Smartphone & Headphone Effects on Baropodometric Parameters

During our daily lives, the individuals perform many functions simultaneously. Two devices that modern technology has brought us are headphones and mobile phones, both of which are commonly used. Studies have shown that posture oscillation changes during walking while using a phone, but same studies also stated that more comprehensive studies are needed. There is no study in the literature that examines postural oscillation and foot pressure distribution while listening to music with headphones and messaging. The aim of this observational study is to evaluate the postural oscillation and foot pressure distribution during headphone use and messaging in healthy participants aged 18-35. The sample size of 35 participants was determined based on a similar study example using G-Power analysis. Participants will be assesed at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Participants will be selected based on eligibility criteria, and there will be only one group in the study; therefore, randomization will not be performed. Participants enrolled in the study will be evaluated using the FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy). The platform itself is 40x40 cm in size and comes with two plates, each one meter long. When all components are assembled, a continuous surface of 2.4 meters is obtained. Participants will participate in static, posturographic, and dynamic evaluations. In each evaluation, participants will first stand still, then put on headphones and listen to music at 80 decibels with a tempo of 130 bpm, then type a message, and finally type a message while listening to music. Static evaluation will provide information about foot pressure distribution; posturographic evaluation will include Romberg tests with eyes open, eyes closed, standing on one foot, and standing on two feet; and dynamic evaluation will assess participants' walking phases and speed. The statistical analysis of the study will be performed using SPSS 23.0 software.

Inclusion criteria

• Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily,
• Being between the ages of 18-35

Exclusion criteria

• Not agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily.
• Having a congenital spinal cord anomaly
• Existing neurological, orthopedic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, rheumatological, vestibular problems
• Having a surgical history of the spinal region