Effect of Smartphone Use on Grip Strength, Pinch Strength, and Pressure Pain Threshold in General Users Versus Badminton Players

This is a cross-sectional observational study aimed at investigating the musculoskeletal effects of prolonged smartphone use on hand function and determining whether regular engagement in a physically demanding sport like badminton can counteract these effects. With smartphones becoming indispensable in everyday life, many young adults use them for more than 24 to 30 hours per week. This excessive use, especially when combined with poor hand and wrist posture, is associated with musculoskeletal strain, decreased grip and pinch strength, and an increased sensitivity to pain. In contrast, badminton is a sport that requires repetitive and dynamic use of the upper limbs, involving quick reflexes, coordinated wrist actions, and sustained grip, which may improve muscle strength, endurance, and proprioception in the hands. This study aims to explore whether the beneficial physical demands of badminton can offset the potential negative effects of prolonged smartphone use. A total of 54 participants aged between 18 and 28 years will be included in the study and divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of general smartphone users with a usage time of at least 24 hours per week for a minimum of one year, and Group B, consisting of badminton players who also meet the same smartphone usage criteria but have played badminton for at least 34 weeks per year. Participants with a history of recent upper limb injuries, surgeries, fractures, or neurological deficits affecting hand function will be excluded to ensure data reliability. The outcome measures assessed in the study are grip strength, pinch strength, and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Grip strength will be measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, with the participant seated, shoulder adducted and neutrally rotated, elbow at 90°, and forearm and wrist in neutral position. Pinch strength will be assessed using a hydraulic pinch gauge, evaluating tip-to-tip, key pinch, and palmar pinch strength, all measured with proper hand positioning. The pressure pain threshold will be assessed using a digital pressure algometer, applied over a standard point on the thenar eminence. For each of the three outcome parameters, three trials will be conducted, and the average value will be taken as the final score to ensure measurement accuracy and consistency. A minimum rest interval of 1 minute will be given between each trial to prevent fatigue and muscle strain, thereby maintaining the validity of the results. Measurements for the badminton players will be taken 24 hours post-training to ensure the muscle has returned to a neutral state and to avoid acute changes due to immediate physical exertion. The study will help in understanding the contrast between sedentary smartphone-related hand use and the effects of active, sport-related hand use on hand function.