The Impact of Handheld Device Use on Hand Biomechanics

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Hand and Wrist Health
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Ubiquitous cell phone use raises concerns about potential long-term hand biomechanical impacts.
• Existing literature lacks comprehensive understanding of handheld device effects on hand anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize findings on handheld device use and hand biomechanics.
• Identify common patterns and research gaps in the literature.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search across multiple databases.
• Screened 1556 studies, including 28 that examined cell phone and tablet use.
• Focused on kinematics, muscle activity, joint, nerve, and tendon involvement.

Main Results:

• Handheld device use positions thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in extreme abduction.
• Observed increased muscle activity in specific hand muscles (e.g., first dorsal interossei, abductor pollicis brevis).
• Handheld device operation relies heavily on thumb CMC/MCP joints and intrinsic hand muscles.

Conclusions:

• Current handheld device use patterns may negatively impact hand and wrist biomechanics.
• Recommend ergonomic strategies such as two-hand grips or voice texting.
• Further research is needed to assess long-term consequences of cell phone use on hand and wrist health.