Smartphones have become an indispensable part of daily life, and their increasing use has raised concerns about various health effects, including musculoskeletal symptoms. Repetitive movements of the thumb and hand muscles can lead to issues such as tendinosis, myofascial pain syndrome, and a decrease in pinch strength. Studies have shown that musculoskeletal symptoms related to smartphone use are common among young adults and university students. Additionally, an increase in device size may place greater strain on the wrist and finger muscles. Repetitive movements can cause stiffness changes in the thumb muscles, and the relationship between these changes and pinch strength is considered an important research topic. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of smartphone addiction on pinch strength, muscle stiffness, hand/wrist pain, and function in young adults.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 25 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:
* Willing to participate in the study
* Have been using a smartphone for more than one year
* Aged between 18 and 25 years
* Send 25 or more text messages or emails per day
* Spend more than 2 hours browsing the internet and/or play games for more than one hour a day
Exclusion Criteria:
* Having radiating/radicular pain in the upper extremity
* Having neck pain
* Congenital deformities in the upper extremity and neck
* A history of diagnosed neurological, rheumatic, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular diseases
* Having previously undergone surgery on the neck and/or upper extremity
* Having been diagnosed with De Quervain's disease or tendinopathy in the hand/hand wrist muscles before
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
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.