Effectiveness of Structured Stretching and Strengthening Exercise Programme on upper postural change in Frequent Smartphone Users: A Pre-Post Experimental Study

Authors

  • P. Muthukrishnan
  • Raja Durai

Keywords:

cervicothoracic alignment, scapulothoracic kinematics, smartphone posture, forward head posture, exercise intervention, university students

Abstract

The escalating prevalence of smartphone use among university students has precipitated documented postural alterations characterized by forward head posture, increased thoracic kyphosis, and scapular dyskinesis. This pre-post experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of an eight-week structured stretching and strengthening exercise intervention on cervicothoracic alignment, scapulothoracic kinematics, and smartphone-related postural deviations in frequent smartphone users. Sixty university students (aged 18–25 years; mean daily smartphone usage >6 hours) were enrolled in this experimental study. Participants underwent baseline measurements including three-dimensional scapulothoracic kinematic analysis, head-neck posture assessment via photogrammetry, cervical and thoracic range of motion measurement, smartphone addiction scale scoring, and ergonomic usage pattern evaluation. The intervention comprised supervised stretching exercises targeting pectoralis major and minor, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles, combined with strengthening protocols for deep cervical flexors, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and rhomboid muscles, performed 5 days weekly. Outcome measurements were reassessed post-intervention. Significant improvements were observed in anterior head translation (mean reduction 12.3 mm; p<0.001), scapular dyskinesis indices (p<0.001), cervical extension range of motion (mean increase 11.5 degrees; p<0.001), and thoracic extension (mean increase 13.2 degrees; p<0.001). Smartphone Addiction Scale scores decreased by 28.4% (p<0.001), and ergonomic assessment scores improved significantly (p<0.001). These findings demonstrate that structured exercise intervention effectively ameliorates postural deviations induced by frequent smartphone use and reduces smartphone addiction behaviors in university students. The study supports integration of targeted exercise protocols in physiotherapy management strategies for smartphone-related postural disorders. Results align with evidence-based musculoskeletal rehabilitation principles and current clinical practice guidelines for postural correction interventions



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Published

2025-08-20

How to Cite

1.
Muthukrishnan P, Durai R. Effectiveness of Structured Stretching and Strengthening Exercise Programme on upper postural change in Frequent Smartphone Users: A Pre-Post Experimental Study. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 20 [cited 2026 Apr. 17];14(8):1015-23. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/10049

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 8 (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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