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NCT Number: NCT07038980

Smartphone Addiction and Cervical Muscular Health

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Smartphone Addiction Behavior Behavior, Addictive Compulsive Behavior Impulsive Behavior Internet Addiction Disorder Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Technology Addiction

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Istanbul, Üsküdar, 34668, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Esra Pehlivan, Associate Professor

CONTACT

[email protected]

02164189616

About this study

Smartphone addiction has become increasingly prevalent among young adults, often accompanied by poor posture and musculoskeletal complaints. This study aims to identify the differences in neck-related pain, disability, and mechanical muscle characteristics between addicted and non-addicted individuals. Participants are assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF), Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), MyotonPRO for muscle tone/stiffness/elastance, and pressure algometry. The findings may contribute to the development of ergonomic and behavioral strategies for musculoskeletal health preservation in digital device users.

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

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

Treatment and study plan

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Quantitative Muscle Mechanical Assessment

    Time frame: Baseline

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Baseline

    A 10-item scale assessing the functional impact of neck pain on daily life, including activities such as driving, reading, work, sleep, and concentration. Each item is scored from 0-5; total scores reflect the severity of neck-related disability.

  2. Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF)

    Time frame: Baseline

    A 10-item, 6-point Likert-type scale used to classify participants as smartphone addicted or not. Validated cutoff values (≥31 for males, ≥33 for females) were used. This tool is used for group classification.

  3. Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS)

    Time frame: Baseline

    A 41-item, 5-point Likert scale evaluating participants' social media usage across four domains: preoccupation, emotional regulation, repetition, and conflict. It helps quantify social media behavior and its relation to neck dysfunction.

  4. Pressure Algometry

    Time frame: Baseline

    Pressure pain thresholds were measured using a handheld algometer on bilateral cervical muscles. Participants were instructed to indicate when pressure became painful. Each site was measured three times, and the mean was recorded. Values reflect tissue sensitivity.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Addiction on Neck Pain and the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Neck Muscles in Young Adults

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 26, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 27, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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