Effect of Smartphone Overuse on Hand Strength and Function in Physical Therapy Students

Smartphones have become ubiquitous worldwide, offering significant potential for medical applications by providing healthcare professionals and students with instant access to resources for informed decision-making. However, despite their benefits, overuse of smartphones can lead to physical health issues. Grip strength is recognized as an indicator of overall muscle strength, upper limb function, and various health conditions. Isokinetic testing, a reliable method for measuring muscle performance, has been widely used in studying low back pain but less commonly applied to wrist strength assessment.

Currently, there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of smartphone overuse on wrist flexor and extensor peak torque, handgrip strength, and function. This research aims to investigate these aspects, providing insights into upper extremity function and potentially aiding ergonomists in addressing musculoskeletal disorders. The study's findings could contribute to the biomechanical evaluation and design of upper extremity tasks, enhance understanding of wrist functioning, and inform ergonomic design considerations. Additionally, the results may help smartphone users adopt better postures and grasping techniques to minimize injuries and maintain hand function, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• Age of subjects 18 to 25 years.
• Body mass index from 18, but less than 25 kg/m2.
• Experimental group, healthy subjects who are smartphone users for at least two years prior to study.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects with a history of neurological disorder affecting the upper extremities, vestibular dysfunction, or balance disorder.
• Deformities of elbow or hand.
• Any recent upper limb fracture or trauma.
• Disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy or tendinopathy.
• Individuals going to the gym or athletes.
• Individuals who smoke.
• Subjects who had cognitive, linguistic or vision impairment which limited their use of instruments and questionnaire.