The aim of this study was to determine the short- and long-term effects of smartphone use on the masseter muscle. In the short term, to investigate whether repetitive thumb movements during phone use will cause a spontaneous muscle activation and/or tenderness in the masseter muscle; in the long term, to investigate the relationship between strength change and tenderness of the tenar and masseter muscles depending on the intensity and duration of phone use.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 30 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Smartphone users students between the ages of 18-30 years
* Students whose voluntary informed consent was obtained
Exclusion Criteria:
* Individuals undergoing masseter botox application
* Individuals diagnosed with TMJ disorder and/or bruxism
* Individuals with musculoskeletal problems with evidence of a systemic, specific pathologic condition such as fracture of the hand, finger, upper extremity and/or TMJ, rheumatoid disease
* Individuals who have undergone any surgical operation related to hand, finger, upper extremity and/or TMJ problem
* Individuals with less than 6 months of physiotherapy and rehabilitation services related to hand, finger, upper extremity and/or TMJ
* Individuals with facial paralysis
* Individuals with diagnosed psychiatric illness.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study looked at connections between heavy smartphone use and problems like masseter muscle spasm or hypertrophy — could my jaw tightness or facial tension actually be related to how I'm using my phone, and is that worth evaluating in my case?
2The trial measured pressure pain thresholds and muscle activation in the masseter — are there similar assessments my doctor could do to check whether my jaw muscles are being affected by smartphone habits?
3Since this study also measured hand grip and finger lateral grip strength alongside jaw muscle findings, should I be concerned that heavy smartphone use might be affecting multiple muscle groups, and is that something we should look at together?
4This trial has already been completed — does my doctor know if any results have been published, and what might those findings mean for how I should manage my screen time or jaw symptoms?
5The study used a Smartphone Addiction Scale to categorize participants — is there a way for me to be screened for smartphone addiction as part of understanding what might be contributing to my muscle symptoms?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.