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

The present study aimed to measure wrist flexor and extensor muscle strength, hand grip strength, wrist pain and function in smartphone addicts and non-addicts

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Smartphone Addiction
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Evaluating wrist flexor and extensor peak torque; Other: Evaluating functional disability; Other: Evaluating hand grip strength

Detailed Description

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.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 60

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Cairo, Egypt
    • Nouran Mohamed Saad

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

They will be selected from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.

Description

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.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Group of high-frequency smartphone users; Male and female subjects, who are high-frequency smartphone users at least for two years before the study.	Other: Evaluating wrist flexor and extensor peak torque; Evaluation of wrist flexor and extensor peak torque; Other: Evaluating functional disability; Evaluation of functional disability; Other: Evaluating hand grip strength; Evaluation of hand grip strength
Group of low-frequency smartphone users; Male and female subjects, who are low-frequency smartphone users.	Other: Evaluating wrist flexor and extensor peak torque; Evaluation of wrist flexor and extensor peak torque; Other: Evaluating functional disability; Evaluation of functional disability; Other: Evaluating hand grip strength; Evaluation of hand grip strength

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Measurement of wrist flexor peak torque	It will be measured by the Biodex system 3 pro isokinetic dynamometer.	1 month
Measurement of wrist extensor peak torque	It will be measured by the Biodex system 3 pro isokinetic dynamometer.	1 month
Assessment of functional disability	It will be assessed by the patient-related wrist and hand evaluation (PRWHE) questionnaire.	1 month
Measurement of hand grip strength	It will be measured by a JAMAR Handheld Dynamometer.	1 month

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Cairo University
• Investigators: Study Chair: Hanaa Kenawy, PhD, Faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 10, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): August 10, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): August 20, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 29, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 9, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): July 11, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): August 27, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 26, 2024
• Last Verified: August 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Compulsive Behavior; Impulsive Behavior; Behavior, Addictive; Technology Addiction; Internet Addiction Disorder
• Other Study ID Numbers: P.T.REC/012/005125

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No