Smartphone usage and its impact on craniovertebral angle and pulmonary functions among general population: an analytical cross-sectional study

Objectives: To determine the association between smartphone usage and its effects on craniovertebral angle (CVA) and pulmonary functions in the general population. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Imran Idrees Hospital, Sialkot, from January to May 2023. A total of 217 participants aged 18–30 years, using smartphones for over 3 hours daily, were selected through simple random sampling. Smartphone addiction was assessed using the validated Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV). Forward head posture (FHP) was evaluated by measuring the craniovertebral angle (CVA), with values ≤53° considered abnormal. Pulmonary functions, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio, were measured using a spirometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, applying chi-square and Friedman tests with a significance level of p ≤0.05. Results: Among 217 participants (69.1% females, mean age 25±3.34 years), 62.3% used smartphones for 4-8 hours/day and 149 (68.6%) were categorized as smartphone addicted. A significant association was found between smartphone addiction and FHP (CVA ≤53°) (p <0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in pulmonary function parameters between addicted and non-addicted participants: FVC (p = 0.230), FEV1 (p = 0.470), and FEV1/FVC (p =0.040). Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is prevalent among young adults and is significantly associated with altered cervical posture, particularly forward head posture. However, no significant impact was found on pulmonary function. These findings highlight the musculoskeletal risks of excessive smartphone use and highlight the importance of ergonomic awareness and preventive strategies in youth.