Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: The continuous use of smartphone for a long time can cause various musculoskeletal problems affecting scapula, neck and upper back. Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of smart phone addiction on scapular symmetry and functional level of neck and upper back. Subjects: Forty five subjects from both genders with age ranging from 15 to 25 years were stratified into three equal groups; 15 subjects for each group. Methodology Group I: subjects with smartphone addiction level from (15 to 30) points. Group II: subjects with smartphone addiction level from (31to 45) points. Group III: subjects with smart phone addiction level from (46 to 60) points according to smart phone addiction scale short version(SAS-SV). They were assessed using the functional level of neck and upper back questionnaire and the scapular symmetry was assessed by lateral scapular slide test from shoulder adduction , 45{u00B0} and 90{u00B0} shoulder abduction using palpation meter. Results: There was a positive significant correlation between smartphone addiction and neck and upper back functional level (r = 0.33, p = 0.02) and also with lateral scapular slide test in the tested position (2) of 45{u00B0} shoulder abduction (r = 0.43, p = 0.003) and position (3) of 90{u00B0} shoulder abduction (r = 0.54, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Smartphone addiction had a significant effect on functional level of neck and upper back and leads to scapular asymmetry in highly addicted ones

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