The effect of calling duration on cervical joint repositioning error angle and discomfort in university students

BACKGROUND: The time spent on mobile phone during daytime is increasing with the rapid life-style in young population for different purposes such as texting, calling etc. and the younger population is more dependent on networking with them. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare joint repositioning error angle in the cervical region between groups with regard to their daily calling duration on smartphone and to determine the relationship between daily calling duration and potential cervical pain and disability. METHODS: Sixty-three university students were included in the study. Participants were divided concerning to their durations of daily calling durations on smartphones. The joint-repositioning-error sense, craniovertebral angle, cervicothoracic muscle strength, and endurance of neck flexors were measured and potential pain and disability levels were assessed. RESULTS: University students who spending twenty minutes or more for calling on smartphone daily had significantly higher joint repositioning error sense. Additionally, it was determined that there was fair relationship between the daily calling time on smartphone and potential neck pain and disability. CONCLUSIONS: The prolonged calling duration on smartphone could affect cervical joint repositioning error sense in university students. This might be related to potential discomfort on cervical region in the further period.