Cervical Proprioception and Dynamic Balance in Computer Users: A Comparison between Male and Female Healthy Adults.

Background: Nowadays, individuals are utilizing a computer for different tasks daily and the use of computers has increased rapidly worldwide. The impact of prolonged computer usage may lead to balance problems and disturbed cervical proprioception due to faulty posture of the neck. The purpose of this was to compare the impact of prolonged computer usage on cervical proprioception and dynamic balancing ability in the male and female gender. Methods: 100 healthy adults’ computer users were recruited for the study. The subjects were classified into two groups: male computer users (n=50) and female computer users (n=50). Neck proprioceptions were assessed by Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) test and dynamic balances assessed by the Y Balance Test (YTB), 3 trials were performed and the mean values were calculated. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, weight, height, and body mass index between all subjects in the groups (p>0.05). There is significant differences between males and females participants as females had more decreased in their neck proprioception and dynamic balance ability than males (p<0.05). The male computer users showed better performance than the females. Conclusion: Prolonged usage of computers (more than four hours per day) could negatively affect cervical proprioception and dynamic balance ability in healthy adults. The results may be used to promote awareness about the normal duration of computer use and develop programs for good postural education and stretching exercises to prevent its negative effects on cervical proprioception and balance ability, especially for female computer users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]