Tonus, Stiffness and Elasticity of Hand and Wrist Muscles in Smartphone Addiction

Investigation of Tonus, Stiffness and Elasticity of Hand and Wrist Muscles in Intensive Smartphone Use

The aim of this study was to investigate the tonus, stiffness and elasticity of the hand and wrist muscles in intensive smartphone use.

Consent was obtained from the students with the 'Informed Voluntary Consent Form' and the sociodemographic data of the students were recorded on the previously prepared Descriptive Data Form. The students were asked to fill out the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form. Before starting the clinical evaluation, anamnesis was taken from the students and their general health status, phone usage time (minutes) and exclusion criteria were questioned. Myotone evaluations of the tenar region, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi radialis and extensor carpi ulnaris muscles were performed. Then, the standard grip strength of the dominant and non-dominant side hand was evaluated with Saehan hand dynamometer and the lateral grip strength of the thumb was evaluated with Saehan pinchmeter.

Inclusion Criteria:

• To study at Bandirma Onyedi Eylül University
• Students between the ages of 18-30 years, whose voluntary consent was obtained and who use smartphones

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with musculoskeletal system problems such as fractures of the hand, fingers and upper extremities, rheumatoid disease with evidence of systemic, specific pathological conditions
• Individuals who have undergone any surgical operation related to hand, finger and upper extremity problems
• Individuals who have received hand, finger and upper extremity related physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in less than 6 months
• Individuals with diagnosed psychiatric illness.