Neck Pain, Smartphone Addiction
Conditions
Brief summary
This cross-sectional observational study investigates how smartphone addiction affects neck pain severity, pressure pain threshold, and mechanical properties of cervical muscles in healthy young adults. Two groups-those with and without smartphone addiction-are compared based on validated addiction scales and objective muscle assessments using MyotonPRO and algometry.
Detailed description
Smartphone addiction has become increasingly prevalent among young adults, often accompanied by poor posture and musculoskeletal complaints. This study aims to identify the differences in neck-related pain, disability, and mechanical muscle characteristics between addicted and non-addicted individuals. Participants are assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF), Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), MyotonPRO for muscle tone/stiffness/elastance, and pressure algometry. The findings may contribute to the development of ergonomic and behavioral strategies for musculoskeletal health preservation in digital device users.
Interventions
OTHERObservational Assessment
Participants in both groups undergo a one-time diagnostic evaluation consisting of: Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF) Neck Disability Index (NDI) MyotonPRO measurement of cervical muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity Pressure pain threshold measurement using a handheld algometer Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) No therapeutic or behavioral intervention is applied. All procedures are non-invasive and conducted for observational purposes only.
Sponsors
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Muscle Mechanical Assessment | Baseline | A handheld digital palpation device used to measure biomechanical properties of superficial cervical muscles (tone, stiffness, elasticity). Measurements are taken bilaterally from specific muscles (e.g., platysma, SCM, upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles) in a resting position. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Disability Index (NDI) | Baseline | A 10-item scale assessing the functional impact of neck pain on daily life, including activities such as driving, reading, work, sleep, and concentration. Each item is scored from 0-5; total scores reflect the severity of neck-related disability. |
| Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Form (SAS-SF) | Baseline | A 10-item, 6-point Likert-type scale used to classify participants as smartphone addicted or not. Validated cutoff values (≥31 for males, ≥33 for females) were used. This tool is used for group classification. |
| Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) | Baseline | A 41-item, 5-point Likert scale evaluating participants' social media usage across four domains: preoccupation, emotional regulation, repetition, and conflict. It helps quantify social media behavior and its relation to neck dysfunction. |
| Pressure Algometry | Baseline | Pressure pain thresholds were measured using a handheld algometer on bilateral cervical muscles. Participants were instructed to indicate when pressure became painful. Each site was measured three times, and the mean was recorded. Values reflect tissue sensitivity. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed