Hand Performance and Strength Evaluation in Smartphone users in the Healthy Population: A Study Protocol

Jasraj Kaur Bhamra Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0835-7659 Waqar M. Naqvi (  waqar.naqvi@dmimsu.edu.in ) Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4484-8225 Sakshi P. Arora Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2706-3461


Introduction
In the 21st century, technology plays a crucial role in human life. Well amidst all of its devices, the Smartphone is a wonderful advancement in modern technology (1). The invention and popularization of the "smartphone" encapsulate the legacy of these signi cant developments (2). In the recent decade, when technology evolves at rapid speed and frequency with which we use it evolves as well (3).
Smartphones are becoming more and more indispensable in daily life, and they provide an inclusive of mobile applications for acquired facts, communication, adult education, and entertainment (4). Smartphone usage has a wide range of goals and purposes. Several studies have found that smartphones have various social and medical bene ts (5). Young children have become keen smartphone users as a result of their social involvement with communication technologies (6). This is because these portable gadgets may serve as a phone, internet browser, camera, e-mail service, multimedia player and navigation system, in addition to facilitating social networking and game play (7).
On the one hand, technology gives us a variety of fantastic functions, but its extensive use has negative implications for our physical and mental health (1). Excessive smartphone use can lead to addictive behaviours, which can lead to alterations in the users' musculoskeletal system (8). The average amount of time spent on a smartphone by university students was > 3.5 hours per day, with soreness at the base of the thumb. Dry eyes, computer vision complication, neck as well as shoulder issues, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, and thumb and wrist weakness are some of the complications along with negative effects of prolonged smartphone use. These challenges would reduce the hand's functionality over time, potentially leading to psychological issues resulting in low quality of life (9). The use of the internet has become excessive among youths and adults all over the world. Excessive internet use causes psychological illnesses, low self-esteem, sadness, and poor academic and professional performance (5).
Researchers have developed scales to assess smartphone addiction to identify smartphone addicts. The "Smartphone Addiction Scale" (SAS) and the "Smartphone Addiction Inventory" (SPAI) are two of the most commonly utilized screening instruments in recent studies. The SPAI is a 26-item questionnaire whereas, the SAS-SV has a question of 10 items. SAS-SV is shorter as well as effortless to complete, making it more appropriate for the young population (8). Osailan evaluated the association among smartphone use (in time units) along with hand-grip strength among youthful individuals. It was found out that in comparison to lower frequency smartphone users, greater frequency smartphone users reported weaker handgrip strength (9).
Gripping, continuous pushing movements along with repeated thumb motions, Despite, were all risk factors for upper-limb dysfunction (6). The qDASH questionnaire has ICC reliability of 0.90 as well as validity is Pearson r > 0.70. It is an automatic management region-speci c outcome device designed to assess upper-extremity impairment along with symptoms. The qDASH had a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.9) (10). Its goal is to diagnose upper limb problems of various symptoms, evaluate changes over time, and assess intervention outcomes. Clinically, it is one of the nest upper limb measurements. The qDASH, a shorter, more quickly administered variant of the DASH, was created (11).
This study aimed to evaluate the hand performance and strength of smartphone users in a normal healthy population. Keeping the objective as to evaluate hand-grip strength, whereas nding out the smartphone addiction and Upper extremity functional assessments in a healthy population. Reagents Equipment Procedure 1. All participants will be explained thoroughly with the procedure.
2. Consent will be taken and data will be collected using Google form of SAS-SV and qDASH questionnaire will be used to evaluate the smartphone addiction and assess the upper extremity functional independency.