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ARTICLE TYPE : RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published on :   02 Mar 2026, Volume - 2
Journal Title :   WebLog Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil
Source URL:   weblog iconhttps://weblogoa.com/articles/wjptr.2026.c0203
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :  doi iconhttps://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19034592

Prevalence of Smartphone-Related Cervico Scapulothoracic Postural Deviations and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

P. Muthukrishnan 1 *
Dr. Raja Durai 2
1M.P.T (Orthopaedics), Research Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2MS Ortho, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Research, MAHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Smartphone usage among college students has become ubiquitous, with daily screen time exceeding 4–6 hours in sustained flexed cervical postures. Prolonged smartphone engagement precipitates forward head posture, scapular dyskinesis, and associated musculoskeletal symptomatology. However, the integrated prevalence of cervico-scapulothoracic postural deviations specifically in college-age populations remains incompletely characterized.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of smartphone-related cervico-scapulothoracic postural deviations and associated musculoskeletal symptoms among college students, utilizing integrated linear postural indices including occipital protuberance–C7 distance, phonoion–sternal angle distance, and Scapulothoracic Index.

Keywords: Smartphone Usage; Prevalence; Forward Head Posture; Cervico-Scapulothoracic Alignment; College Students; Postural Assessment; Musculoskeletal Symptoms; Cross-Sectional Study

Citation

Muthukrishnan P, Durai R. Prevalence of Smartphone-Related Cervico Scapulothoracic Postural Deviations and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil. wjptr.2026.c0203. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19034592
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