Smartphone and video game use and arm/hand pain and function
The Effects of Smartphone and Digital Game Addiction on Pain and Upper Extremity Function: A Comparative Study
This project will see if heavy smartphone and video game use is linked to more pain and worse arm and hand function in adults aged 18–45.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07573345 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational assessment of adults aged 18–45 that examines relationships between smartphone and video game use, reported pain, and upper extremity performance. Participants complete questionnaires about device use and symptoms and undergo physical and functional upper-limb assessments. People with major musculoskeletal surgery, neurological, systemic, rheumatic, or serious psychiatric conditions, active infections, or BMI ≥30 are excluded. All visits take place at a single site in Istanbul and no experimental treatments are given.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–45 who volunteer, regularly use smartphones or video games, and have no major musculoskeletal, neurological, systemic, rheumatic, or serious psychiatric conditions and a BMI under 30 are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with recent major upper-body surgery or trauma, active systemic or rheumatic disease, serious neurological or psychiatric disorders, active infections, or BMI ≥30 are excluded and unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a clear link is found, the results could help clinicians and users identify device-related risks and guide advice to reduce pain and improve arm/hand function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have reported associations between high screen time and musculoskeletal pain or reduced upper-limb function, but findings are mixed and causal links remain unproven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18-45 years old * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who have undergone major surgery or trauma related to the musculoskeletal system, primarily the upper extremities and trunk * Individuals with neurological diseases * Individuals with active rheumatic diseases * Individuals with systemic diseases (diabetes, hypothyroidism, infection, malignancy, etc.) * Individuals with serious psychological problems (scoring 30 or higher on the BDE) * Individuals with contraindications to the assessment methods (acute inflammations, viral and bacterial infections, infectious diseases, fever, deep vein thrombosis, active malignant disease, aneurysms) * Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2)
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Istinye University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kubra Kardes, Asst. Prof.
- Email: kubrakoce@gmail.com
- Phone: 05387115631
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.