Effect of Modern Technology on Upper-Body Posture in Normal Developed Children: Systematic Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, 6th of October* & Cairo** Universities

Abstract

Abstract Background: Modern technology plays a key role in daily human life. This involves keeping pace with rapid changes in the field of communication technology. The typical posture when using smartphones (or other touchscreen handheld devices) involves holding the tool with one or two hands below the eye level, looking down at the device and using the thumb to touch the screen. This pattern of use forces the user to adopt forward neck flexion which is often maintained for long periods. Aim of Study: To determine the effect of the modern technology on upper-body posture in normal developed children. Patients and Method: This review included normal devel-oped Children aged between 3 to 12 years, received different types of modern technology. A search of electronic databases that included, PubMed, Physical therapy Evidence Database, Google scholar was searched from Jun 2020 ever till May 2021. Total studies after PRISMA screening were Thirteen articlesnonrandom that were retrieved met the inclusion criteria: Descriptive for all studies. Results: All the selected studies were scored on their methodological rigor with the Pedro scale and methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) and found that modern technology had a harm effect on upper body posture in normal developed children on posture (Increase head, neck flexion and rounded shoulders posture in lying and sitting more in standing) and the more time it takes for two hours, the greater the effect on posture. Conclusion: From clinical evidence the modern technology had a harm effect on upper body posture in normal developed children but further studies are needed to help the researchers and the parents.

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