• Dr,. ANUPAMA DHURIA
• Dr. SHALLABH KUMAR SINGH

In the digital era, smartphones have become integral to the daily lives of undergraduate students, raising concerns about their potential impact on posture and musculoskeletal health. Forward head posture, a common issue associated with prolonged smartphone use, can lead to discomfort and postural imbalances. Understanding the relationship between smartphone usage and posture in this demographic is essential for developing targeted interventions and promoting responsible smartphone habits. This cross-sectional study assessed the posture of undergraduate students and explored the prevalence of forward head posture deviations. A diverse sample of undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years, who regularly used smartphones, participated in the study. The Plumb Line Test was used for quantitative posture assessment, while self-reported data on smartphone usage patterns and posture-related discomfort were collected through questionnaires. Qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into students' perceptions regarding smartphone usage and its impact on posture. The average forward head posture deviation among undergraduate students was 2.6 cm, indicating some participants exhibited forward head posture. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.42) was found between average daily smartphone usage time and forward head posture deviation, suggesting increased smartphone usage is associated with poorer posture. Qualitative interviews revealed students' heavy reliance on smartphones, the experience of posture-related discomfort, and challenges in maintaining proper ergonomics during smartphone use. The study highlights the importance of addressing smartphone usage habits and promoting responsible smartphone use among undergraduate students. Educational interventions focused on ergonomic practices, posture alignment strategies, and the significance of taking breaks during smartphone use can mitigate posture-related issues. By raising awareness of the potential impact of smartphone usage on posture, this study contributes to improved musculoskeletal health among the tech-savvy student population

Digital Era, Forward Head Posture, Smartphone Usage, Posture,.

"FROM SMARTPHONES TO HUNCHBACKS: UNDERSTANDING STUDENT POSTURE IN THE DIGITAL ERA ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 7, page no.j186-j189, July-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2307926.pdf

"FROM SMARTPHONES TO HUNCHBACKS: UNDERSTANDING STUDENT POSTURE IN THE DIGITAL ERA ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 7, page no. ppj186-j189, July-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2307926.pdf