Assessment of Core Muscles Endurance, Lumber Curvature and Function in Smartphone-addicts With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Assessment of Core Muscles Endurance, Lumber Curvature and Function in Smartphone-addicts With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

This study will attempt to assess the relation between, core muscle endurance, lumber spine curvature and function among smartphone-addicts university students with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

It has been demonstrated that using a smartphone increases lumbar and cervical flexion. Moreover, using a smartphone while slouched increased the strain on the lumbar spine's muscles and capsular structures. Similarly, in other research, individuals with or without low back pain (LBP) experienced greater thoracic kyphosis and lumber lordosis following a brief period of smart phone use while seated.

In adults, mechanical LBP is frequently reported. Notably, there are several risk factors, including the excessive use of electronic and handheld electronic devices. Additionally, Back pain is linked to morphological changes in multifidus and erector spinae as a cross-sectional region.

In addition, core muscles are crucial for carrying out different motions or sustaining postures in day-to-day activities, particularly when sitting in a chair. They not only help to maintain endurance but also give the trunk muscles stability. Furthermore, weakness of the trunk muscles has been identified as a risk factor for LBP. Similarly, weak trunk muscular strength was linked to poor balance and functional performance. As a result, core muscle dysfunction leads to decreased trunk muscular strength, dynamic balance, and functional mobility.

Given these concerns, it is necessary to conduct further studies on the musculoskeletal problems linked to smartphone use. Therefore, all individuals experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort especially mechanical LBP should have their smartphone addiction level examined. Special attention should be given to addressing smartphone addiction and its musculoskeletal consequences on undergraduate students. Since young adults are a population that uses mobile phones often, they are an urgent group to investigate. However, no study has investigated the impact of smartphone use on the spinal and pelvic posture during standing and walking.

Inclusion Criteria:

• University students who have been experiencing chronic nonspecific low back pain for a period of at least six months
• Both genders
• Smartphone addicted cut-off points for smartphone addiction at 31 for men and 33 for women in smartphone addiction scale short version
• Age is ranged from 18-25 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients will be excluded if they don't fulfil the inclusion criteria or if they have one of the following:
• Athletes
• Any history of spinal trauma or dysfunction
• Systemic disease presenting in the back (such as ankylosing spondylitis)
• Spinal deformity
• Leg length discrepancy
• History of spinal, abdominal or orthopedic surgery
• Patients who are under treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs