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Evaluating hand performance and strength in children with high rates of smartphone usage: an observational study
Nadia L Radwan1,2, Marwa M Ibrahim3,2, Waleed Salah El-Din Mahmoud2,4
1Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
Insights
High smartphone use in children significantly reduces handgrip and pinch strength, particularly in the dominant hand. Hand function also declines, regardless of smartphone usage level, affecting the dominant hand.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Occupational Therapy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Increasing smartphone use among children raises concerns about potential impacts on physical development.
- Hand dominance plays a crucial role in fine motor skills and overall hand function.
- Understanding the interplay between digital device usage and musculoskeletal health is vital for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between smartphone usage frequency and hand dominance.
- To assess the effects on handgrip strength, pinch strength, and functional hand performance in children.
- To identify potential risks associated with high smartphone use in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Sixty children (9-15 years) were categorized into high-frequency (Group A) and low-frequency (Group B) smartphone users based on the smartphone addiction scale-short version.
- Handgrip and pinch strengths were measured using a hand dynamometer and pinch gauge.
- Functional hand performance was evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire.
Main Results:
- High-frequency smartphone users exhibited reduced handgrip and pinch strength, most notably in their dominant hands.
- Functional hand performance, as measured by QuickDASH scores, was diminished in the dominant hand for both high- and low-frequency smartphone users.
- A significant decrease in hand function was observed in the dominant hands of children across different smartphone usage levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated smartphone use is linked to diminished handgrip and pinch strength, as well as reduced hand function in children.
- The dominant hand appears particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of both high smartphone usage and potentially other factors affecting hand function.
- These findings highlight the need for awareness regarding the physical consequences of excessive screen time on children's hand development and function.
Abstract:
[Purpose] This study investigated the interaction effects between the levels of smartphone use and hand dominance on handgrip, pinch strengths, and functional hand performance in children. [Participants and Methods] A total of 60 children aged between 9 and 15 were assigned into two groups: Group A (high-frequency smartphone users) and Group B (low-frequency smartphone users). Use levels were determined according to the smartphone addiction scale-short version. A hand dynamometer and pinch gauge were used to measure handgrip and pinch strength respectively. Functions of the upper extremity and hand were scored using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. [Results] Group A participants had reduced measurements in hand grip and pinch strength, especially in the dominant hand. However, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores indicated that hand function was decreased in the dominant hand whether the child was a high- or low-frequency smartphone user. [Conclusion] Results indicated that high levels of smartphone use diminished hand and pinch-grip strengths as well as and hand function. That is, hand and pinch-grip strengths were reduced in the dominant hands of high-frequency smartphone users. However, hand functions were affected in the dominant hands among both high and low-level smartphone users.
