A systematic review of musculoskeletal complaints, symptoms, and pathologies related to mobile phone usage

Zirek, E, Mustafaoglu, R, Yasaci, Z and Griffiths, MD ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524, 2020. A systematic review of musculoskeletal complaints, symptoms, and pathologies related to mobile phone usage. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 49: 102196. ISSN 2468-8630

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Abstract

Background: In the past decade, mobile phone usage rates have increased and there have been concerns that overuse of mobile phones may contribute to various musculoskeletal (MSK) problems.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to systematically review available literature on the prevalence of MSK complaints, symptoms, and pathologies associated with mobile phone use.

Study design: Systematic review.

Method: In this systematic review, Medline (Pubmed), Wiley, WOS, and EMBASE electronic databases were searched for studies published in English between January 1, 2000 and March 25, 2019 using the following.

Key terms: 'mobile phone', 'smartphone', 'musculoskeletal pain', 'pain', 'musculoskeletal symptoms', and 'musculoskeletal pathology'.

Results: The search strategy identified 196 papers, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. Among the studies included in the systematic review, five were high quality, twelve were of acceptable quality, and one was of low quality. The review demonstrated that the prevalence of MSK complaints among mobile phone users ranged 8.2%–89.9%, and that neck and upper back complaints had the highest prevalence rates ranging from 55.8% to 89.9%. The most common MSK symptom associated with mobile phone use was pain. Myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, thoracic outlet syndrome, tendonitis, and De Quervain's syndrome were the most commonly associated MSK pathologies.

Conclusion: The evidence concerning MSK complaints among mobile phone is somewhat limited because the data were obtained from cross-sectional and case-control study results. Consequently, there is need for higher quality and prospective studies to better understand the relationship between mobile phone use and MSK symptoms and pathologies.

Item Type: Journal article
Alternative Title: A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders related to mobile phone usage
Publication Title: Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
Creators: Zirek, E., Mustafaoglu, R., Yasaci, Z. and Griffiths, M.D.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: October 2020
Volume: 49
ISSN: 2468-8630
Identifiers:
Number
Type
10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102196
DOI
S2468781220300114
Publisher Item Identifier
1333209
Other
Divisions: Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by: Linda Sullivan
Date Added: 22 Jun 2020 07:34
Last Modified: 31 May 2021 15:02
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/40071

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