Effect of smartphone use on neck posture and function in RA/AS patients and healthy controls
Official title: An Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Usage Levels on Cervical Posture, Tongue Pressure, Balance, and Neck Disability in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Run by Necmettin Erbakan University · NCT07627542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how smartphone use relates to neck posture, tongue pressure, balance, and neck-related disability in people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis compared with healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 111 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Necmettin Erbakan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Konya, Meram) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07627542 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with RA or AS and stable disease activity, who use a smartphone for at least 2 hours daily.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without regular smartphone use or those with unstable rheumatologic activity may not show the same associations.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional, comparative study will examine whether daily smartphone use is linked to changes in cervical posture, neck muscle strength, pain thresholds, balance, and tongue pressure among RA and AS patients versus healthy controls. Three groups of 37 participants each (RA, AS, healthy) will undergo a single-session assessment including demographic data, the Neck Disability Index, and a smartphone addiction scale, along with objective measures of craniovertebral angle, neck extensor strength, neck/shoulder pain thresholds, static balance, and tongue pressure. No therapeutic interventions or follow-up will occur; the goal is to characterize associations rather than treat any condition. Recruitment will occur at Necmettin Erbakan University Hospital, using consecutive sampling after informed consent. Data will be analyzed to distinguish effects due to rheumatologic disease from those due to smartphone use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If associations are found, findings could inform posture-focused strategies to mitigate neck-related symptoms in RA/AS patients who use smartphones heavily.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored posture and technology use, but this exact combination in RA/AS with a healthy control group is relatively novel and exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 to 65 years. * Using a smartphone for at least 2 hours daily. * Able to understand and follow postural commands during clinical measurements. * For the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Group: Diagnosed with RA by a rheumatologist, with a stable disease activity score (DAS28 \< 3.2). * For the Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Group: Diagnosed with AS by a rheumatologist, with a stable disease activity score (BASDAI \< 4). Exclusion Criteria: * History of prior surgical intervention in the cervical region. * Presence of neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, ALS). * Severe visual or hearing impairment. * Vestibular system disorders. * Severe limitation in jaw opening. * Presence of acute neck trauma or malignancy. * Lower extremity amputation or advanced arthritis that prevents performing the balance test. * Active use of muscle relaxants or advanced sedative medications.
Where it's running
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Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic
Konya, Meram, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fatma ERDEO, Assistant Professor
- Email: ferdeo@erbakan.edu.tr
- Phone: +90505 443 17 78
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.