İnvesti̇gati̇on of changes in static and dynamic balance parameters during using smartphone

Orhan E., Investigation of Changes in Static and Dynamic Balance Parameters During Using of Smartphone, Hacettepe University Graduate School Health Scıences Department of Audiology Master Thesis, Ankara, 2018.'The term of ''balance'', defines the Dynamics of body postüre to prevent falls. Physiologically, function of balance occurs as a result of motor responses that occur by keeping the visual field constant during head movements and by controlling the posture in the gravitational field. Visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems must work together in harmony with sensor systems for the protection and maintenance of balance. The primary objective of telecommunications is that smartphones have many advantages such as gaming, internet, access to online communities and being portable. However, the continuity of visual fatigue that can be created by smartphone use can have a negative effect on the somatosensory network, vestibular system and postural control system. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible physiological and cognitive effects of smartphone usage on biomechanical balance system. İn this study, we included 25 voluntary healthy young adults (10 males, 15 females) aged between 18 and 25 years with no balance problems. İn this study, Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Adaptation Test (ADT), Dynamic Visual Acuity Test (DVA), Unilateral Stance Test (US), Rhytmic Weight Shift Test (RWS) and Functional Limitations Tests (Sit to Stand (STS), Walk Across (WA), Tandem Walking (TW), Step Quick Turn (SQT), Step Up Over (SUO) and Forward Lunge (FL)) applied to the participants. İn the SOT (Condition 1 and Condition 4), WA, TW and US tests, was obtained statistically significant findings (p<.05). It is considered important that determining more extensively the effects of using smartphone on postural control and balance in different conditions (driving, virtual reality etc.), to prevent accidents and possible difficulties. Key Words: Smartphone, Attention, Balance, Posturography, Vestibular