Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Growth and Development Disorders in Pediatrics

Background: In the last few years, smartphone user{u2019}s numbers have progressively increased worldwide, with the increasing use of smartphone; researchers have also enhanced to investigate the musculoskeletal problems associated with the prolonged use of smartphone. Purpose: To study the effect of smartphone usage on the upper-back posture and quality of life in preparatory school male students. Methods: Ninety male students aged from 13 to 15 years, with body mass index ranged from 15.4 to 20.9 Kg/m2, according to WHO indices were selected from governmental preparatory schools at Al-Waily educational administration, Cairo Governorate.Students were classified into two equal groups (45 students for each group); A and B. student in group A had scores from 30 to 45 on smartphone addiction scale, while student in group B had scores from 46 to 60. The Postural assessment software (PAS/SAPO) was used to assess upper back posture e.g. scapular abduction, kyphosis, lateral neck tilting etc (distance between C7 and left and right acromion, T7 and left and right scapula, C7 and T7 and angel between the base of the skull, the C7 vertebrae and the right and left acromion). In addition, quality of life was assessed by pediatric quality of life inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL, version 4.0). Results: There were significant differences ofall measured variables of upper back posture between both groups, except the distance between C7 and T7, which was non-significant. Regarding Quality of Life, there was significant difference (u = 0.00001) between both groups, with group B more affected than group A. Conclusion: Extensive usages of smartphone negatively affect upper back posture in preparatory school students, which was concomitant with their quality of life

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