Acute effect of whole-body vibration on hand grip strength, muscular activity, and upper limb function in young females with smartphone addiction: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) on hand grip strength, muscular activity, and upper limb function in young females with smartphone addiction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. 66 females aged 18-25 years with smartphone addiction were randomly distributed into two equal groups; WBV group: It received WBV with strengthening exercises, and Sham WBV group: that received Sham WBV plus strengthening exercises. All participants received two sessions per week for four consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was hand grip strength. Secondary outcomes included pinch strength, muscle activity, and upper limb function. Evaluation was performed at baseline and after 4 weeks.

RESULTS: Post-treatment, there were significantly greater improvement in all variables with more favor to WBV group ( p < 0.001) compared to the Sham WBV group. Mean differences (95% CI) between both groups were 9.48 [7.07, 11.88] for hand grip strength, which is the primary outcome.

CONCLUSION: WBV combined with hand strengthening exercises might have a positive effect in enhancing hand grip strength, pinch strength, muscle activity, and upper limb function among young females with smartphone addiction. WBV could be a valuable adjunct to traditional rehabilitation programs targeting musculoskeletal effects of smartphone overuse.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT06849687.