Smartphone addiction and neck muscle health

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

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT07038980

This project will see if smartphone addiction is linked to more neck pain and changes in neck muscle stiffness in healthy young adults.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment54 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar)
Trial IDNCT07038980 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a cross-sectional observational project comparing healthy smartphone users aged 18–30 who meet validated thresholds for smartphone addiction with those who do not. Participants complete the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Form (SAS-SF), the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to capture self-reported use and symptoms. Objective measurements of cervical muscle mechanical properties are taken with MyotonPRO (tone, stiffness, elastance) and pressure pain threshold is measured by algometry. People with diagnosed cervical spine pathology, neurological, rheumatological, or psychiatric disease, prior cervical surgery, or inability to cooperate are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–30 who actively use a smartphone, can follow instructions, and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with diagnosed cervical spine pathology, neurological, rheumatological, or psychiatric disease, prior cervical surgery, or those unable to cooperate are unlikely to benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a link is confirmed, results could help design ergonomic and behavioral changes to prevent or reduce neck pain in young smartphone users.

How similar studies have performed: Other cross-sectional studies have reported associations between high smartphone use and neck pain, and technologies like MyotonPRO and algometry have been used successfully to detect muscle mechanical differences.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Üsküdar

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, Neck 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.