Smartphone addiction: effects on thumb muscle mechanics and touch sensitivity
Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Addiction on the Biomechanical Properties of Thumb Muscles and Thumb Sensory Sensitivity in University Students
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07040267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Istanbul, Üsküdar
- Esra Pehlivan — Istanbul, Üsküdar, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.