Effect of using tablet computer on myoelectric activity of wrist and neck muscles in children

Tablet computer games widely increased among children. The impact of this technology on children should be studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate wrist and neck extensors muscle activity in children during tablet playing and to investigate playing effect on pain threshold in shoulder region. Thirty right-handed healthy children (15 boys and 15 girls) with age ranged 5-7 years participated in this study. Electromyography data were collected from cervical erector spinae, upper trapezius, and right wrist extensors. Pressure pain threshold over trapezius muscles were measured. Data was collected during two gaming sessions, 10 and 20 minutes. Mixed design MANOVA was conducted to investigate the effect of playing duration and gender on muscle activity and the effect of playing, playing duration, and gender on pain threshold. Results revealed that muscle activity significantly increased with increasing playing duration for boys and girls (p >. 0.001). Pressure pain threshold was significantly decreased after playing in both playing duration, and significantly decreased with increasing playing duration for boys and girls (p >. 0.001). In conclusion, Tablet computer playing is associated with increased neck and wrist muscle activity and with decreased pain threshold. Playing duration is a critical factor in determining effects of playing.