Smartphone Addiction and Cervical Muscular Health

NCT07038980 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Smartphone Addiction&Neck
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This cross-sectional observational study investigates how smartphone addiction affects neck pain severity, pressure pain threshold, and mechanical properties of cervical muscles in healthy young adults. Two groups-those with and without smartphone addiction-are compared based on validated addiction scales and objective muscle assessments using MyotonPRO and algometry.

Conditions

Smartphone Addiction; Neck Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Quantitative Muscle Mechanical Assessment

  A handheld digital palpation device used to measure biomechanical properties of superficial cervical muscles (tone, stiffness, elasticity). Measurements are taken bilaterally from specific muscles (e.g., platysma, SCM, upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles) in a resting position.

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Neck Disability Index (NDI)

  Baseline

• Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF)

  Baseline

• Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS)

  Baseline

• Pressure Algometry

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Smartphone Addiction Group

Participants scoring above the cutoff values on the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (≥31 for males, ≥33 for females).

Other: Observational Assessment

Non-Addicted Group

Participants who do not meet the addiction criteria according to the SAS-SF. These individuals demonstrate regular or low smartphone use and serve as a comparative control group for musculoskeletal outcomes.

Other: Observational Assessment

Interventions

Observational Assessment OTHER

Participants in both groups undergo a one-time diagnostic evaluation consisting of: Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF) Neck Disability Index (NDI) MyotonPRO measurement of cervical muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity Pressure pain threshold measurement using a handheld algometer Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) No therapeutic or behavioral intervention is applied. All procedures are non-invasive and conducted for observational purposes only.

Non-Addicted Group; Smartphone Addiction Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of healthy young adults aged between 18 and 30 years who are active smartphone users. All participants were university students without any known neurological, rheumatological, psychiatric, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the cervical region. Individuals were classified into two groups based on their scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF): smartphone-addicted and non-addicted. The population was chosen due to the increasing prevalence of smartphone use and associated postural complaints in this age group.

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18-30 years
• Actively using a smartphone
• Volunteer consent provided

You may not qualify if:

• Any diagnosed cervical spine pathology
• Neurological, rheumatological, or psychiatric disease
• Previous cervical surgery
• Lack of cooperation or inability to understand instructions

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi: lead

Study Sites (1)

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Istanbul, Üsküdar, 34668, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Internet Addiction Disorder; Neck Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Technology Addiction; Behavior, Addictive; Compulsive Behavior; Impulsive Behavior; Behavior; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 18, 2025
• First Posted: June 26, 2025
• Study Start: June 26, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 27, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Locations

TU (1)