Smartphone Use and Hand Function in Young Adults
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Assessment Protocol.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Smartphone Addiction. Basic parameters: 18 years — 35 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Relationship Between Daily Smartphone Use Duration and Dominant Hand Grip Strength, Thumb Strength, Wrist and Thumb Proprioception in Young Adults
Overview
This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between daily smartphone usage duration and hand function parameters in young adults. Specifically, the study will examine the association between smartphone screen time and dominant hand grip strength, thumb strength, and wrist and thumb proprioception. Healthy individuals aged 18-35 years will be included. All participants will undergo a single-session assessment including measurement of smartphone usage duration, hand grip strength, pinch strength, and joint position sense of the wrist and thumb. The findings are expected to provide insight into the potential effects of prolonged smartphone use on hand function and proprioceptive performance in young adults.
Detailed description
The widespread use of smartphones in daily life has increased significantly, particularly among young adults. While these devices provide convenience and accessibility, excessive smartphone use has been associated with various musculoskeletal and functional impairments, particularly in the upper extremity. Repetitive thumb movements, sustained grip positions, and prolonged device use may negatively affect muscle strength, joint proprioception, and overall hand function. Previous studies have reported that excessive smartphone use may lead to decreased grip strength, altered thumb mechanics, and impaired proprioception. However, there is limited research directly examining the relationship between objectively measured smartphone usage duration and detailed hand function parameters. This study is designed as a cross-sectional, observational, and analytical investigation. Healthy individuals aged 18-35 years will be recruited. Participants with a history of upper extremity injury, neurological disease, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the hand and wrist will be excluded. All participants will be evaluated in a single session. Demographic data and clinical history will be recorded. Smartphone usage duration will be obtained from built-in device tracking systems (Screen Time for iOS and Digital Wellbeing for Android) based on the last 7 days of use.
Interventions
- Other Assessment Protocol
All participants will undergo a standardized assessment protocol including measurement of smartphone addiction level, daily smartphone screen time from the past 7 days, dominant hand grip strength, thumb pinch strength, wrist proprioception, and thumb proprioception in a single session
Primary outcome measures
- Hand Grip Strength [Time frame: Single assessment at baseline]
- Thumb Pinch Strength [Time frame: Single assessment at baseline]
- Thumb Active Joint Position Sense (JPS) [Time frame: Single assessment at baseline]
- Wrist Joint Position Sense (JPS) [Time frame: Single assessment at baseline]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Smartphone Screen Time [Time frame: Single assessment at baseline]
- Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form [Time frame: Single assessment at baseline]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Healthy adults
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Voluntary participation in the study
Exclusion criteria
- History of hand or wrist surgery
- Fracture or serious injury in the hand/thumb within the last 6 months
- Neurological disorders
- Rheumatologic diseases
- Cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi — Istanbul
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07540546 · Smartphone&Proprioception1