Association of Smartphone Usage Duration with Neck Pain, Muscle Endurance and Concentration Performance among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to examine the association between smartphone usage duration and neck pain, neck and scapular muscle endurance, and concentration performance among university students. With the increasing reliance on smartphones for academic, social, and recreational purposes, prolonged usage may contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and reduced functional performance. This observational study will include university students who will be assessed for daily smartphone usage patterns using in-built screen tracking apps, neck pain intensity, neck and scapular muscle endurance, and concentration levels using standardized and validated tools. Informed consent from the participants will be ensured. Participants will be categorized based on smartphone usage duration to allow comparison between different usage groups- less than 4 hours and more than 4 hours of usage. Data will be recorded and analyzed using SPSS to see the relationship between variables. The findings are expected to provide insight into the potential impact of excessive smartphone use on musculoskeletal health as well as cognitive parameters, and may help in developing targeted interventions, preventive strategies, ergonomic interventions, awareness programs promoting healthy device use and encouraging students to be mindful of their posture and digital consumption habits. Ultimately, it aims to foster a more health-conscious and productive student community in an increasingly digital world.