How Smartphone Usage Can Affect Respiration

This research coming out of South Korea, published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, shows a direct correlation between the amount of time spent on a smart phone (or any other screen device), the effect it has on posture, and subsequently, breathing mechanics. 

The short version of the study goes like this... the researchers split participants into 2 groups, based on their reported average smart phone usage each day: Group A looked at a smartphone <4 hours="" a="" day="" and="" b="" group="" looked="" smartphone="">4 hours a day.

After measuring the cranialvertebral angle (a measure of forward head posture) and scapular position of the participants in each group, the researchers put them through a respiratory function test.

You'll never guess what they found... Wait for it...

SURPRISINGLY, those participants in the >4 hours smartphone use per day had more forward head posture and a higher scapular index, and showed signs of lower respiratory function. Shocker. 

Here's what it means for us coaches. This is something to consider for players with forward head posture and slumped shoulders. A lack of quality breathing patterns may be limiting performance, and could be addressed with a combination of breathing pattern corrections (PRI, RPR, diaphragmatic, etc), thoracic spine mobility drills and scapular mobility drills. 

If you'd like to read the published article, you can find it HERE