Effect of Sustained Use of Smartphone on the Craniovertebral Angle and Hand Dexterity in Young Adults

Introduction: The advancement in technology has led to an increase in the use of smartphones. So much so that the young generation is getting addicted to it. But, the use of smart phones in a static posture may lead to various postural faults that can cause neck pain. The use of smartphone requires coordinated movement with strength and dexterity of the fingers together with sensory capability and motor control and hence its sustained use may have an effect on its function. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find the effect of sustained use of smartphone on the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) and hand dexterity in young adults. The objective was to to measure the craniovertebral angle and hand dexterity pre and post the smartphone use. Also to assess if a relation exists between the CVA and hand dexterity post smartphone use. Materials and Methodology: A prospective study was performed among 60 young adults using smartphones in the age group of 18-28 years to assess the craniovertebral angle in sitting and hand dexterity after sustained use of smartphone using the photogrammetric method using Kinovea software and Purdue pegboard respectively. Results: It was observed that the CVA decreased at the 15th minute of sustained smartphone use. It was seen that the mean of hand dexterity post smartphone use was reduced than the pre hand dexterity. A significant difference was found between the post and pre hand dexterity for all the components of the Purdue peg board test. Conclusion: Our study showed that sustained smartphone use result in a significant decrease in the Craniovertebral angle and also has a negative effect on the hand dexterity.