The effect of long-term use of smart mobile phones on the structural profile of the upper half of the body and quality of life

Background and aims: With the increasing prevalence of smart mobile phones, their impact on various aspects of life has become a significant issue. This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term use of smart mobile phones on the structural profile of the upper body and overall quality of life. Methods: In a causal comparative research, 90 participants, consisting of both males and females aged 18 to 30 years from the city of Miandoab, Iran, voluntarily took part in this research. The subjects were divided into two groups: 45 long-term users and 45 short-term users, as determined by the mobile phone addiction questionnaire. The assessment included measurements of forward head posture, rounded shoulders, cervical spine alignment, and shoulder asymmetry through photographic analysis. Kyphotic curvature and lordotic posture were evaluated using a flexible ruler, while quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: The results indicated a significant difference in forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and kyphosis between long-term and short-term users (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in terms of wry neck, shoulder asymmetry, lordosis, or overall quality of life between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that long-term mobile phone users reduce their usage duration to prevent musculoskeletal abnormalities such as kyphosis and forward head and shoulder posture. Additionally, implementing considerations for corrective exercises is advised to mitigate these issues.