The Relationship Between Smartphone Usage Duration with Hand Grip, Pinch Grip Strength and It’s Impact on NCS Motor Parameters of Median Nerve in Young Population – An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: There seems to be a lack of literature regarding the association between handgrip strength and nerve conduction parameters of the median nerve among smartphone users in the young population. There is a need to investigate the inter-relation of grip strength with smartphone usage and motor parameters of the median nerve by carrying out a nerve conduction study. Aims: The study aims to find out the correlation between hand-grip and pinch-grip strength on nerve conduction study motor parameters among smartphone users. Methods and Material: 112 young adult participants were included. Hang grip strength and pinch grip strength were assessed for both hands and after three trials, the average was calculated. The average screen time of their smartphones over the past week was noted, and simultaneously, the motor nerve conduction study parameter of the median nerve was performed. Statistical analysis: Pearson’s correlation was applied to find out the correlation between the component of the handgrip, pinch grip, and motor nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve. The p-value of < 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study obtained a significant negative correlation between smartphone usage with amplitude and nerve conduction velocity and a significant positive correlation with the latency of the median nerve. Conclusions: The study concluded that smartphone usage reduces the hand grip and pinch grip strength and significantly affects the motor parameters of the median nerve. KEYWORDS: Smartphone screen time, hand grip strength, pinch grip strength, median nerve.