Smartphone addiction: effects on thumb muscle mechanics and touch sensitivity
Official title: Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Addiction on the Biomechanical Properties of Thumb Muscles and Thumb Sensory Sensitivity in University Students
Run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT07040267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if heavy smartphone use changes thumb muscle stiffness and touch sensitivity in university students aged 18–30.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07040267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students aged 18–30 who regularly use smartphones and have no systemic, neurological, or recent upper-limb surgical history.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with systemic neuromuscular disease, prior upper-limb surgery or trauma, significant subcutaneous fat over target muscles (>20 mm), or wounds at the measurement site are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective, non-randomized, controlled observational study will compare 36 university students aged 18–30 categorized as smartphone-addicted or non-addicted using the SAS-SV. Weekly screen time and types of smartphone applications will be recorded to characterize exposure. Biomechanical properties of three thumb muscles (abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis) will be measured bilaterally with a MyotonPro™, and sensory function will be tested bilaterally using two-point discrimination with a Baseline Aesthesiometer. Group differences and correlations between screen time and muscular or sensory outcomes will be analyzed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could suggest that reducing excessive smartphone use helps preserve thumb muscle function and touch sensitivity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked heavy smartphone use to thumb pain and functional changes, but applying MyotonPro biomechanical measures and structured two-point discrimination in this young-adult population is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Esra Pehlivan
Istanbul, Üsküdar, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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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.