Effects of Smartphone and Hand Anthropometry on Upper Extremity Pain and Functions: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Frequent smartphone use has been associated with musculoskeletal complaints in the upper extremity.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the effects of smartphone use and hand anthropometry on upper extremity pain and function in a university population.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 435 students and staff aged 17-63 years. Hand anthropometric measurements and grip strength (gross and pinch) were recorded. Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF), QuickDASH, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess smartphone addiction, upper extremity function, and pain.

RESULTS

Weak to moderate negative correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between hand length, palm length, hand width, and maximum hand span with upper extremity pain and function. Grip strength was negatively correlated with pain levels (p < 0.005). Phone size was not associated with upper extremity symptoms or addiction. Hand length and phone key usage style were significantly associated with upper extremity function.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand anthropometry and grip-related factors were associated with upper extremity symptoms and function, whereas smartphone size was not a significant factor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06373315.