Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: With the growing prevalence of smartphone use, concerns have emerged regarding its potential impact on musculoskeletal health. This study aims to investigate the effect of smartphone usage on hand grip strength, pinch strength, and upper extremity function among college students in Bengaluru. Although previous research has explored general musculoskeletal symptoms associated with smartphone use, specific effects on hand and upper extremity function remain underexplored, particularly within the context of young adults in India.

Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to assess hand grip strength, pinch strength, and upper extremity function among college students, to evaluate the correlation between smartphone usage and these measures, and to determine the impact of smartphone usage on hand grip strength specifically.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 240 college students aged 18-25 years from Bengaluru. Participants were categorized based on age and gender and were assessed using a hand dynamometer for grip strength, a pinch gauge for pinch strength, and the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) questionnaire for overall upper extremity function. Smartphone usage was recorded through self-reported data. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data and outcomes, while inferential statistics, including Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations, were used to analyse relationships between smartphone usage and musculoskeletal parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using R Version 4.1.0, with Microsoft Excel 2016 and Word 2016 for data presentation.

Results: The study found weak to negligible correlations between smartphone usage and hand grip strength (right hand: r = 0.248, left hand: r = 0.0120), and pinch strength (right pinch: r = 0.0403, left pinch: r = 0.0357). However, a high negative correlation was observed between smartphone usage and UEFI scores (r = -0.0847), suggesting that increased smartphone use may negatively affect overall upper extremity function. Despite these findings, the impact of smartphone usage on hand and pinch strength appeared minimal.