Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review

 

Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review

1. Introduction

The widespread and habitual use of smartphones has introduced a host of ergonomic, biomechanical, and neurological concerns. While smartphones offer immense convenience, they also demand sustained visual attention and manual manipulation, often in suboptimal body positions. This review aims to comprehensively explore how prolonged smartphone use affects posture and gait, which are crucial components of human biomechanics and overall health.

2. Impact on Posture

Forward Head Posture (FHP)

  • One of the most documented consequences of smartphone use.

  • Users typically tilt their heads forward at angles exceeding 45°, significantly increasing stress on the cervical spine.

  • According to research, for every inch the head moves forward, the weight the neck must support increases by about 5–6 kg.

  • Long-term effects: Neck pain, disc compression, and early degenerative spinal changes.

Thoracic Kyphosis and Shoulder Rounding

  • Continuous hunching while texting or browsing can exaggerate the natural curvature of the upper back (thoracic kyphosis).

  • Leads to rounded shoulders, impingement syndrome, and postural misalignment.

  • Associated muscle fatigue in the trapezius, rhomboids, and pectorals.

Spinal Compression and Lumbar Stress

  • Sitting and leaning forward while using a phone causes posterior pelvic tilt and flattening of the lumbar curve.

  • Increases intervertebral disc pressure and can cause chronic lower back pain (LBP).

3. Impact on Gait

Altered Gait Mechanics

  • Walking while using a smartphone impairs normal gait patterns.

  • Research shows reduced gait speed, shortened stride length, and increased step width due to compensatory adjustments for visual and cognitive distraction.

  • Changes reduce stability and increase energy expenditure.

Dual-Task Interference

  • Using a phone while walking is a dual-task situation: visual-cognitive task + motor task.

  • The brain prioritizes cognitive processing, delaying motor responses, reducing situational awareness, and slowing reaction times.

  • Leads to riskier crossings, delayed obstacle detection, and impaired balance.

Upper Limb and Trunk Movement Restrictions

  • One or both hands occupied with a phone reduces arm swing, which is vital for maintaining dynamic balance during walking.

  • Phone fixation leads to head-down posture, further disrupting center of gravity and increasing fall risk.

4. Neuromuscular and Cognitive Effects

Increased Cognitive Load

  • Constant multitasking (e.g., texting while walking) burdens the prefrontal cortex, leading to cognitive fatigue.

  • Reduced brain efficiency in processing motor tasks affects posture reflexes and gait rhythm.

Delayed Reflexes and Spatial Awareness

  • Phone usage slows sensory-motor integration and reflexes.

  • Individuals have poorer peripheral vision and are less aware of their environment, increasing accident susceptibility.

5. Age and Population Considerations

  • Adolescents and Young Adults: Most affected due to high smartphone dependency; more adaptable physically but prone to forming lifelong poor habits.

  • Older Adults: At greater risk of falls and injury due to slower neuromotor control and decreased postural resilience.

  • Office Workers & Students: Sedentary lifestyle combined with phone overuse amplifies postural deterioration.

6. Long-Term Health Risks

  • Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Including cervical spondylosis, lumbar herniation, and myofascial pain syndromes.

  • Degenerative Joint Changes: Repeated poor posture accelerates joint wear, especially in the spine and lower limbs.

  • Headaches and Eyestrain: Tech-neck, migraines, and digital eye strain are common co-occurring complaints.

7. Preventive Measures and Recommendations

Postural Awareness

  • Maintain a neutral spine while using phones; raise the device to eye level.

  • Use ergonomic accessories like phone holders or adjustable desks.

Frequent Movement and Stretching

  • Take breaks every 30–60 minutes to walk, stretch the neck and shoulders.

  • Strengthen the core, back, and neck muscles to improve postural endurance.

Limit Screen Time and Distractions

  • Avoid phone use during walking or stair climbing.

  • Use voice-to-text or hands-free functions to reduce manual and visual engagement.

Education and App Support

  • Encourage digital wellness habits through awareness campaigns.

  • Use posture-monitoring apps and alerts to prompt movement or correction.

8. Conclusion

Smartphone use, while beneficial, has unintended consequences on posture and gait. Prolonged use leads to maladaptive body mechanics, affecting spinal alignment, walking stability, and neuromuscular control. These changes, if left unaddressed, can evolve into chronic health issues. Integrating ergonomic strategies and conscious device use into daily routines is critical for maintaining musculoskeletal health in the digital age.

References (selected)

  1. Lee, S., Lee, D., & Park, J. (2015). The effects of smartphone use on posture and gait in young adults: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(3), 905–908.

  2. Gustafsson, E., Johnson, P. W., & Hagberg, M. (2010). Thumb postures and physical loads during mobile phone use–A comparison of young adults with and without musculoskeletal symptoms. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 20(1), 127-135.

  3. Plummer, P., & Eskes, G. (2015). Measuring treatment effects on dual-task performance: a framework for research and clinical practice. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9, 225.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Research Training and Scholarly Activity during General Pediatric Residency in Canada

Complexity