Effects of smartphone addiction on hand strength and function in young adults

The Effects of Smartphone Addiction on Pinch Strength, Muscle Stiffness, and Hand and Wrist Function in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Istanbul Gelisim University · NCT06843863

This study looks at how being addicted to smartphones affects hand strength and function in young adults aged 18 to 25.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment134 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul Gelisim University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Kağıthane)
Trial IDNCT06843863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the impact of smartphone addiction on pinch strength, muscle stiffness, and hand/wrist function among young adults aged 18 to 25. Participants are screened using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and categorized into two groups based on their addiction levels. Assessments are conducted by expert physiotherapists and include evaluations of wrist and hand pain, muscle stiffness, and pinch strength, all performed on the dominant hand. The study aims to highlight the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with excessive smartphone use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18 to 25 who have been using smartphones for over a year and exhibit signs of smartphone addiction.

Not a fit: Patients with existing upper extremity pain, congenital deformities, or a history of relevant diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the health effects of smartphone addiction, potentially leading to better management strategies for musculoskeletal symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on smartphone addiction and its effects on health are emerging, this specific focus on musculoskeletal symptoms in young adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willing to participate in the study
* Have been using a smartphone for more than one year
* Aged between 18 and 25 years
* Send 25 or more text messages or emails per day
* Spend more than 2 hours browsing the internet and/or play games for more than one hour a day

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having radiating/radicular pain in the upper extremity
* Having neck pain
* Congenital deformities in the upper extremity and neck
* A history of diagnosed neurological, rheumatic, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular diseases
* Having previously undergone surgery on the neck and/or upper extremity
* Having been diagnosed with De Quervain's disease or tendinopathy in the hand/hand wrist muscles before

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Kağıthane

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Smartphone Addiction, Smartphone, Behavior, Addictive, Muscle stiffness, Musculoskeletal Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.