Investigation of the effect of smartphone addiction on upper extremity functions in healthy adults in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Turkey has a high rate of average daily phone usage time.

PURPOSE: The study was planned to investigate the effect of smartphone addiction on upper extremity function in healthy adults in Turkey.

STUDY

DESIGN

The study was designed as a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The study was conducted between January to May 2025 with university students studying at a university in Turkey. Addiction level was evaluated using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV); muscle strength was evaluated using Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer and Mechanical Pinch Gauge; and hand-eye coordination was evaluated using Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT). Quick Disabilities Of The Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH) was used for upper extremity functioning and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used for neck disabilities.

RESULTS

Our study was completed with 213 participants. 79.7% (n = 166) of the participants were female with a mean age of 20.99 ± 3.95 years. Smartphone addiction was 47.9%. In the turning test of the sub- dimension of the MMDT, participants with smartphone addiction demonstrated lower performance (p < 0.05). In addition, Quick-DASH and NDI scores were significantly higher among addicts compared to non-addicts (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between SAS-SV scores and the turning test, daily smartphone usage time, Quick-DASH, and NDI scores (p = 0.014, r = 0.17; p < 0.001, r = 0.31; p < 0.001, r = 0.28; and p < 0.001, r = 0.35, respectively). Furthermore, as cervical flexion posture increased during phone use, both Quick-DASH and NDI scores also increased (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Smartphone addiction and increased flexion posture in the cervical region negatively affect hand-eye coordination, upper extremity and cervical spine health in users. Physiotherapists should take the lead in developing healthy posture habits and body awareness in adults who use smartphones intensively.