Association between smartphone addiction and myofascial trigger points.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between smartphone addiction and miyafascial trigger points in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of university students was conducted for the purpose of this study. The participants were assessed based on age, gender, dominant side, the amount of time they spent on their smartphones, the purpose of their use, and their posture. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form (SAS-SF) was used to determine addictes and non-addicts. The cut-off value of SAS-SF is 31 and above for male and 33 and above for female. RESULTS: There were 136 participants in the study. The posture score for addicts and non-addicts ones was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but the number of trigger points, maximal bending posture and trigger points in the right levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles were significantly higher in the smartphone addict participants (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone addiction in university students is associated with postural changes and trigger points in the bilateral levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles. Public health programs should be developed to raise awareness about smartphone addiction, encourage screen breaks, and emphasize physical activity and exercise regularly.

Comparison of two different delivery methods of home-based exercise on neck pain.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of two different home-based exercise delivery methods on compliance, pain, and disability in participants with non-specific neck pain. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study, which was carried out at Istanbul Arel University between February and May 2018, was carried out with 60 participants from university staff, aged 25-60, suffering from non-specific neck pain. The cases were randomly assigned to two groups. A home exercise method with printed material exercise was given to the patients in Group 1, and a video phone reminder exercise was given to Group 2 for six weeks in both groups. Pain severity and neck disability were evaluated before and after the exercise with the 'Visual Analogue Scale' and the 'Neck Pain and Disability Score.' RESULTS: Descriptive statistics showed that the video phone reminder exercise group had greater compliance. Neck pain and neck disability assessments improved before and after the exercise in both groups (p < .001). Statistical analysis revealed that video phone reminder exercise scores were significantly higher than those of the control group. Effect sizes were evaluated between the two groups, and the difference between them were found to be clinically significant (d > 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The home exercise method with video and telephone reminders, which can be applied instead of the traditional method provided with printed materials, is more effective for compliance, pain severity, and neck disability. Trial registration: NCT04135144. Registered on 21 September 2019. Retrospectively.