@article{ART003306488},
author={JaeHun Shim},
title={Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis},
journal={Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence},
issn={2466-0078},
year={2026},
volume={12},
number={1},
pages={213-222}
TY - JOUR
AU - JaeHun Shim
TI - Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
JO - Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence
PY - 2026
VL - 12
IS - 1
PB - The Korea Internet of Things Society
SP - 213
EP - 222
SN - 2466-0078
AB - Smartphones have become integral to contemporary life; however, extended usage has been linked to adverse musculoskeletal, visual, sleep, and psychological effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and related studies to assess the health impacts of smartphone exposure and the efficacy of corresponding interventions.
Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 13 studies were included: eleven RCTs, one cross-sectional study, and one systematic review. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and effect sizes were aggregated across relevant domains. The most robust evidence pertained to musculoskeletal outcomes, wherein exercise, telerehabilitation, and ergonomic interventions significantly reduced pain and forward head posture (SMD: −0.6 to −0.9). Studies addressing sleep demonstrated modest benefits associated with abstaining from smartphone use prior to bedtime. Vision-related investigations revealed significant ocular surface strain following smartphone reading. Interventions targeting mental health, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) applications and screen-time reduction strategies, yielded small to moderate improvements in depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness. Overall, excessive smartphone use adversely affects musculoskeletal, visual, and sleep health, whereas digital and behavioral interventions demonstrate potential benefits for psychological well-being. Future investigations ought to strengthen causal inference through the adoption of standardized intervention protocols and the execution of extended follow-up evaluations. Moreover, the development of an evaluative framework that holistically incorporates both physical and psychological outcomes is imperative.
KW - Smartphone;Musculoskeletal Pain;Posture;Vision;Sleep;Depression;Meta-analysis
DO -
UR -
ER -
JaeHun Shim. (2026). Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence, 12(1), 213-222.
JaeHun Shim. 2026, "Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis", Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence, vol.12, no.1 pp.213-222.
JaeHun Shim "Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence 12.1 pp.213-222 (2026) : 213.
JaeHun Shim. Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2026; 12(1), 213-222.
JaeHun Shim. "Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence 12, no.1 (2026) : 213-222.
JaeHun Shim. Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence, 12(1), 213-222.
JaeHun Shim. Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence. 2026; 12(1) 213-222.
JaeHun Shim. Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2026; 12(1), 213-222.
JaeHun Shim. "Prolonged Smartphone Exposure and Its Influence on Pain, Posture, Vision, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence 12, no.1 (2026) : 213-222.
