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

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.