Association of Forward Head Posture and Hand Grip Strength in Young Adults with Prolonged Screen Exposure Young Adults with Prolonged Screen Exposure

Abstract

Background: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is one of the most common postural deviations among young
adults due to prolonged use of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other digital devices. Sustained screen
exposure encourages prolonged neck flexion, poor sitting posture, and inadequate ergonomic practices,
resulting in altered cervical alignment, muscular imbalance, and reduced upper extremity function. Hand
Grip Strength (HGS) is an important indicator of upper limb muscle function and may be influenced by
cervical posture. Although previous studies have reported an association between prolonged screen
exposure and Forward Head Posture, limited evidence is available regarding its relationship with Hand
Grip Strength among young adults. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence
and severity of Forward Head Posture and to investigate its association with Hand Grip Strength in young
adults with prolonged screen exposure.
Methods: A correlational study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Pacific Medical
College and Hospital, Udaipur. A total of 150 young adults aged 18–40 years with prolonged daily screen
exposure were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Forward Head Posture was
assessed using the Postural Observation Method and the Head-to-Wall Distance Test, while Hand Grip
Strength was measured using a hand gripper for both dominant and non-dominant hands. A structured
questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, screen exposure duration, postural habits, and
musculoskeletal symptoms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation
coefficient, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.
Results : A total of 150 participants completed the study. Moderate Forward Head Posture was the most
common finding, followed by mild and severe Forward Head Posture. A statistically significant negative
correlation was observed between Forward Head Posture and Hand Grip Strength (p < 0.05), indicating
that participants with greater postural deviation demonstrated lower grip strength. Participants with
prolonged daily screen exposure also reported a higher prevalence of neck pain, neck stiffness, shoulder
discomfort, headache, fatigue during work, and hand weakness. These findings suggest that prolonged
screen exposure is significantly associated with poor cervical posture and reduced upper extremity muscle
function among young adults.
Conclusion : Forward Head Posture was highly prevalent among young adults with prolonged screen
exposure and showed a significant negative association with Hand Grip Strength. Participants with greater
severity of Forward Head Posture demonstrated lower grip strength and reported more musculoskeletal
symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of early postural assessment, ergonomic education, and
healthy screen-use habits to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and preserve upper extremity function. Early
identification of Forward Head Posture may help reduce the long-term impact of prolonged screen
exposure on functional health.