Relationship Between Smartphone Overuse and Cervical Proprioception Deficits in Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Excessive smartphone use exposes the cervical spine to prolonged flexed posture, which may impair proprioception and contribute to neck pain among young adults. Objective: To examine the association between smartphone overuse, addiction severity, and cervical proprioception deficits in young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 participants aged 18–30 years in Peshawar. Smartphone use, screen time, and addiction (SAS-SV) were recorded. Cervical proprioception was assessed using laser-guided joint position sense (JPS) testing in flexion, extension, and rotation. Neck pain (VAS) and disability (NDI) were documented. ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression were performed. Results: High smartphone users (>6 h/day) demonstrated significantly greater JPS errors (flexion +1.9°, extension +2.1°, rotation +2.4°) compared with low users (<3 h/day) (all p<0.001). Smartphone hours and addiction scores showed strong correlations with JPS errors (r=0.62–0.72) and neck pain/disability (r=0.64–0.82). Regression analysis revealed that smartphone hours, addiction score, neck pain, disability, posture duration, and physical activity independently predicted flexion JPS error, explaining 68% of variance (p<0.001). Conclusion: Smartphone overuse and addiction are strongly associated with cervical proprioception deficits and neck symptoms in young adults, highlighting the need for preventive ergonomic strategies.