Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: April | Volume: 9 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 76-83
Effectiveness of Laughter Therapy in Smartphone Addicts on Insomnia, Lung Functions and Flexibility
Suman Salunke1, Dr. Mayuri Rajesh Shah2
1Intern, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune
2Assistant Professor, Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune
Corresponding Author: Suman Salunke
ABSTRACT
Background: The cell phone today is a lifeline for many. In India, the prevalence of smart phone addiction is 40 %. The incidence of mental health problems have increased worldwide. This has raised concerns about adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use on physical & mental health. Laughing aloud with whole body movement improves, blood circulation .Laughter therapy is easy to prescribe and do not require side-concerns with respect to allergies, dose, side effects. It is the cheapest medicine for preventing many diseases and fighting against them.
Method: It was an experimental study. The sample size was 30 and sampling method was purposive. Age Group of 18-24 years, males& females, Score of ≥ 26 on Smart phone addiction scale-short version and Score of ≥ 6 on Athens Insomnia Scale was the inclusion criteria. 20-30min laughter therapy was given. Outcome measures used were Athens insomnia scale, Peak expiratory flow rate and sit and reach test.
Result: Pre and post intervention results were compared. Paired t test was applied and p value was <0.05 for all the outcome measures which was considered to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: The study concludes that laughter therapy was effective in smartphone addicts in reducing insomnia, improving lung functions and increasing flexibility.
Key words: Laughter therapy, smart phone, insomnia, Lung functions, flexibility