Effect of smartphone overuse on hand strength and function in physical therapy students | ||
| Benha International Journal of Physical Therapy | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 November 2025 PDF (376.43 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/bijpt.2025.391954.1096 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Nouran Mohamed Saad Zaghloul Hussein* 1; Noran Ahmed Elbehary2; Hanaa Kenawy Atta2 | ||
| 1Basic Science Department, Faculty of physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. | ||
| 2Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Smartphones have evolved to the point where they are now an essential part of contemporary lifestyles. On the other hand, it has also had a detrimental effect on our way of life. Purpose: The study was made to investigate the effect of smartphone overuse on peak torque of wrist flexors and extensors, handgrip strength and functional performance of hand in physical therapy students. Methods: A total of 60 students aged between 18 and 25 assigned into two groups: Group A (high-frequency smartphone users) and Group B (low-frequency smartphone users) using stratified random method. Levels of smartphone use were determined using the smartphone addiction scale-short version. An isokinetic dynamometer was utilized to measure the peak torque of wrist flexors and extensors. Then, hand-held dynamometer was utilized to measure handgrip strength. The evaluated hand is the dominant hand. Functional abilities of the upper limb and hand were determined via the Patient Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation questionnaire (PRWHE). Results: Group A had significant reduction in wrist extensor and flexor peak torque relative to group B (p < 0.01). Group A had significant reduction in hand grip strength relative to group B (p < 0.05). Compared to group B, group A demonstrated a significant increase in both pain and functional limitation scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Excessive smartphone use led to a reduction in peak torque of wrist flexors and extensors. Also, the hand grip strength was decreased by increasing the level of smartphone use. Hand functions were decreased while wrist pain was increased in high frequency smartphone users. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Hand-Grip strength; Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation; Peak torque; Smartphone addiction | ||
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