Effect of prolonged continuous smartphone gaming on upper body postures and fatigue of the neck muscles in school students aged between 10-18 years

This study investigated the effect of prolonged continuous smartphone gaming on upper body postures and fatigue neck muscles in school students. Forty-four students aged between 10 18 years were enrolled this study. All participants instructed to play an online game continuously for 20 minutes a sitting position during dynamic postural analysis. Simultaneously, wireless surface electromyography (EMG) system was used collect data from cervical erector spinae (CES) trapezius (UT) both sides. The median frequency considered as index muscle fatigue. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) applied examine kinematics data. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) also assess self-reported pain intensity posterior region at pre- post-game playing. Angles neck, trunk, left shoulder, bilateral elbow flexion significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared those baseline. Bilateral CES is presented with degree 0.05). Neck discomfort after completion game. These findings revealed that sustained (20-min) playing induced significant awkward posture resulted especially area. It suggested use should not exceed 10–18 respect minimizing biomechanical effects Habitual be carefully noticed use.