Effectiveness of Median Nerve Mobilization on Hand Grip Strength, Pinch Strength and Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity Among College Students with Smartphone Overuse

Excessive smartphone uses and repetitive hand activities among young adults may contribute to early median nerve dysfunction, reduced hand strength, and altered nerve conduction parameters. Median nerve mobilization techniques are commonly used in physiotherapy to improve neural mobility, muscular performance, and functional hand ability. The current investigation sought to assess and contrast the efficacy of median nerve mobilization on grip strength, pinch strength and nerve conduction velocity among participants using HHD, Pinch Meter and NCV as outcome measures. The 36 participants in the study were split equally between Group A (the experimental group) and Group B (the control group). The study's findings demonstrated that both groups considerably improved following the intervention., suggesting that both treatment regimens were successful in enhancing neuromuscular and functional performance. A randomized trial was conducted on 36 participants who were equally allocated into Group A (Experimental Group) and Group B (Control Group) using block randomization. For four weeks, Group A received Median nerve mobilization and convention treatment, and Group B received only conventional treatment. Outcome measures included Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD) for grip strength, Pinch Meter for pinch strength, and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) for electrophysiological assessment. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed for both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 software. Normality was tested using Shapiro wilk test. Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric and non-parametric tests based on the distribution characteristics of the data. Effect size, post hoc power analysis, and Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) were also calculated. Following the interventions, both groups exhibited within-group improvement intervention in grip strength, pinch strength, and nerve conduction velocity (p < 0.05). The between-group analysis revealed statistically significant difference for HHD, Pinch Meter and NCV outcomes, indicating effectiveness of both interventions for improving muscular strength hand function and neural conduction, with the experimental group demonstrating comparatively greater improvement than the control group. The observed improvements exceeded the calculated MCID values, indicating clinically meaningful improvement. Based on the results of the study, both intervention protocols were effective in improving hand strength and neural function among smartphone-overusing college students. However, the experimental intervention demonstrated superior improvement compared to the control intervention. Therefore, the experimental intervention may be considered an effective therapeutic approach for enhancing neuromuscular performance and functional outcomes. The study supports the clinical usefulness of these rehabilitation approaches in enhancing neuromuscular performance and functional outcomes.