Effect of Smartphone Addiction Level on Manual and Finger Dexterity, Hand Grip Strength, Pinch Grip Strength, and Thumb Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students

This study examined smartphone addiction's effect on manual and finger dexterity, hand and pinch grip strength, and thumb pressure pain threshold in university students. The study included 127 university students aged 19–25 years. Smartphone usage level was assessed with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form, pressure pain threshold with an algometer, pinch grip strength with a pinch meter, hand grip strength with a hand dynamometer, and dexterity with the Purdue pegboard test and the Minnesota manual dexterity test. The groups had no difference in hand and pinch grip strength, thumb pressure pain threshold, and dexterity (p > .05). Females with and without smartphone addiction had similar results (p > .05), and males with smartphone addiction showed differences in some dexterity parameters and palmar pinch strength (p < .05). In undergraduate students, smartphone addiction was not found to have any adverse effect on hand and pinch grip strength, pressure pain threshold, and dexterity. Excessive smartphone use by males may affect some dexterity parameters and palmar pinch strength. Future studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of excessive smartphone use regarding gender differences and different age groups.