Prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders in cell phone users

Purpose: In recent years, ownership and usage of cell phones have become widespread, especially amongst young people. The increasing use of text messaging on mobile phones has focused concern on possible musculoskeletal disorders for the users. Hence the purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper limb in cell phone users. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was undertaken to detect the prevalence of CTDs in 1500 college students. Results: The response rate of the survey was 91.9%. Overall prevalence of CTD in the upper limb was found to be 18.5%. Maximum symptoms were noted in thumb (52%). Pain (61.7%) and fatigue (44.3%) were the two most common symptoms reported by the respondents. Conclusions: Mild form of CTD is present in students using cell phones and mainly depends on the pattern of phone usage.