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

Musculoskeletal Care. 2026 Mar;24(1):e70188. doi: 10.1002/msc.70188.

ABSTRACT

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.

PMID:41741395 | DOI:10.1002/msc.70188