To Study the Impact of Text Neck Syndrome on Static Scapula Position, Hand Eye Coordination and Quality of Sleep Among College Students

Abstract

Text Neck Syndrome (TNS), resulting from prolonged smartphone use and forward head posture (FHP), has become a significant public health issue among university students. This cross-sectional study examined its effects on scapular positioning, hand-eye coordination, and sleep quality in 222 college students (aged 18–25.5 years) from Delhi NCR, selected via convenience sampling. Participants included those with ≥3 hours/day of smartphone use and FHP (cranio-vertebral angle <50°), while individuals with high anxiety/depression scores (HADS >7), prior injuries, or neurological conditions were excluded.

Assessments revealed significant correlations between FHP and altered scapular kinematics, including increased upward rotation at 60°–90° abduction (*p* < 0.01) and reduced protraction (*p* < 0.05). Hand-eye coordination, measured via the Alternate Hand Wall Toss Test, was negatively impacted by pain levels (*r* = 0.145, *p* = 0.031). Additionally, 83.3% of participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI >5), which was associated with higher pain levels (*r* = 0.165, *p* = 0.014) and increased screen time (*r* = 0.202, *p* = 0.002). Notably, 94.6% exhibited mild FHP (CV angle: 40°–50°).

The findings highlight the detrimental effects of TNS on musculoskeletal function and sleep quality among students. The study underscores the urgent need for ergonomic interventions, posture correction strategies, and screen-time moderation in academic settings to mitigate the growing health risks associated with TNS.