Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
An Assessment Method and Toolkit to Evaluate Keyboard Design on Smartphones
Published on: October 5, 2020
Effects of Smartphone and Hand Anthropometry on Upper Extremity Pain and Functions: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional
Feyza Altındal Karabulut1, Nazire Nur Yıldız1, Nihal Büker2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Bor Faculty of Health Sciences, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye.
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.
