Comparison of Cervical and TMJ Parameters in Young Adults With and Without Text Neck Syndrome

NCT07851805 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: E-60116787-020-622674
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to compare temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine parameters between young university students aged 18-30 years with and without text neck syndrome, a modern overuse condition caused by prolonged digital device use and repetitive forward head flexion. Given the anatomical, biomechanical, and functional connections between the stomatognathic system and the cervical region, prolonged altered posture may contribute to TMJ dysfunction, pain, and altered physical metrics. Participants are categorized into two groups based on photographic and self-reported text neck severity (levels 3-4 for text neck vs. levels 1-2 for non-text neck) and evaluated across multiple physical parameters, including craniovertebral and cervicothoracic angles, active cervical and mandibular range of motion, cervical joint position sense, neck and TMJ pain intensity via Visual Analog Scale, TMJ dysfunction severity using the Turkish-validated Fonseca Questionnaire, static balance via the single-leg stance test, and dynamic balance via the Y Balance Test.

Conditions

Text Neck Syndrome; Postural Balance; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Cervical Posture Angles

  Baseline (at a single assessment point)

• Cervical and Temporomandibular Joint Pain Intensity

  Description: Will be evaluated using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain) for neck pain and TMJ pain (at rest, during activity, and while chewing).

  Baseline (at a single assessment point).

• Cervical Range of Motion (CROM)

  Description: Will be evaluated in degrees for active cervical flexion, extension, bilateral lateral flexion, and bilateral rotation using the CROM (Cervical Range of Motion) device.

  Baseline (at a single assessment point).

• Mandibular Range of Motion

  Description: Will be measured in millimeters (mm) using a digital caliper and ruler for maximum mouth opening, right/left lateral movements, and protrusion.

  Baseline (at a single assessment point).

• Text Neck Posture Classification

  Text neck posture will be assessed using both self-reported perception and standardized photographic analysis.

  Baseline (at a single assessment point).

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Severity

  Baseline.

• Cervical Joint Position Sense (JPS)

  Baseline

• Static Balance

  Baseline.

• Dynamic Balance Assessment using the Y Balance Test

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Text Neck Syndrome Group

Non-Text Neck Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Months - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of young adult university students aged 18 to 30 years recruited from a university campus environment. Participants will be sampled from healthy undergraduate and graduate students who routinely use digital devices (such as smartphones and tablets) in their daily academic and personal activities.

You may qualify if:

• University students aged between 18 and 24 years,
• Group 1: Individuals with level 3 or level 4 text neck posture based on the self-reported posture assessment diagram,
• Group 2: Individuals with level 1 or level 2 text neck posture based on the self-reported posture assessment diagram,
• Being physically and mentally eligible to participate in the study,
• Willingness to voluntarily participate and provide written informed consent prior to study enrollment.

You may not qualify if:

• History of cervical spine surgery,
• Ongoing orthodontic treatment,
• Receiving medical treatment related to the neck or jaw region within the last 3 months,
• Exposure to trauma related to the neck or jaw region within the last 3 months,
• Presence of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Borna Farhoomand: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: MSc, Physiotherapist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 22, 2026
• First Posted: October 1, 2026
• Study Start: October 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 28, 2026
• Last Updated: October 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09