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

Advances in information technology and the widespread adoption of smartphones have improved human convenience and quality of life by facilitating extensive information sharing. However, the increasing frequency and duration of smartphone use is linked to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders, par...

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Main Authors: In Gyu Lee, Seong Jun Son
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6770
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author In Gyu Lee
Seong Jun Son
author_facet In Gyu Lee
Seong Jun Son
author_sort In Gyu Lee
collection DOAJ
description Advances in information technology and the widespread adoption of smartphones have improved human convenience and quality of life by facilitating extensive information sharing. However, the increasing frequency and duration of smartphone use is linked to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly manifesting as changes in posture and gait. These alterations can lead to various physical issues, including spinal deformities, reduced gait stability, and increased muscle fatigue. Furthermore, excessive smartphone use can negatively affect mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. This narrative review primarily aims to systematically examine the effects of smartphone-related posture and gait alterations on physical function and identify associated problems. This study systematically summarized individual studies published between 2009, when smartphones first became widespread, and 2024 that investigated the effects of smartphone-induced posture and gait alterations. Through identifying issues related to these alterations, we aim to propose preventive strategies to avoid further complications.
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spelling doaj-art-726f6b82a4874a9da36cbf9402e4fe772025-06-25T13:26:18ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011512677010.3390/app15126770Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative ReviewIn Gyu Lee0Seong Jun Son1Motion Science Lab, Graduate School of Sports Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 13503, Republic of KoreaMotion Science Lab, Graduate School of Sports Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 13503, Republic of KoreaAdvances in information technology and the widespread adoption of smartphones have improved human convenience and quality of life by facilitating extensive information sharing. However, the increasing frequency and duration of smartphone use is linked to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly manifesting as changes in posture and gait. These alterations can lead to various physical issues, including spinal deformities, reduced gait stability, and increased muscle fatigue. Furthermore, excessive smartphone use can negatively affect mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. This narrative review primarily aims to systematically examine the effects of smartphone-related posture and gait alterations on physical function and identify associated problems. This study systematically summarized individual studies published between 2009, when smartphones first became widespread, and 2024 that investigated the effects of smartphone-induced posture and gait alterations. Through identifying issues related to these alterations, we aim to propose preventive strategies to avoid further complications.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6770mobile phoneneck paincervical spineforward head posturespine
spellingShingle In Gyu Lee
Seong Jun Son
Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review
Applied Sciences
mobile phone
neck pain
cervical spine
forward head posture
spine
title Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review
title_full Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review
title_fullStr Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review
title_short Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture and Gait: A Narrative Review
title_sort effects of smartphone use on posture and gait a narrative review
topic mobile phone
neck pain
cervical spine
forward head posture
spine
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6770
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