Influence of smartphone use on the median frequency of mastigatory and trapezius muscles in women - a Pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The use of smartphones is growing every year, and their excessive use can cause adverse physical and mental effects.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of smartphone use on the median frequency of the masticatory muscles and upper trapezius muscles in healthy women.

Method: Six healthy young women were evaluated. All the volunteers underwent a submaximal bite test to evaluate their masticatory muscles. In addition, the volunteers underwent a test for bilateral shoulder elevation to a submaximal load to evaluate their upper trapezius muscles. Both protocols were performed before and after a task using the smartphone for 30 min. Median frequency (MF) values were collected during the submaximal bite and submaximal shoulder elevation tests.

Results: Data were analyzed using specific statistical tests. A statistically significant reduction in the MF for all the masticatory muscles was observed in the bilateral bite task when comparing pre and post smartphone use (p < 0.005). A significant reduction in the MF was also found for the right upper trapezius when comparing pre and post smartphone use in the shoulder elevation task (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: It appears that prolonged smartphone use may contribute to fatigue in the masticatory and upper trapezius muscles. Therefore, guidelines for smartphone users should include advice on the moderate use of this device.

Keywords: Electromyography; Muscle fatigue; Smartphone.