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NCT Number: NCT07040267

Smartphone Addiction on the Biomechanical Properties of Thumb Muscles and Thumb Sensory Sensitivity

This study will aim to assess the effects of smartphone addiction on thumb muscle biomechanics and sensory sensitivity among university students. The research will investigate whether excessive smartphone use leads to significant differences in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and sensory discrimination capabilities.

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Key information

Conditions

Smartphone Addiction Behavior Behavior, Addictive Compulsive Behavior Impulsive Behavior Internet Addiction Disorder Technology Addiction Thumb Injury

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Esra Pehlivan

Istanbul, Üsküdar, 34668, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

ESRA PEHLİVAN

CONTACT

[email protected]

02164189616

About this study

This will be a prospective, non-randomized, controlled observational study designed to examine the impact of smartphone addiction on the neuromuscular and sensory function of the thumbs. A total of 36 university students aged 18 to 30 will be recruited and categorized into two groups based on their scores from the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV): addicted and non-addicted.

Participants' weekly screen times will be recorded, and the smartphone applications used will be categorized. The MyotonPro™ device will be used to measure the biomechanical properties of three thumb muscles (abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis) in both hands. Sensory function will be assessed bilaterally using the Baseline Aesthesiometer via two-point discrimination testing.

This study will evaluate whether significant biomechanical or sensory changes are observable among addicted users compared to non-addicted users, and whether screen time is correlated with any muscular or sensory outcomes.

Who can participate

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 18-30 years
  • Currently enrolled university students
  • Regular smartphone users

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of systemic, chronic, or neuromuscular disorders
  • History of upper limb surgery or trauma
  • Neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting upper extremities
  • Subcutaneous fat over target muscles >20 mm
  • Presence of wounds or burns on the measurement area

Treatment and study plan

Thumb evaluations

Diagnostic Test

There is no therapeutic or experimental intervention in this study. All procedures will be limited to diagnostic evaluations. The study will include non-invasive biomechanical and sensory assessments to compare the thumb muscle characteristics and sensory discrimination between smartphone-addicted and non-addicted university students.

Specifically, muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity will be measured using the MyotonPro™ device, and thumb sensory sensitivity will be evaluated using a Baseline Aesthesiometer with a two-point discrimination test. These assessments will be conducted during a single laboratory visit and will not involve any treatment, medication, or behavioral intervention.

This is a purely observational study aimed at identifying potential associations between smartphone usage patterns and thumb neuromuscular or sensory changes.

Primary outcomes

  1. MyotonPro™ Muscle Assessment

    Time frame: Baseline

    This device will be used to assess muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity in the abductor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis, and flexor pollicis brevis muscles of both hands. Measurements will be performed with the participant in a standardized seated position.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Baseline Aesthesiometer Sensory Assessment

    Time frame: Baseline

    This instrument will be used to evaluate thumb sensory sensitivity through two-point discrimination testing on both hands. Participants will be blindfolded during the procedure and tested at the distal phalanx of the thumb.

  2. Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV)

    Time frame: Baseline

    The Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV) is a validated self-report questionnaire developed to assess the risk of smartphone addiction, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It consists of 10 items, each rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree). The total score ranges from 10 to 60, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of smartphone addiction.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Addiction on the Biomechanical Properties of Thumb Muscles and Thumb Sensory Sensitivity in University Students

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 27, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 2, 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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