• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.273-278
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• 2013

Objective: This study aims to analyze and evaluate fatigue in upper trapezius muscles of adults when inputting text on a smart phone, thereby examining the risk of cumulative trauma disorders in the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremity. Method: Forty-five healthy adults were divided equally into three groups: a smartphone group, a notebook group, and a desktop group. A surface electromyogram was placed on the upper trapezius muscle of each participant, after which they inputted text for ten minutes within an ergonomic setting; their side posture was recorded on video and analyzed. Results: The spectral edge frequency values for the smartphone group, as recorded from the upper right trapezius muscles on the surface electromyogram, showed a significant decrease(p<.05). Regarding the RULA, all three groups had results indicating "action level 2". Conclusion: All three groups had results indicating "action level 2" according to the RULA, which means that additional research on the posture of the participants while performing tasks is necessary, and their posture needs to be corrected. In particular, the smartphone group has the highest levels of fatigue in the upper trapezius muscles, suggesting that the task of inputting text on a smartphone is a high risk for causing cumulative trauma disorders.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.125-140
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• 2023

This study aimed to develop a smart wearable device for assessing the risk angle associated with turtle neck syndrome in patients with Video Display Terminal (VDT) syndrome. Turtle neck syndrome, characterized by forward head posture resulting from upper cross syndrome, leads to thoracic kyphosis. In this research, a stretch sensor was used to monitor the progression of turtle neck syndrome, and the sensor data was analyzed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and the Gauge Factor (GF) calculation method. The scapula and cervical spine angles were measured at five stages, with 15-degree increments from 0° to 60°. During the experimental process, the stretch sensor was attached to the thoracic spine in three different lengths: 30mm, 50mm, and 100mm. Among these, the attachment method yielding the most reliable data was determined by measuring with three techniques (General Trim Adhesive, PU film, and Heat Transfer Machine), and clothing using the heat transfer machine was selected. The experimental results confirmed that the most significant change in thoracic kyphosis occurred at approximately 30° of forward head posture. Prolonged deformity can lead to various issues, highlighting the need for textile sensor solutions. The developed wearable device aims to provide users with real-time feedback on their turtle neck posture and incorporate features that can help prevent or improve the condition.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.117-123
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• 2020

Purpose : VDT (visual display terminal syndrome) can affect individuals who monitor or who work or play using video screens, including those of smartphones. In general, headache symptoms from overuse of these screens can appear due to eye fatigue, muscle pain in the joints of wrists or fingers, and muscle pain in the neck or shoulders. Many studies in the literature have supported standards that seek to prevent these symptoms. The incidence of musculoskeletal diseases caused by the use of smartphones is expected to increase rapidly, particularly among children and young adults, and these diseases are expected to develop into a societal problem. Therefore, in this study we investigate whether tension headaches that develop from smartphone usage can affect forward neck posture, neck pain, and quality of life. Methods : A total of 93 students from University participated in this study. We divided participants into two groups, those with tension headaches (n = 25) and those without (n = 68) and took forward neck measurements. Headaches were classified according to criteria from the International Headache Society and involved bilateral headache position, quality of pressing or tightening pain, mild or moderate pain intensity, and none due to daily physical activity. We surveyed participants using the smartphone addiction diagnosis questionnaire, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and the Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results : Although we found no significant differences in tension headaches due to smartphone addiction diagnosis (p = 0.25), SF-36 life quality assessment (p = 0.06), and cranio-vertebral angle (p = 0.07), we found significant differences from the HIT-6 and the NDI (p <.05). Conclusion : Tension headaches are not correlated with smartphone addiction, quality of life, and forward neck angle but do have a correlation with the degree of cervical dysfunction and the effects of the headaches.