Smart Phone Usage and its Impact on Foot Biomechanics.

Abstract

Smartphone integration in daily life keeps increasing and so its physiological consequences have greatly extended beyond the well, documented "text neck" to the whole kinetic chain, ultimately affecting foot biomechanics. This paper is a part of a research series that examines how prolonged smartphone use location wandering on the street, for example, can promote postural changes and lower limb function abnormalities in individuals. Studies have shown that everyday smartphone use significantly inhibits muscle activity in the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and gluteal muscles, thus yielding a cautious gait pattern (shorter stride and delayed heel, off). Besides, investigations on lower limb stiffness demonstrate a "hip, ankle strategy" which hyper, contracts the joints and hence the muscles are more prone to fatigue and injuries.

Major biomechanical changes to foot were identified mainly as plantar pressure variations presenting increased forefoot loading and possible arch drop. Foot Posture Index (FPI, 6) and Baropodometry are the main diagnostic tools employed in these studies to measure variations of posture parameters such as craniovertebral angle and navicular drop, which have shown a clear relationship with the time of everyday smartphone usage. To relieve these problems, foot doctors suggest undertaking posture correction programs, performing foot, specific strengthening exercises, and using orthotics only as a last resort. All in all, this paper points out the imperativeness of including digital device usage habits when dealing with musculoskeletal and podiatric health issues.