Influência do Uso do Smartphone Sobre o Equilíbrio de Jovens Durante a Realização de Dupla-Tarefa

Abstract

Objective: The use of smartphones has become increasingly common, especially among young adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the use of smartphones on the static and dynamic balance in young adults and to calculate the ideal sample from the effect size seen in this study. Methodology: Ten young adults with mean age of 21.5±3.2 years were enrolled in this study. The participants underwent static balance (force platform) and dynamic (Timed Get Up and Go) tests, performed concurrently when in use of a smartphone. The statistical analysis was assessed with the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, comparing the results with and without the use of cell phone. The effect size related to the interference of the use of smartphone was assessed on static and dynamic balance. Significance was set at 5%. Results: The use of smartphone impacted the static and dynamic balance of the participants, in both activities of typing messages or speaking on the phone. Effect size analysis suggests the need for 45 young adults to measure static balance and 28 young adults to assess dynamic balance. Conclusion: The use of smartphone caused interference on the balance of young adults, predisposing to imbalances and risks of falls in static and dynamic tasks. The results must be corroborated by new studies with sample sizes greater than 45 participants.