Effect of smartphone usage on hand grip, finger pinch grip and digital tactile sensation among young dental practitioners

Aim: To assess the relationship between smartphone usage and hand grip strength, pinch grip strength, and digital tactile sensation among young dental practitioners. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 registered dental practitioners with one to five years of clinical experience. Smartphone usage was evaluated using the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV) questionnaire and seven days’ average daily screen-time data from participants’ mobile devices. Participants were categorized as high, average, and low smartphone users based on their screen time. Participants’ smartphone addiction was assessed using the SAS-SV score. Handgrip and pinch grip strength were measured with standard dynamometric devices, and digital tactile sensation was assessed with an aesthesiometer. The measured data were compared and analyzed between varying smartphone usage groups. Results: Handgrip strength was significantly lower among high smartphone users (16.28 ± 15.17) than among low smartphone users (24.16 ± 14.1). Similarly, pinch grip strength was markedly reduced in high users (13.70 ± 4.0) compared to low users (17.12 ± 4.76). Digital tactile sensation was also found to be reduced among participants with higher smartphone usage. Conclusion: Excessive smartphone use negatively affects handgrip strength, pinch grip strength, and digital tactile sensation among young dental practitioners.