Relationship between Information and Communication Device Usage and Development of Hand Disorders

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Orthopedics
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Information and communication devices (ICDs) are integral to modern life.
• Increased ICD usage may correlate with a rise in hand and wrist disorders.
• Understanding this association is crucial for public health and preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the duration of ICD use and the prevalence of specific hand disorders.
• To identify if intensive device usage increases the risk of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 150 healthy university students was studied between January 2017 and 2020.
• Participants underwent clinical assessments for carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Daily usage time for various ICDs (smartphones, PCs, gaming consoles) was recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Average daily ICD usage was 5.76 hours, with smartphones being the most frequently used device.
• Intensive ICD users demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of developing De Quervain's tenosynovitis (P < .001).
• Non-intensive users showed a significantly lower incidence of hand disorders, including De Quervain's tenosynovitis (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Prolonged use of information and communication devices is significantly associated with an increased risk of De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Findings support the need for guidelines to prevent overuse injuries related to digital device engagement.
• Further research can inform preventative measures for digital device-related hand conditions.