Abstract:

The objective of this study was to determine whether an association exists between chest expansion and scapular index among smartphone users who use smartphones greater than four hours. The study was a cross sectional correlational analytical study conducted in Rawalpindi /Islamabad community after approval from the ethical review committee. The duration of study was from June 2019 to February 2020. The total participants were 245 (64 males and 181 females), aged 18 to 40 years who spend their time on smartphones greater than 4 hours. The tools used for data collection procedure were Digital Vernier caliper, measuring tape, and self-structured questionnaire. Vernier caliper was used to measure rounded shoulders by calculating Scapular index and chest expansion was calculated using measuring tape. A significant relation was found between chest expansion and right scapular index with screen time among smartphone users with p-value < 0.05. Statistical analysis of this study highlights that there is a significant relationship between duration of smartphone usage and scapular index with p-value of right scapula is 0.036 and left scapula are 0.037 but non-significant relationship exists between chest expansion and smartphone usage duration. Our study supports that the position of the shoulder during smartphone usage and duration of the smartphone more than 4 hours affects scapular index and have a negative impact on their posture which causes rounded shoulders as compared to those who spend less time.

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