.”

This is pretty self explanatory – The group that used their phones for more than 4 hours per day, had lower scapular index – aka their rounded shoulders were worse, than the group that didn’t use their phones as long.

3rd Finding – Respiratory Function:

Quote from study:
“In respiratory function, Only PEF showed significant difference between the two groups. However, other variables (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) also showed lower values like PEF in subjects using smartphone for prolonged duration. There are recent researches about the correlation between posture and respiratory function.”

In this specific study they measured a bunch of different breathing parameters, and found that PEF, which is “Peak Expiratory Flow” was definitely worse for the group that had proplonged smarphone usage. PEF measuremnt is done with a small, hand-held device used to monitor a person’s ability to breathe out air. As you can see, people using their phones for long periods of time contributes to poor posture, which in turn can also lead to more shallow breathing.

As you can see this study showed that long usage of smart phones could lead to poor forward head posture, poor rounded shoulders and poor breathing.

Leon’s Notes: I personally don’t think it’s the “smart phone usage” in itself that is the problem. Often it’s the HOW you use that device. For example, just bringing the phone up to your eye level while using it can really help.

Related: Check this article on How to sit at a desk.

Watch the video:

Related:
10 Exercises to improve your posture
5 Desk Exercises

Leon Turetsky CEO of Back Intelligence
Leon Turetsky (NASM-CPT, NASM-CES)

Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES), Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), Professional Dancer

As a long time back sufferer Leon found unique methods to alleviate his pain using natural methods including self massage, exercise/stretching and postural habits. He founded Backintelligence.com to empower others to fix their postures and ease their back pain from home.

Filed Under: Neck And Shoulder Pain, Posture Correction

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